“Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.”
-Oprah Winfrey
The morning silence had come to an end, as back to school had begun. After weeks of searching for specific uniform colors and shoes, book-bags and lunch pals, the kids are off! The morning chaos has begun, the three alarms on my phone for specific times set and the children already asking to be picked up early or stay home… WE ARE ON WEEK 2! The stomachaches and headaches have begun, while the laughter, the memories, the friendships and opportunities have as well.
Before going too far about going back to school, we can’t forget the ending of our summer. From birthday parties at roller rinks and first time skating, to ending the summer as we have for the last 6 years! With the birth of Isaac and his birthday the week before school, it was our last HURRAH of summer. This year was a tab bit different. There was no neighborhood party, as per our usual, instead we spent time enjoying the little things. I sometimes believe my children forget just how lucky we are. We have annual passes to Universal currently, so each birthday we take a day for that specific child to pick out what rides and foods they’d like for the day. We also spend time at Nana’s and eat our traditional ice-cream cake. Steering off track a bit, but for you, my readers, to fully comprehend what that cake means to us, you need a bit of a backstory. Taking us back to birthday parties while my grandfather was still with us. He loved the ice cream cake and would always get two pieces, but most importantly, he never missed a party. We keep it small and simple and ALWAYS decorate! This year’s theme was minions, thanks to our summer adventure to see the Minions 4 movie!
We celebrate not only Isaac’s birthday but mine! Let’s be honest, I try to ignore it. As I’ve gotten older, had a child the day before my birthday and became birthday buddies, I like to put my attention on what he’d like to do. From previous posts, you all know I am very big on making the most of all the memories I can. They are only this young for so long.
We took them to Universal Park. Isaac picked the rides he desperately wanted to go on. Though we wouldn’t be able to do them all, if the wait times are over 40 minutes, I remind the children, we are annual pass holders and will come back soon. In this case, we’d be coming back in 10 days for the Annual Pass holder Appreciation night. We’ve never been to one until now, and we usually don’t stay in the park late. I have it down to science, enter the park at 9am opening and be done by lunchtime. In one crazy adventure due to rain, we did all 6 rides that we could and were done before 11am! With the Florida heat beating down on us most of the summer, it’s perfect timing.
On this day, Isaac’s birthday, we took the time to see the areas we hadn’t been to. The shows that have newly arrived in the last couple of months and a family lunch at the Hardrock Cafe. This was a new experience for the children and their excited faces were the best birthday gift for me. Our waitress was so sweet and took the time to sing Happy Birthday to both Isaac and I, including an ice cream dish for both and extra spoons, so everyone could get a taste. They also give a birthday card to each of us, with waitresses and waiters’ names, with a small voucher for the store to get a surprise birthday gift.
This adventure made us all relax, laugh and be happy because the following days would be filled with back-to-school open house. We love open houses. Sometimes I believe Bella loves it the most. Walking down the halls of the elementary school she graduated from; seeing all the familiar faces and, of course, making a stop at Nana’s room to see her and some of our favorites. I love that the children have had the opportunity to go to school with my mother. I’ve expanded my friendships with other parents and teachers as well. Watching some of the same children that grew up with my children make their way to the next grade with mine. It’s priceless when you find your people, you hold fast to the ones that support you, help you succeed and pick you up when you’re down. Something Bella learned first, being the oldest. She has had the same best friend for seven years! I love that and I’m a bit envious. When I open my Facebook and see friends that I went to school with, still friends with the same group and raising their children together. The children going to the same schools and going on trips, having BBQ’s and being together… I envy, but not in a bad way. I love seeing these relationships grow and hope with everything in me that my children have this opportunity. The friends that have seen their glow ups and know who they are deep down. There’s no faking, no judging and no MEAN GIRLS (or boys).
I have some friendships that have lasted years, some of the longest, I believe, being since Kindergarten and middle school. I hold fast to my middle school best friend, roughly 1,300 miles away. She never forgets me or my children. She’s flown across the country or driven to see my children born, she has been a home for us to stay at during visits, and she’s been the most amazing Titi/Auntie. Watching her daughter grow up, now in college this year! Watching her grow into the amazing woman she is, I just wish I was closer, and I am so proud of her and my burrito niece. (Inside joke)
Now I am eagerly awaiting the cooler weather, my artificial leaves hanging throughout the house. The holidays create even more memories and adventures. My hope is that this school year is a safe, happy and educational one! That kids don’t have to deal with bullies, that their love for their teachers doesn’t fade with the work load and that the spark of curiosity ignites their passion for learning. To be leaders and not followers, to give kindness and compassion. Here’s to the 2024-2025 school year, the last elementary year for Elle and last middle school year for Bella. The last time Isaac will walk a school with a sibling, the bitter-sweet lasts. I will be forever grateful to be part of the firsts, the bumps in the road and the storms they will face with me by their side to guide and the lasts. This is parenthood, the tears of our children being born to the tears during graduation and watching them become everything you knew they were and more!
Melissas-Miles 