Over.

 This last day of school hit different. It was high emotion and also kinda bleak. We celebrated our last day 3 days earlier than most because we're heading to Utah for our final basketball tournament today. I think it helps keeps the tears and emotions in check but also, missing 3 days maybe feels extra sad this year. 

Carter took one more walk into the school he's known for the last 9 years. One last visit to the library, to his locker, the hallways that hold so many great days and hard days. One last fist bump to his teachers and so many of his friends. This ending feels extra sad. On the flip side, how lucky are we that this ending feels more sad than joyous. Clearly, we have had a great experience if it is hard to say goodbye to. I feel so grateful for that. I feel so grateful that this school has been a safe space for our kids, a second home filled with teachers and friends who love them. 

Brian and I went to the awards ceremony yesterday afternoon where Carter won two awards. One for Cross Country and also the leadership award for the Sr. Basketball team. Way to go, Carter! 

Because it wasn't the last day of school for the whole school, no one lingered after school. No real after school photos happened. I am so grateful we did get a couple but the "last day of school" feelings were missing a little. 

So many little changes that right now feel big are happening. Our favourite teacher, Mrs. Felske, who was Penny's grade 1 teacher but has always held a special place in our hearts even for the last 4 years is retiring and wont be at the school next year. This will feel so weird. She truly is an angel on earth and we were so lucky to have been blessed by her for so many years. 

Penny is so happy to move into grade 6 next year but currently says "lets not even talk about school anymore, Im so happy its summer!" lol She's clearly over school, happy to be on summer break and although grade 5 was GREAT with her amazing teacher, Mrs. Dixon, she's ready to move on.  On Monday I volunteered for her class at Heritage Park and it was fun to be with my girl as she finished out grade 5. 

Penny, I can't believe you are heading into your last year of elementary school! Where has the time gone! You are going to crush grade 6, I just know it!! 

Bentley is done grade 7 and in the fall will be in grade 8. This kid is amazing! I always hear how kind, thoughtful and respectful he is. He takes pride in his work and is good to his teachers. I think grade 8 will be a great year for Bentley and Im excited for him to just lean into all it has to offer! He says hes excited because he's got the hang of Jr. High and thinks it will be a great year. Carter told him that Grade 8 was his favourite year so that helps too! 

And lastly... Carter. You did it bud. You finished elementary, crushed Jr. High and are heading to high school in the fall.  Its going to feel really weird without you at this school too. Penny said she was going to miss Carter and all his friends. Carter girl friends have been so kind to Penny and treated her as if she was their very best friend. The school is definitely going to have a missing piece in the fall. 

One of the hardest parts is that this trio is being split up. My heart is not handling it well. Im not actually sure its even sunk in it. There really was never a world where I thought they would be and yet, they isn't an option to stay together because high schools are at capacity. I could write a whole novel on how choosing good friends is so important and how I wish these three would be staying together but I have to honestly give it to God. A full "Jesus take the wheel" moment. 

It's funny how life just continues to move. It never lets you stay in one day, ever, whether you like it or not. School ends, summer starts and the sun continues to rise and set. 

This ending was hard but we're off to Utah, looking forward to summer adventures and hoping that throughout time this summer peace about high school will come and by the fall, we will be ready with confidence. 

Another last day of school means another summer bucket list of fun little adventures that fill in the space between whats already planned and we're going to lean into it and soak it in while we have it.. 

Happy summer, 2025!