What I Learned On Summer Vacation

This week was the first week of school for my second grader, and my pre-K er, or whatever.
He was on the bus, and I did not turn into a HUGE ball of mush. It is a great benefit to be in the PTA Mafia however,so I have semi legitimate reasons to stalk.
Anyway, this week was tough. I found myself grasping for the gluten free beer at 4 o'clock on Friday and telling myself, out loud, "you made it". Holy shit.

Rather than think about all the madness that this year will hold, I'd like to reflect on the summer that is quickly ending, and what I learned...

• Disney World is as much for me as it is for the kids, Dammit!

I went to Walt Disney Magnet School in Chicago,and I was brainwashed as a child. My first Disney World trip was on my honeymoon. I LOVE that damn place. So when SydneyBeth was throwing drama, not tired, not overwhelmed, not scared, just dramatic- AT DISNEY- at 11am- I sort of lost it "I just don't understand why you're not happy,you're in DISNEY WORLD!" I said those words to my kid. During her time out for throwing a stuffed Pluto at her brother. Obviously my husband had to intervene.

• Seeing your kids, and their grandmother, and their great grandmother, get all weepy and giddy when they meet the princesses is worth whatever crazy amount it cost.
• Seeing your husband with a perpetual smile, and doing crazy shit like dance- in public- is just as good.
  

• Although I may wear the same size as when I was 25, my butt and gravity have become MUCH better friends. Therefore, those cute hotshorts swim bottoms will not be replaced by the sassy swim skirt. And I apologize to everyone on the beach while I figured that one out.
• I realize I am a stay at home mom, and I do love hanging out with my kids. But GOD BLESS SUMMER CAMPS! Especially ones that take 4 year olds and make them tired. I will only do bouncy camp next summer, because that is the only one my kids stuck with. And no, I will not fight and fuss with my children about forcing them to camp. It's CAMP- they should WANT to go.
• Hearing the six year old say " Ugh mom, I am so tired of going to all these POOLS!", makes me want to shake my kid, turn into my dad, and tell her about how when I was a kid I went to the pool maybe once or twice a summer. and only with day camp. and a city pool and a country club pool are two very different things and she is damn lucky to have such a life. And at the same time, it makes me happy that she does get such a life. Weird, eh?
• I still REALLY enjoy summer concerts with good friends. Although now I decide to spend my money on Harry Connick Jr and Marvin Hamlisch.
  
• Face painting is fun at a birthday party, for all ages.
  
• It is REALLY REALLY nice to have friends with cabins in the woods. It was so nice to hang with a friend, escape the humidity, and entertain the kids all at the same time.
• School shopping is both stressful and a competitive sport.
  
• This summer went by REALLY fast.

See ya at the bus stop.