Winding down.

Two and a half more days.

No, it's three more days, plus another one for the teachers.

Okay so really it's four more days.

So, this school year has basically lasted FOREVER and EVER.  

I could write a book about this school year.  Maybe two books.  

I'll just say this:  we are ready to be done. 

And the kids are too.  We will all get to our last two days, do all of the "fun day" activities like field games (including the traditional and very FIERCE game of tug-of-war), inflatables, dancing, and snow cones...then start watching the clock for the kids' dismissal.

The last day of school and I always have a love/hate relationship.  I love summer.  What teacher doesn't?  I challenge you to find even ONE.  But as the kids leave, I think about how I've seen all of them nearly every day...over 400 kids every single day since September.  And now I have to just say "bye!" and wait until the fall to see them again.  That's hard.

Then, I think about my fourth graders.  Oh, my fourth graders.  My eyes are getting misty this very second just thinking about having to say goodbye to them.  We had such a great time this year and they made my job easy.  You can bet money that I will be crying like a baby come Tuesday...

You see?  It's completely love/hate.

Summer is going to be completely wonderful though, so I'll stick with the love part.  Here's what will be going on in the Kirby World:

1.  JUDE

Walks, going to the park, toddling through the grass, playing ball, visiting friends, going to the pool...we are just so excited to share it all with our funny little sweetheart.  He is getting bigger and smarter every day.

2.  MY LAST GRAD CLASS!!!

I'm writing my final research paper and completing my comprehensive exams.  I'll be done, with a Masters Degree, at the end of July.

And then I SHALL BE GETTING ONE OF THESE.

Well, someday I'll be getting one of those.  A girl can dream...

3.  TEACHING

Ha!  Yeah...it can't be stopped.  Teachers gonna teach, teach, teach, teach, teach.  Even during summer, I feel like Tom and I have to find people to teach things to or we will both go a little nuts.  I'll be doing some private voice and piano at the house, and also a one-day class at Music Man Square.

4.  GIGGING

Betty and the Gents is getting a busy calendar!

JUNE 4 (in a couple hours) Mason City Chamber After-Hours, Overhead Door Co. 5-8 pm

JUNE 17 Summer Concert Series at Trinity Lutheran 7-9 pm

JUNE 25 Private Party

JULY 17 Friday Night Live!  Downtown MC 7-10 pm

JULY 25 Mason City Brewing 8-11 pm

AUGUST 1 Private Party

We'll be adding some dates as we go!

What are YOU going to do this summer?

Love, Betsy