Bittersweet

The past week was bittersweet as the kids said goodbye to their pre-school teachers and classmates. For five years, they have been lovingly cared for and educated in a safe environment. Not once did we worry about the kids when they were in pre-school. We've seen tremendous growth in Robert and Samantha as a result of their schooling and, as such, we are eternally grateful to their teachers.

Some of the teachers read this blog. You know who you are. Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. We invite you to use the blog as a way of following Robert and Samantha into kindergarten and beyond.

For their part, Robert and Samantha know that their time at pre-school is coming to an end. They finished their formal classes two days ago. They have two more weeks of daycare and then they will move onto a new school, with new teachers and new friends to make.

Despite growing up in so many ways this past year, they are still childish. In a charming way. Here they are crammed into wicker baskets watching television.

Samantha enjoying some face time with mom

They came home from school Friday asking to be taken to the "instrument store." It seems they saw someone with a harmonica, either on t.v. or at school. A quick survey of their stuff showed them that mom threw out the old harmonicas months ago, so we had to go to the store for replacements. Here's Robert playing a tune at the beach.

and with his sister, making one of the faces she makes when the camera comes out.

The end of summer is always bittersweet, even from an adult's perspective. But we are looking forward to September, with all the hopes and challenges that a new school presents. Enjoy the rest of the summer.