The children have had some crazy ideas about what kindergarten will be like. In December, one of their friends from school told them if they did not behave they would have to stay overnight and not be allowed to go home. GigglyGirl was in hysterics the night before preschool started back after the Christmas and New Year break. She was terrified she was starting kindergarten since it was a New Year and that she would not be allowed to come home.

The day after their 5^th birthday, BusyBoy started crying because he did not want to go to kindergarten and still wanted to see his current teacher. I assured him that he was still going to preschool at the same school. Last week, the 2 nights before kindergarten registration, BusyBoy, who rarely wakes or cries in the middle of the night, cried in his sleep as if he was having a nightmare or night terror. He cried out and then he calmed down. Then it would repeat again about 30 or 40 minutes later. Each time I went to check on him he seemed like he was crying in his sleep. I patted his back but he did not seem to notice. Shortly, he calmed himself down.

Then we went to kindergarten registration and all of their crying has now stopped. They loved the new playground. They look forward to climbing the “igloo” on the playground. They saw several children they already know. They realized their principal, who they know as a family member of one of their good friends, is going to be there everyday. They saw that it is just a school and nothing to be afraid of. Now, they are ready for the bus to stop and take them on to school. They would probably count the days down if I let them. If they could have their way, kindergarten would start tomorrow.

This afternoon, I noticed how full, lush, and green all the trees in our backyard are. Spring is finally here and it seems here to stay this time. All I could think as I looked at the beautiful trees is that another winter has come and gone in my life. I feel time passing by so quickly.

I love the time that I have been able to spend at home with BusyBoy and GigglyGirl as they have grown from infants to toddlers to preschoolers to young children. Their laughter and conversations are so much fun to hear in the house. While their tears and fights are often tiring and do get old, they also fill the house with life.

Soon, another season will pass in my children’s lives. It is bittersweet to know this change is arriving imminently. I know I will miss their life and laughter filling the house most hours of every day. Still, they are growing, healthy, and excited to move on to their next adventure. It is hard to let my sadness of their growth away from me overtake the excitement they feel as they anxiously await a new adventure. But, my dear, sweet children don’t wish our time away just yet. Let me savor the last few months of this season with you at home with me. For I love your presence and enjoy your company.

What seasons in your life are changing? What did you think when your children first started kindergarten? Leave a comment to let me know.

This post is part of the Carnival of Family Life hosted this week by Diary of 1.  Please be sure to check out the other participants.