I am drawing upon some previously unknown reserves to finagle a few minutes to sit down and cough this up.  We are in the homestretch!

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Summer vacation is just about done and we made it.  It’s not like it was a huge obstacle to overcome, but I was a little uncertain at the beginning of June when the weeks and week stretched ahead of us, shimmering with tentative plans and chlorine.

Interestingly enough, the girls are ready to go back to school this year.  We had a good run with our activities and playdates.  We have spent so much time at the library, the girls have taken to re-shelving books when they’re done making their selections. 

This week, I started the unwelcome task of putting the wee ones to bed at a reasonable time, only to wake them up when the day just starts to break.  I can’t fathom trying to hit the ground running next Monday on the first day of school (well, I can fathom it, but I’ll be out of town and won’t get to experience it) without having had a few warm-up drills.  The orientations that the girls have this week have served nicely as a raison d’etre to get up and at ’em the past few days.  On top of the that, Mo is turning 8 on Friday and is practically vibrating with excitement.  No, not practically .. . is.  She is vibrating with excited.  Back to school shopping done! New first day of school outfit ready! Orientation! Birthday! It’s a wonder she hasn’t combusted from it all.

As for me, I’m quietly putting things in a suitcase as I prepare to make my escape departure for a long week-end in Las Vegas with my sorors.  *ahem* I mean, my saw-rahhhhhhhhhhs!  This trip has been in the works for a while, plus the fact that I get to have some quality time with seven of my sisters?! No kids? No spouses? No kidding, it’s about to go down! 

My parents and the Hubs are acting like I’m coming up for parole. “Just hang on for a few more days,” has been the constant refrain whenever I start to get the look.  You know, this one. . .

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Oh, I give the stinkeye like it’s my side hustle.  It’s a wonder my face hasn’t frozen like that.  But, I digress.  I’m looking at my planner to see what all must be done between now and the time I throw my bag into the waiting taxi.  Quite simply, a crap-ton. I’m not worried about it, though.  Your girl here is a list maker and a planner.  It’s all handled.  And come the first day of school, I’ll flip my “Summer Vacation 2013” folder inside out, take a Sharpie to it to write “Summer Vacation 2014” and gear up for the next go ’round.