What I'm Missing

It's less than 3 weeks until the kids come back to school. I'm obviously worried about starting this new year in a new position and a new classroom with a new principal, but I'm also very excited to see my kiddos. I had all of them last year since I taught K-8, so I know that this is going to be a fantastic, fun-filled year.

But...

... I am already missing some things about summer as they are slipping away. So I thought I'd do a favorites post to continue introducing myself and to look at during the dead of winter when I'm freezing and dreaming of July!

The beach! We went to a wedding outside of Charleston a few weeks ago and stayed on a private island. We literally had the beach to ourselves, overlooking the ocean. It was amazing!

 I mentioned that we went to a private island, right? Well, in order to get there, we had to go on a long boat ride. All in all, I've gone boating on four separate occasions this summer and it seems like I've FINALLY outgrown motion sickness on a boat. Plus, I was really surprised with how much the boys loved boating. Maybe we will have to think about getting a boat in a few years when things settle down for us!

 I'm driving the boat and pulling a group on the inner tube. I was surprised by my skillz, as my MS kids would say!

 Girls weekend on the lake!

Heading back from the island after the wedding!

His eyes make be closed, but Little Man #1 was having so much fun on the boat for the rehearsal dinner!

Coffee with friends, or heck - coffee by myself! I love those quiet moments by myself. I'm definitely an introvert at heart so it's really important to get "me" time. I don't get a lot of that during the school year, especially with the 3 hours of drive time each day.

Snuggling with my boys. I do get a little bit of this during the school year, but not much. It will help that the kids are coming to my school for daycare/preschool this year so I can at least see them everyday (sometimes before I wouldn't see them at all if I worked late!).

Watching them start to learn how to play together :)

Relaxing on the couch after Little Man #2 went to bed while Little Man #1 played on the iPad (please excuse the crazy hair).

Finally, I'm going to miss reading. During the year it seems that professional reading completely takes over, and with my already shortened day, it means a lot of things have to be cut. I've been reading a ton this summer trying to catch up. I'm hoping that maybe during silent reading time, I can sneak in 5-10 minutes everyday. You know, as a model to the kids. Amiright? Okay, so it might be for me, but it really is good for third graders to see that their teacher actually enjoys reading for fun, especially when I squeal out loud at the good parts, haha.

My Kindle Paperwhite, a.k.a. my baby! It's great if you just want to read, which is what I wanted. I use my phone or iPad for everything else.

For those of you headed back to school, what are you going to miss? Is anyone else on an extended calendar like we are? I'd love to hear what you think :)