The past two weeks of my life have been filled with end of the school year activities. This year there was an exceptionally high number of “events” because my son is a 5th grader and will soon be moving on to the next chapter in his life, middle school. As Nathan moves up to 6th grade, my time as a mom to a kid in elementary school is officially over. And no, I am not ok.
Nathan’s first day of kindergarten, 2012
No more half day hat days. No more Tuesday folders. No more lip-dubs. No more annual Spaghetti Suppers. No more Harvest Big Blasts. No more saving tickets to buy goodies at the school store. All of these things that have been such a big part of my my life and my children’s lives over the last ten years are now gone for good. I always knew this day would come, but I am really having trouble accepting that a school I have genuinely loved being a part of is no longer a part of my life.
Jared’s first day of Kindergarten, 2009
I am grateful to the teachers who have allowed me to come in and volunteer in both of my boys classrooms over the years. I think back to all the field trips I chaperoned over the past ten years our time in elementary school and I am beyond thankful that I was able to make those memories with my children.
Nathan’s 5th grade field day. 2019
In addition to their own field day off site, the 5th graders our school are celebrated with a luncheon during the last week of school. It’s a moving-up ceremony of sorts and it was nothing short of wonderful. So many parents were there to have lunch with their 5th graders and then together we all shuffled to the auditorium to watch a slideshow of the photos taken of the kids throughout their years at the elementary school. Cue the waterworks.
Nathan’s 5th Grade Luncheon
To Miss Lord, Miss Upton, Mrs. Burke (x2), Mrs. Card, Mrs Carrier, Mrs, Kaufman, Mr. Rooney, Mrs. Mastropietro, Miss Fecteau, Mrs. Dormady, Mrs. Lombardi: THANK YOU all from the bottom of my heart. Both of boys are better people because of you.
Jared’s 2nd grade field trip to the zoo, 2012
I know I won’t always see eye to eye with my boys and I know it won’t always be easy, but I am so proud of the young men that my boys are becoming, While my heart is heavy today, I really can’t wait to see what’s next.
This is always difficult – to see kids growing up – too fast! I know I’ll also experience hits someday.
Omg! I can’t even imagine this feeling – GAH! I don’t want to imagine it or think it – I am so not ready for this stage of life. Thankfully all I have to deal with right now is my son eating magazines and attempting to crawl, LOL!
I’m not ready for this. We have a few more years but it’s going to be so sad for me.
This is always tough! I made a similar post last year about the last year of elementary school. It punches you in the gut, that’s for sure. I bet he’ll love middle school! My daughter did!
It is bitter sweet when they go to the next school. I have one that is going to middle school also
I am thankful for a few more years of elementary school! I’m not ready for them to grow up, yet, I know it’s inevitable.
That’s really sweet most people don’t appreciate their child’s teachers the way they should. It has to be a very difficult job for so little pay. Great way to say thank you!
Oh gosh I bet it is such a mix of emotions when your kids change schools! I love that your kids have obviously had some amazing teachers over their years there.
He sounds like your boys had phenomenal teachers in elementary school. Wishing Nathan the best ever first year in middle school.
Going from elementary school to middle school is a big step indeed. When my kids make the transition, I know I’ll be emotional about it.
Aww, it’s great seeing them reach those milestones but I understand the sadness. At least there’s lots to look forward to!
They grow to fast and my son will be in gr.6 next year! Enjoy every moment and savour every growth spurt.
Aww, I remember your boys being this old from blog posts and even seeing them in real life. It is crazy that Nathan is already going to middle school.
It’s so crazy how quick they really do grow up. I’ll have a 3rd and 5th grader, and I’m not ready for it. I wish they’d all slow down with the growing up haha.
This would be so tough! The mix of emotions alone would be so big!! Such a good mama volunteering all those years!
Time flies, doesn’t it? I can’t believe my son turned 16! So glad you had a chance to enjoy a special event with him!
Hugs to you! My oldest graduated 8th Grade this year and I’m so sad! I don’t how time is going by so quick!
These moments are so beautiful! But I am sure that you and your sons will have more beautiful moments like this next years!
Congratulations on leaving behind the Elementary years and here’s to an amazing 6th grade year coming up.
Seeing them grow up is really bittersweet. I cried the first day of kindergarten for both of them.
He has grown a lot! I can relate to this, so hard knowing that they are growing fast and will soon be on their own.
This is a great post! I have some friends who’s kids are about to transfer into middle school and they are having rough times too Just keep your head up and it will get better.
It sounds like you’ve made some great memories together. Looking forward to new ones is a great perspective! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Beautifully said❤️
Today is my youngest last day of Elementary too! I am struggling.
I feel you! We have to do similar things, saying goodbyes to schools and friends, as we keep moving from one country to another every 4 years. But we are grateful for all the great memories we have!
This can be so super tough and a huge stage! I know that he will do so awesome.
I remember these days oh so well. I know that it seems scary and like the end of everything so innocent but he will surprise you!
Time flies pretty fast doesn’t it? The more they grow older the more stuff they will need to accomplish. Your kids are adorable.