Last Day of Daycare

Today was the kids' last day at daycare, and it was bittersweet. Of course, I am thrilled beyond belief to be a stay-at-home mom! But Bonnie has been like a second mom to these kids since they were each about ten weeks old. And really, she's known them each since they were days old. She's come to all their birthday parties, too, and has been a great next-door-neighbor in general. It's the end of an era around here! Not to mention the fact that the kids have made some good friends over there... friends who they probably won't remember five years from now. Still, these were their "first friends," and it has been so sweet to watch these relationships develop over the past four years.

Anyway, Bonnie let the kids (mostly Nikos, since he's more opinionated) choose their "last meal" for today. He chose hot dogs, strawberries, raisins, and ice cream sandwiches. Oh, and blueberry muffins for breakfast. The other kids helped make each of them a goodbye card with their handprints, and they sang some goodbye songs. Then, when I went to pick them up, I took a few pictures of "the gang." Some of the kids were asleep, but these are the ones that Nikos and Maya play with the most, anyway!

First... Look at those smiles! Maya was a little overtired and told me she didn't want to smile. So, she didn't!

She did, however, give her best friend Matthias a hug. He's about six months older than her, but they just love each other. So sweet!

And the gang, with Bonnie. They are sure going to miss her-- we all are!

Anyway... The packing frenzy continues here. The end is in sight! Charlie (the cat) has already gone to my parents' house, so he won't be underfoot on moving day. The last Salvation Army pickup is scheduled for tomorrow. We've set up all our utilities at the new house, and cancelled things here. It's really, truly happening. Insane!!