Summer is finally here.  School is finally over, at long last.  :)

We’re enjoying a more relaxed schedule.  More time together.  More time to play with friends.  More ice cream and snow cones.  More of everything, it seems.

Including more fun in the sun.

At a dear friend's birthday party.

All boy.

:)  Hope you are enjoying this summer.  It will go by fast.

Me:  What would you like to be when you grow up?

Amai:  Oh, mommy, I already know what I’m going to be.

Me:  Really?  What?

A:  I’m going to be a real princess!

Me:  (giggling) Really?  What else do you think you might be?

A:  Well, then I’ll eventually be the queen.

Too cute…

After showering and having me round brush her hair out (not kidding,) she ate her breakfast in record time.

"Look at my hair, mama"

She was so excited.

Heading out the door

Still so excited. We're running a bit late.

She was walking so fast, and I told her to slow down. Without turning around she said, "I can't help it, I'm too excited!"

In front of school, just a quick pose.

Standing right in front of her locker.

And then she walked into the room without even looking back.  I didn’t cry.  I didn’t even have a chance to do more than just wave a quick goodbye.  And then we rushed back to our car to take Ashe and Bella back home so Chris could go to work.  It was so surreal.

Last night we took some special time with Amai to give her a special blessing for this school year.  We’re going to make this a tradition for our kids.  We gave her a bible verse that we feel is particularly fitting for where she is in life- a bible verse for this semester of school that we are going to help her memorize.  And then we both wrapped our arms around her and prayed for God to bless her semester in school, to help her to grow into who He wants her to be, and for Him to help us continue to grow into the parents He wants us to be for her.  It was pretty cool.

And when she went to bed, I found myself with a huge lump in my throat.  This sweet girl- who I love more deeply than I ever could have imagined- is going to be spending the majority of her days over the next nine months with someone else.  Though I will relish the break this provides, I am heartbroken to already be starting the long process of letting her go.  I’m just flabbergasted that this day is already here.  So here’s just a little letter to my daughter, in honor of today.

Dear Amai,

Today you started Kindergarten.  I am so happy for you, because you love to learn and are so excited to find out what is waiting for you in that classroom.  You will make many new friends and continue to grow in relationship with the friends you already have.  There may be a few bumps along the way as you learn new rules and procedures, but I’m confident that you will do well.

And while my heart is overjoyed, it is also just a tiny bit sad.  Today solidified the fact that you really are growing up.  I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday.  The way you looked at me then, the way you screamed bloody murder if you were out of my arms for more than a few minutes.  It’s all here in my heart- not only as part of your life story, but as a huge part of mine.  You began my life as a mom.  You have been the first to take me through every part of parenting.  And so, on this first day of school, I’m growing up right along side of you.

I love who you are becoming, Amai.  You are vibrant, filled with such an enthusiasm for everything that you do.  You are constantly amazing me with the things you keep on seeming to teach yourself how to do.  You keep me on my toes every day, and I know I need to tell you more often that I’m just so thankful for you.  I’m proud of you.  I’m amazed that you’re already 5.  And I am ready to conquer this new phase of life with you.  I love you Mai-Mai!

Love,

Mama