Every year, it feels like summer races by faster than the one before. This year, we capped it off with a week on Cape Cod in a rental house — our new little tradition to squeeze out every drop of “official summer” before the kids head back to school. If you’ve ever packed up four kids for a week away, you know it’s less “vacation” and more “relocation,” but I wouldn’t trade it for anything (don’t worry, Jenna and I somehow managed to sneak in some R&R). Between the beach days, fishing off the dock, and late-night bonfires, it’s the kind of family chaos I know we’ll all look back on fondly.
And then, just like that, summer was over. On Tuesday morning, the first day of school was here. Ellie marched off to second grade like she owned the place. Jack, our brand-new kindergartener, was bouncing with excitement. Grayson headed into preschool, literally kicking and screaming…fingers crossed that doesn’t last long. And little Henry — who’s not quite ready for the classroom — was just thrilled to watch all the action. For Jenna and me, it was one of those bittersweet moments where you’re proud of them growing up, but also wondering how the years are flying by so quickly.
It struck me this week how these transitions mirror so much of life. We plan, we prepare, and then suddenly the moment arrives — ready or not. Sometimes it feels like we’re still in “Cape Cod vacation mode” when life is already pushing us toward the next season. But that’s also the beauty of it. Each new stage brings its own excitement, challenges, and rewards.
So as we head into fall routines, new school schedules, and plenty of carpools, I’m reminding myself to hold onto the best parts of summer while leaning into what’s ahead. Here’s to fresh starts, new adventures, and maybe sneaking in one more beach day before the weather turns.
