As the summer holidays come to an end, I feel a mix of emotions. Our warm holidays days slip away, making room for the structured routine of school. I know this feeling all too well. With my eldest son Levi starting his final year of primary school and his younger brother Eli starting year 5, it feels like time has flown by. Each year brings new challenges and milestones, evoking a bittersweet tug at my heart.
Where have my little boys with the blonde curly hair gone?
This past summer holiday was filled with wonderful memories as my husband, Tim, took time off work. We spent our days together as a family and cherished every moment, realising just how quickly time passes. From playing indoors to enjoying sunny days in the pool, each experience felt like a gift that I now deeply treasure.
Looking back at the holidays, I can't help but smile at the amazing memories we created. One highlight was when we took the boys for their first fishing experience with friends. It was not just about fishing but also about laughter and bonding. We all laughed, encouraging the kids as they cast their lines in hopes of a catch. The dads spent plenty of time untangling lines and putting more bait on hooks while the mums supervised 4 kids with sharp things to fling around on the ends of their rods. Boys, am I right?
Spoiler alert, we didn't catch a thing, we literally just fed the fish but the afternoon spent on the water enriched our family bond and gave the kids a memory to cherish. Also no one was caught by a hook and we came home injury free.
We also embraced simple pleasures, like family movie nights. Gathering around the TV with a bowl of popcorn became a cherished ritual. We would discuss our favorite scenes and share laughs, My youngest son has inherited my trait of asking continuous questions while watching movies. To be honest I never knew how annoying that was until he started doing it. What I do know now though, is how patient my husband really is because he has never really got mad at me for doing it.
With the reality of a new school year upon us, I often feel a pang of loss. The routines of school can sometimes seem like they steal precious moments. Summer holidays allowed for spontaneity and freedom, contrasting sharply with the structured days ahead.
This coming year will be filled with busy schedules, school captain duties for Levi, homework, and new friends. It’s a reminder that childhood passes quickly. With each grade, I notice the boys grow more independent, and while I feel immense pride, I also experience a profound sadness. Changes are unavoidable, but so are the emotions that come with them.
The boys in the pool
As we start this new school year, it's important for me to accept the feelings that accompany the end of summer. While my children are growing, I must focus on cherishing each moment we have together.
Memories from summer holidays will fade but can be replaced with new experiences and traditions throughout the school year. I want to embrace the changes that each season brings. By prioritising family time, I aim to create lasting connections and joy during this transitional period.
Time may seem to move quickly, but by infusing each day with meaningful interactions, I can create a treasure chest of memories that last long after summer holidays end. What I have learned on reflection is that it's okay to feel sadness as the holidays conclude; what matters most is embracing those moments, reliving the joys, and looking forward to new experiences throughout the year.
I wish all parents much love and grace as they enter the new school year.
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