The end of summer always sneaks up on me. One minute, we’re soaking in slow mornings, sticky popsicles, late-night fireflies, and the kind of carefree chaos that only summer can bring. The next, I’m standing in Target staring at school supply lists, wondering how we got here so fast.

Every year, this shift feels a little sad... another summer gone. One less summer with my kids at this age, in this season of life. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking all at once—because while I’m excited for what’s ahead, I can’t help but feel the weight of how quickly time moves.

The Bittersweet Goodbye to Summer

Summer is freedom. No homework battles, no rushing out the door, no constant schedules to keep up with. But with that freedom comes a little bit of mess—later bedtimes, too much screen time, a kitchen that never stays clean, and the feeling that some days we’re just winging it.

As much as I love the looseness of summer, I find myself craving the structure of school again, too. The rhythm of routines, the steady hum of schedules, the way life clicks back into place. But before I let go completely, I pause to hold onto the little moments: the pool days, the sleepovers, the sticky s’mores smiles, and the laughter that filled our house.

The Excitement of What’s Ahead

The first day of school brings a mix of nerves and excitement—not just for my kids, but for me too. New teachers, new friends, new skills waiting to be learned. A fresh year of growth and discovery, both for them and for me as their mom.

I love the way back-to-school feels like a reset button. It’s a chance for all of us to start fresh: set new routines, find new goals, and create new memories. There’s something really grounding about that first-day photo on the porch, the carefully packed lunchboxes, and the backpacks that feel just a little too big.

Finding Our Rhythm Again

The transition isn’t always easy. Early mornings, packing lunches, getting everyone out the door on time—it takes some getting used to after months of summer pace. But I remind myself (and my kids) that it doesn’t all have to be perfect right away. We ease back in. We give ourselves grace.

And somewhere in those first few weeks, the chaos starts to settle. The kids find their groove, and so do I. The house is quieter during the day, the evenings are fuller with stories of new friends and classroom adventures, and life takes on a steady beat again... many evenings filled with sports practices and activities. 

Holding Both

So here we are—saying goodbye to one summer and hello to a brand new school year. It’s okay to feel the tug of both joy and sadness. To miss the slowness of summer but also welcome the routines of fall. To ache a little at how quickly our kids are growing, and at the same time feel so proud of the people they are becoming.

Because motherhood is like that—always holding both. Always learning to let go and embrace what’s next.

Here’s to a new school year. To messy mornings and excited smiles, to fresh notebooks and sharpened pencils, to the bittersweet beauty of another summer behind us and another school year ahead.