Kayla’s Special Day

We have a tradition at the school in which I work.  At the beginning of every year, we welcome our incoming 7th grade students by lining the hall and clapping, cheering, and fist pumping them into the family.  When the year ends, we as teachers line up on the sidewalk and clap, cheer, and hug all of our kids out of the building and on to the bus.  Eighth graders are off to high school and the seventh graders are so happy to no longer be "sevies" and returning to the building in twelve weeks as the top dogs on campus.  It happens every year and it makes me smile.

Teachers then prepare to check out and have a summer to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. It did not take me long to pack the last vestiges of  the 2011-2012 school year into my desk, recycle and shred things that were not returned, and pack my car for the ride home.  I met up with some friends for a  quick drink and then headed home.  I loved that Tuesday, and every day for twelve weeks would be mine.

Well, today marks the first day of my summer break and it is a pretty special day.  Today marks my first grandchild’s fifth birthday.  It is so hard to believe that five years have passed and that beautiful chunky baby that weighed in at 9 pounds and 1 ounce is a forty pound, tall, beautiful little girl.  She loves her family, friends, books, movies, and clothes.  She has a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor.  She is absolutely quite amazing and I love her dearly.  

This year she will begin school.  Teachers will line the halls and cheer her on in her educational experience.  She will begin a new chapter in her life that will open doors to so many things for her.  No longer will she be surrounded by just her family.  She will take tiny steps out into the world into an adventure of a lifetime.  One thing after another will follow from this point forward and I will watch on and support her in her journey. 

Yes, she is only five.  This last five years have breezed by.  As her Nana, I have cuddled her in my arms, balanced her as she took steps, and dried a multitude of tears.  She has moved from rattles to watching movies on my Kindle Fire.  Her tricycle was exchanged for a scooter this year. Time has flown.  She is growing up.

While this may be my first day of break, Kayla is celebrating a special day!  She is five and off to Lego Land and the Aquarium today.  Happy Birthday little one!  Romp, play, and explore the world in which you live.  You are loved and adored by grandparents that are cheering you on! Go get’em!