Eleven weeks ago, when summer was still young, Songbird compiled a list of things that she wanted to to before she became a Kindergartener — a summer bucket list, if you will. We typed it up and stuck it on her bulletin board.

Now, as the school year is nearly upon us, I’m happy to report that we managed to do it all! It came down to the wire, with us staging a backyard bonfire and camp-out last night (since we didn’t make it to the woods) but I think all she really cared about were the s’mores anyway. This summer has been a perfect balance of go and rest, schedule and leisure, travel and visitors.  Having Songbird’s list to check off certainly kept us moving…

Today is our last day of summer. As of tomorrow, our eldest child and sweetest daughter will jump on a big yellow bus and officially join the crowd of neighborhood schoolchildren! We’ve met her teacher, toured her classroom, and she’s picked out the perfect outfit. She’s ready… sooo ready. But, as I soak in these last fleeting moments of summer, I’m thankful for her little list and all the special memories it gave us.