Hard to believe we were swimming in the pool just two days ago. This morning greeted us with a bit of a nip in the air. It's still warming up to almost 25 degrees celcius by mid-afternoon, but the mornings are chilly and Fall-like and I love it. September is my favorite month of the year, and Fall is my favorite season. Growing up as a child I looked forward to September with eager anticipation. The first week of September brought the Fall exhibition and fair to our town where my parents would take my brother and I to watch fireworks, ride the carnival rides, and crunch into the celebratory Fall candy apple. September also meant the annual back-to-school shopping trip with my Grandmother, who spoiled me with the nicest clothes, coolest running shoes and lunch at whatever fast food restaurant I wanted. I was the child who counted the days until the first day of school to wear my favorite new outfit, carry my new lunchbox and find out what friends were in my class. As a family we apple picked, raked leaves and carved pumpkins. And best of all, I celebrated my birthday in September which was cause for even more excitement and anticipation. I had a really happy childhood, filled with lots of wonderful times and memories.
Last week saw George start Grade 1. He's a seasoned veteran now. He's been through Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten already. The nerves are gone and a bit of cynicism replaces them instead, if that's possible when you're just six years old. Gee whiz, these kids grow up too fast! I've got to say, last Tuesday was bittersweet because while I'm so proud of him as he grows up, I can't help but be a little sad to think that he's not my baby anymore. Even worse, it seems like just yesterday that I can remember MY first day of Grade 1.
George will celebrate his 6th birthday on October 2nd and I find myself stunned at how quickly the time has flown by. It forces me to focus on enjoying every little moment with my children more. I try to remember that even when the times seem difficult, they will only be this age once. I find myself trying to solidify every single minute of their childhood in my memory and making a part of each and every one of their days special. I want them to grow up knowing how insanely crazy in love we are with them and I want them to remember their childhood and their "Septembers" as fondly as I remember mine.
