School's Out for Summer

June 4th marked the end of the school year, a year of firsts for Anders and lasts for Linus.

This was our golden year-- the first and only year that all three boys would be at the same school.  It was hectic getting everyone up and ready for the 7:50AM start, but I'll forever look back at our hurried walks up the hill with nostalgia. 

Linus is moving on to middle school next year, attending our neighborhood school along with half of his friends, many of whom he's known since kindergarten.  The teachers and school community celebrated the promotion with cake, photo displays, and a small ceremony for friends and family.

The ceremony was short and sweet, recognizing each of the students for their social and academic growth. The 5th graders sang a song and did a dance number at the end. Family members came from all over to celebrate these children, and in that hour we witnessed how large a village it takes to grow 60 kids. I'm not a super sentimental person generally, but seeing the network of love and support these children have moved me, I felt hope and optimism for the future for the first time in a while.

The following day we celebrated the first day of summer at Great America, and this time Lolo and Lola dared to join us. Managing three kids at various heights and riding capabilities is challenging, the worst part is breaking the news to Anders that he isn't big enough to go along with his brothers.

The day was filled with lots of thrills for the kids, or opportunities for whiplash for Mattias and me. We especially love the "classic" rides we grew up riding, despite their new names (Top Gun 4eva!!!)

In between the rides there was plenty of time to enjoy games, Dippin Dots, and the water park. But by 7PM all of our legs started to give and we were ready to call it a day. It was the first of many golden days of summer.