The Last Day of School

It’s the last day of school. When I see my kids again, they’ll no longer be a 3rd and 6th grader. And don’t they look really excited to be just a day away from summer break? (ha!)

This transition is giving me lots of feelings. Next year, for the first time since they began school, my two kiddos will be attending different schools. Aidan will move on to middle school and leave Neely behind in elementary. The next time they attend school together will be Aidan’s senior year of high school. 

I don’t know why that feels like such a big deal to me. Maybe it’s because my brother and I only went to the same school for one year. He was in kindergarten, and I was in the sixth grade. I probably wasn’t nearly as nice to him as I should have been. But I’ve seen my kids get excited to pass one another in the hallways at school, give each other high-fives and hugs. It’s sweet, and I’m fairly certain the dynamic will have changed greatly in six years. She’ll always be the pesky little sister, but will senior Aidan want to give freshman Neely an encouraging high-five in the hallway of their high school? I hope so. And yes, I know I’m borrowing trouble from years in the future.

Staying Ahead of the Calendar

The month of May. It’s insane. We’re in the throes of the last few weeks of school. We’ve got band concerts and soccer practices and middle school open houses and soccer games and doctors’ appointments and finding the perfect Mother’s Day gifts and field day and trips to the dentist…and, oh, by the way, all the other regular stuff like work, laundry, grocery shopping, and house cleaning have to happen at some point as well.

Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash

I have a long, crazy list that I’m using to try and keep my life together. And a paper planner. And the calendar in my phone. And about a billion and one reminders and Post-It notes. Despite all of that, I know that at some point, I’m going to forget something. I just hope it’s not something earth-shattering, like the snacks for the soccer game, or to leave my makeup on for my Zoom conference meeting this evening, or to mail those Mother’s Day gifts on time! My mental load is through the roof, and that’s with all my handy helpers like ClickList and Eat Fit Go.

Hit me with your best tips, tricks, and time savers for when life gets a little crazy!

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Happy Star Wars Day!

In honor of May the 4th, I thought I’d write a quick “Top 5” to share the Star Wars attractions that are already available for you to enjoy at Walt Disney World. I know a lot of Star Wars fans are anxiously awaiting the opening of Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but for the casual fan, or for the family who was already planning a visit to Orlando this year, you can still get your fix. All of these attractions can be found at Hollywood Studios.

#1 – Jedi Training Academy

Kids ages 4 to 12 can learn the ways of the Force from a Jedi Master, then test their skills against the Dark Side! You must register to participate. This is important. You can show up to watch the shows, but if your younglings want in on the action, you need to register them early in the day. When you enter the park in the morning, you need to go to the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost. It’s located between the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! and 50’s Prime Time Cafe. The participating child must be with you to register. Once registered, you’ll be given a return time to come and watch your little ones in the show! My own children have never been interested in jumping on stage in front of a crowd, so I don’t have any photos of this one.

#2 – Star Tours — The Adventures Continue

This motion-simulated space flight has been in the park for a while. In 2011, the ride was improved to include 3D technology, and new characters and story lines were added. On a hot summer day, I also very much enjoy the mostly-indoors line.

As you exit the ride, there are some cool things to see and do in the gift shop. My kids really loved the “Build Your Own Light Saber” station. It was fun to come home with a souvenir that they put some time and thought into, rather than just grab and go.

 

 

#3 – March of the First Order

Several times daily, you can watch Captain Phasma and her squad of stormtroopers march up Hollywood Blvd., searching for rebels.

#4 – Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away

This show is also held several times daily, Center Stage at the end of Hollywood Blvd., in front of Grauman’s Theater. Some of your favorite Star Wars characters recreate iconic movie moments right before your eyes.

#5 – Star Wars Launch Bay

The Launch Bay houses tons of Star Wars props, costumes, models, memorabilia, and art work. If you’re a fan, this is a must-see. In the Launch Bay Theater, watch a 10-minute film that celebrates the entire Star Wars saga. My favorite thing about the Launch Bay, though, are the character meet and greets. Chewbacca and BB-8 were our favorites! None of us was entirely sure what to do around Kylo Ren. Awkward!

 

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