Today is a bittersweet day for me.

It's the last day of school for my kids,

which I absolutely love.

I've been looking forward to this day

since the first day of school in August last year.

How time flies!

However, in the past month - I realized that today meant a lot of "lasts" for us.

I was told by one of my very best friends once that it is the "lasts" that get you.  Many times you don't know when the "lasts" happen until they are already over.  The last time I held my older two children in my arms (without their feet being on the ground) was years and years ago - but I didn't know when I did it that it would be the last time I was going to do it.  You just don't know.  It's the lasts that get you.

EACS district is going through some changes and instead of going to Highland Terrace next year for 4th grade, Max will have to go to Meadowbrook.  I'm not particularly thrilled about this.  I'm not alone, other parents are outraged as well, but it is the sign of our economic times.  Max wasn't too happy about it either - earlier this week, while I was putting him to bed he got a little teary and said he didn't want things to end with Highland Terrace.  If you know me at all, you know that I can't stand idly by and watch someone cry alone.  I will cry with you - mostly because I can't help it.  :)

A more gut-wrenching last today is that it is Alyssa's last day of elementary school.  This fact kills me as I type it.  I try to remember that many friends of mine have older children.  Many friends of mine that have children that are graduating tonight.  I should feel lucky.  We are only half way through to graduation for her.  But I know - like everyone says, "it will be here before you know it" ... "time flies"...and all of that.  It's so true.  I've seen it already.  I already mourn my children's youth, especially on days like today.

This is the last day they are going to school together as elementary students.  Sure, it will happen again when Alyssa is in 8th grade...and Max is in 6th.  The thought of that makes me a bit nauseous though, so I refuse to think about that right now.

So, normally we take pictures on the first day of school, but not the last.  This year, we did both.

I think the sky is crying for my sadness.

Please enjoy your children this summer, however old they are.  They are growing up too quickly.  Enjoy every moment, because that could be a "last" - not only with your children - but with all of your loved ones.

On a brighter note - at 2:30 today summer will have arrived at my house!

Happy Summer, everyone!