Well, August brought the heat! The sun was shining, and we were baking in the ninety-degree temperatures. So, bring it on, September. I am happy you are right around the corner. But first, there were many sweet things this month worth a mention.
Of course, we all got back to school! To me, back to school indicates the new year. I went from being a student myself to a teacher right out of college. I have always lived on the academic calendar. So, August to me is a fresh start. I look forward to it each year. I feel energized by planning for a new group of students, thinking about what I want to do differently, and looking ahead.
There was much talk this year about how school might look with Covid still controlling the narrative of our lives. The great news for us is that our kiddos will be in school on a regular schedule with mandated masks. Thank goodness. Fingers crossed that we can stay in school healthily and happily this year. Cheers for keeping our kids safe!
Harper helped me get my classroom organized in early August. As we were watching the Tokyo Olympics at home, we were also getting ready for an Olympic theme at school.
Jason spent much of early August in meetings with his new principal and dean. He is excited for a new year with new staff and is feeling optimistic.
Harper and Jameson did their annual back to school shopping with grandparents and happily prepared for starting fourth and second grade. Before we knew it, the first day was upon us, and we were all geared up and ready to go!
After two weeks of school, Jason and I are feeling grateful for how well the kids have fallen back into routine. We are thankful that we have two kids who do not put up a fight (well, not too much, we should say) with homework and getting to bed on time. They love their teachers and each have good friends in their class.
Grandma and Grandpa are the unsung heroes behind our routine. Thanks to them, Harper and Jameson do not have to go to before/after school care, which was a decision we made in the hopes to keep exposure to multiple cohorts to a minimum. My parents are, again, donating their time to take kids and pick up kids from school. So, shout out to all of the grandparents doing double time for their families! We appreciate you and can never repay you.
We also celebrated Jason’s 43rd birthday this month! He spent the day in relax-mode: went for a run, read a book, and took a nap. Then, we had family over for a summer barbecue and cake. He received underwear as a gift (bit of a family inside-joke) in addition to wireless headphones (the far superior gift). Another year older, a few more aches in the hips. You know. But I think he has an adorably handsome baby face and quite a cute butt.
August gave us a bounty in the garden. We harvested and enjoyed.
Harper, Grandma, Jason, and I had the fun opportunity to watch the Cubs play here in Denver. It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon, complete with hotdogs and peanuts. Jameson and Grandpa stayed home to build Legos. They are both, unapologetically, not baseball fans.
I also enjoyed August for its gift of the last slow days of summer. I finished a few excellent books, enjoyed walks and bike rides and podcasts, and stayed in bed a little longer.
But as always, I am ready for fall. I will refrain from pulling out the orange and red hues until the calendar officially says September. But I am itching. When the thermometer reads 65 and apples are bountiful, I am a happy lady.
Happy end of summer to you and yours! So much comfort and goodness is on the horizon.
