"13 Days Left of School ... Well, 14 including today"

Those were the words gleefully flowing from Abby this morning as we set off for school. She then went on to break the days and weeks down to inform me that - although it sounds like two weeks, it's actually three with one Friday off for a teacher workday.

In years past, I've been filled with a sense of mild irritation near the end of the school year. It seems like there is so much calling your attention toward school that it nearly makes it impossible to enjoy the small amounts of "free" time you have left as a mother. This year is no different, but I am.

Maybe it was 6 a.m. basketball practice or 4:30 pick up from Cross Country? Was it 5:20 pick up on Wednesdays for band sectionals - in odd months with a full moon? This year has kept me wondering what each day will bring. Sketchy communication and my horrible memory only added to my struggle. I am quite literally overjoyed to be free from it for a few months. My outlook is permanently altered regarding many things in my life - mostly recreation.

I used to view a visit to the park with disdain. It was one more moment for me NOT to enjoy myself. What can I say? I was a young and selfish mother. I also had kids who played wonderfully at home, but were not so wonderful after an outing to the park. Maybe I became conditioned to hate the park?! As years have ticked by, I've learned to go (grudgingly) to the park, the pool, the movies, the mall, etc. On occassion, I've even enjoyed it. With kid #3, I've even instigated these events on my own and have gone out of my way to ensure she gets quality recreation time. She loves it by the way and rewards me by taking nice, long naps. Every child is different.

The fun of summer has been dampened the past couple of years. We've had an infant to concern ourselves with. Her constant napping put a damper on our recreation, but then again - we had a pool. This will be the first summer to enjoy time together without the constant worry of morning and afternoon naps. Lily still naps, but at two and a half is much more flexible and will even fall asleep in her carseat - which is new. My outlook is altered, my anticipation is great. This summer will be fun! No mandatory, poorly communicated schedules. No deadlines.

I love it! I'm excited!! Who wants to go to the lake?!!!