the last bittersweet day.

It's the last day of summer vacation. Back to school is such a bittersweet deal for me. Sweet, because tomorrow marks the first day that all 3 of my boys are in school FULL-TIME - which makes me giddy with excitement...Sweet, because I actually want the routine and structure back. Bitter, because I simply love summertime, home with my boys, living life in the slow lane. I love thick cable-knit sweaters and walks through fallen leaves, but I also love the sound of lapping waves and the squishiness of sand between my toes.

So here I sit, pondering over tomorrow, a little anxious about how the first day of school will go. And even though my boys are wrestling, yelling and making farting noises in the other room as I type away here, I will miss them when the house seems too quiet tomorrow.

I know many of you parents feel the same. Which leads me to conclude to myself again that parenthood is a tremendously emotional job, the highs and lows, the ups and downs, the pain and the pride.

So back to summer. I took some time to search for some of my favourite photographs of the season to share with you. Summer 2010, you've been a good one!





















































All the best to all the kiddos out there going back to school tomorrow, and to all the parents who will fuss and fret, seeing them off with a hug and kiss. Enjoy the quiet.