It’s officially summer break (for us, anyway), and this weekend kicked it off in the best way — but not before going through a bit of emotional turmoil. After a really rough few of weeks with Andrew in and out of town (and mostly out of town), the boys and I were all pretty tuckered out emotionally and physically. The timing of all the travel was just rotten — Andrew had to miss most of the end of year school events, including the boys’ spring concert. Sometimes the old pity party train arrives at the worst moments. I found myself tearing up within the first five minutes of the concert as I sat in the audience really missing Andrew and feeling all the wrong feelings — the immature ones I wish weren’t a part of me at all anymore. It all probably sounds worse than it was, and long story short, the concert was wonderful (they sang a David Bowie song, for goodness sake!) with Emil rocking quite the interesting outfit (he dressed himself, velcro tie on top of tee shirt and all), and Andrew arrived home late that night just in time to give hugs and kisses goodnight.
Emil was such a good boy, sitting through the long lower elementary and upper elementary production after he sang his part early on. He drew me a picture of “two snails and the universe” with the only marker (yellow) I could find in the depths of my purse. 
I was so proud of my boys — they have worked so hard this year, learned so much and made so many good friends… and now I get them to myself for the summer! Woo-hoo! 
We, the whole family, had a remarkable weekend. With circus classes over until camp later this summer, we had the whole weekend open and spent it together being carefree and slow. We hung out with friends on Friday night, neighbors on Saturday and Sunday, and went for a long hike on Sunday. Emil spent much of his afternoon naked in a plastic tub. Go figure.
Also, citronella plants are pretty! Who knew!
Everything is all abloom everywhere we look. Turns out all that rain makes the flowers grow after all!
I’m so looking forward to this summer. I hope your weekend was wonderful.
It’s okay to get emotional about missing someone, and even being annoyed or angry about it – even if it’s something everyone understands and accepts and knows about and agrees to ahead of time – it’s still hard to man the fort on your own. Plus I always get emotional at school programs – I think it’s the rushing and the anticipation and the noise – and then there is silence, and everything starts, and you see that part of you on stage in front of you – completely on their own. It brings everything into really sharp focus – and all those other emotions get pulled right along too. The pace of this month has not been easy, but M and I balance things so well, and that is immensely helpful. If he was out of town for big chunks of this past month, I think I’d be rolled up in a ball on a couch somewhere, mumbling incoherently to myself. You’re doing a great job, and summer is here!
I’m glad your summer has started – ours starts this week. Just a few last events to plan and attend, and then it’s here. I can’t wait.
I love the tie. Frances is wearing her Harry Potter tie to most events these days.
PS – Speaking of Harry Potter – did you see the Left Bank Books new HP book launch on July 30th? We’re going! It’s not very expensive – the kids are free with the adults, and the adult cost includes a copy of the new book. Info is on their website.
Wait, wut? There’s a new Harry Potter book?!? Stopping the mothereffing presses.
Meanwhile, who is the budding snapfish in your family aside from you? That first picture is just fantastic! Resplendent and revealing, and a rare shot of you really relaxed. I’d love to print it and hang it above my desk with your permission. Its a real winner!
Aw, Maggie, of course you can print it out! I love that you love it! And it was Andrew who took the shot. He has a good eye, I think!
Oh my gosh Lauren, it has been sooo long since I’ve kept up with any blogs – I can NOT believe how big the boys have gotten!!! So cute! The garden looks amazing (not surprising). So glad you 5 are still flourishing in MO 🙂 And that is such a great pic of you!