Summer's End.

OK, SO as the mother of four beautiful, talented and so wonderfully spirited children, the end of summer is just a little bit bitter and a whole lot sweet. We spent the summer carting kiddos to and from swim lessons, swim team, gymnastics, camps, VBS and friend's houses. Starting school doesn't stop any of the carting but it does allow me some moments of peace in between, an hour of quiet here and there where I can focus on my work or enjoy one of my shows or work on a project that just hasn't gotten done.

Where did the summer go? Well, Flip and Ellie spent their afternoons in swim lessons where as in any other situation, Ellie got away with goofing off in one class while Flip got away with goofing off in another. It's a catch 22 having adorable children! Flip looks like a little Easter egg in his brightly colored swim cap and stark white skin and Ellie looks like an island beauty with her very bronzed skin, blond locks and stark blue eyes. Anyway, ask Ellie if she can swim and she will tell you yes, however, throw her in the pool and you will watch her sink to the bottom! Flip is...getting there...darn the ears!

Ruthie went to LSU, which you already read about for gymnastics camp and followed it up with team camp. She worked out all summer prepping for her her first competition season. She spent time with her friends, read her Sunshine State Readers and did some writing.

Rusty spent his summer on the swim team. It was as I said earlier, a love hate relationship...loved the swimming, hated the waiting.

The three little ones went camping again with my mom and Joe. This year they went to Illinois. They met up with my Aunt Jackie and her grand kids. While they were gone, we took Ruthie out and about and one of the places we went was Sea World's Aquatica. We let her bring a friend, Laura. We spent the whole day doing whatever they wanted, as often as the wanted and I believe we did everything a minimum of 3 times. This was, of course, after the cast came off.

So, the summer ends and it is time to go school shopping...I remember loving this! I couldn't wait to get new clothes! The more, the better!! Right?!? Well, this is torture for my children, they hate it, I'm outnumbered. THis year I got wise and I sent the boys with my mom. I gave her a list of things they needed and I sent them on their way. I took Ruthie, thinking this might be the year she gets into picking out some clothes. Our first stop she was enthused...for about 10 minutes and then I got the, "can't you do this without me?" uuugh! Yes, I can. But, I drug her along anyway. We finished it up and between my mom and me, we dressed some prttey darn cute kids for that first day of 4th grade, 2nd grade and, kindergarten.

My little Flip...off to races. Dressed to impress, new lunch box, new empty backpack, fresh haircut and sparkling shoes...at least for an hour. Does he give his mama a second thought? Nah...he just walks right in, sits right down and establishes his circle of friends. I think this is going to be the beginning of beautiful school year!