How is it possible that we are almost two months into the school season? How is it possible that I am THIS late with this post? How is it POSSIBLE that I have an empty nest at 28 years old and am a mother to not only a full time preschool student….but a full day KINDERGARTENER!?!!?!?

They always said, “Don’t Blink!” They always said, “It goes so fast….goes by oh so quickly…enjoy every moment.” At this point in my life, no piece of advice ever served to be more true. My babies, my boys….they are out in the world. Two pieces of my heart I allow to roam the world….me, unable to watch their every move, protect them every moment, see their every smile or wipe away every tear. An empty nest. A new chapter. One where I am not in charge or present for the majority of their days.

Nick started Kindergarten this year, and I could barely contain myself. I tried convincing myself he didn’t really need school. I am going to hide him, steal him away…..and never stop searching for a place much like Never Land. A place where innocence is eternal. A place where I can freeze moments…baby cheeks, and little boy laughter.

Ryan started his FINAL year at Cape Trinity, an early education program that preps him for “real” pre-school next year. His graduation and Nicks graduation this upcoming May….both are liable to kill me! I was able to capture a few moments of Nicks prep for his “big” school as he calls it…and Ryan’s last uniform pictures from CTC.

To my boys….my Nicholas and Ryan….I love you. I am proud of you. I hate how fast time is passing by, but watching you grow into the little boys you are today, it has been the greatest time of my life…moments I will not soon forget. But please little ones….slower. Please, just a little slower.

 

Nick was very excited about his new shoes and Ryan loved to be a part of it all!

“I can do it Mom!”  (I was sobbing on the inside please note!)

Nick’s note and lunch all ready for his first day!!!

“Mom, I gotta have sparkly teeth for school!!!” (Still sobbing on the inside!)

This will forever be one of my most favorite pictures! Ever!

And we were off….walking to the first day of the rest of his schooling life!!

Meeting his new teacher, running into old friends!

And here is where I lost it. “Bye, bye mommy….Love you!”

And the walk home…it was a long one ( 1 block felt like miles). Daddy and Ryan hand in hand while mommy took photos with one hand and wiped away tears with the other!