Tomorrow is Another Day, a la Scarlett O'Hara

Today is the official First Day of Summer not on the Lunar Calendar (summer solstice), but on the Crystal Calendar: it's the first day the kids DON'T go to school. I think I feel more giddy about summer as an adult than I did even as a kid. I relish the freedom from schedules so much more now that I am in charge of all those schedules.

So. I had big plans of morningtime structure before the kids disseminated throughout the neighborhood, but today it just didn't happen. Why? Because I slept in until 10:30am. Oh, sweet bliss. When the mom is snoozing away in her bed, her Big Plan of a morning routine kind of goes awry.

It was totally worth it.

We'll begin anew tomorrow.

So rewinding a bit to the last day of school (last Friday): For teacher gifts, I framed these wordles for Max's & Isabelle's teachers. I loved doing it! The kids typed in the text at this site and we printed them out, framed them and sent them off to school be-ribboned and with a sugar cookie in cellophane. (oh, I've learned a thing or two from this cellophane-loving, ribbon-licious girl) I had plans to have the wordles printed at costco in poster size, which would've been so much more fun, but there were issues with the printing. Next time I'm using iPhoto. Harumph.

Isabelle & her beloved Mr. Felt, who integrates music into his curriculum (go HERE and see!) and who held a "Wednesday Jam" every week after school for his guitar students.
Hands down, the best teacher we've ever had.

After school was the 2nd Annual Neighborhood Waterfight Party, which was so much fun this year! Instead of surprise-pelting the kids with water balloons at the bus stop, we met at the park about 1/2 hour after they got home and had the waterfight there. It lasted much longer and was much more of a block party instead of a quick waterfight. My friend Emily, the genius party planner, brought a huge tarp, greased it down with crisco and set the hose going. Wa-la! Giant slip-n-slide! Here is a view from the top. Looks a little steep.

And here we have the ensuing mayhem. I wish I'd had my camera with video, because the unfiltered sounds of kid-delight were priceless.

We tried to form 2 lines and have them go down two at a time, but there was a mutiny.

I spent the time 50/50, laughing one moment and cringing the next. Laugh, cringe. Laugh, wince. The kids were fearless and after getting a foot crammed into their solar plexus or a knee in the neck, they bounced right up and scampered to the top for another go. I watched in fascinated horror.

Max.

Isabelle, all nice & dry, who never did go down. Smart girl.

Mimi unleashed.
This photo says it all.

Me & Emily's self portrait.
Emily=fun and in a swimsuit, getting wet.
Me=curmudgeon in clothes, snarling, "don't squirt me!"

Afterwards, we party-hopped to my friend Ali's, where the other 2nd Annual Last Day of School party was underway. Ali began this tradition last year of getting together and chilling (chillin'? I am so uncool) in her back yard while kids of all ages run amok. This year she rented a huge blowup waterslide, which was a hit. I love this party because it's the perfect end to the hectic pace of the last two weeks of school. Everybody brings something to share and we just...sit and relax, chatting while the kids run wild. Everybody wins.

Jack tested out his first popsicle. I think it felt good on his gums, where SEVEN teeth are coming in. Poor tyke.

And this was how the afternoon ended. Laid out flat. All of us were in similar shape.

...more later on the fun & frolic that was the last week of school.