Before Back to School

I'm not going there.

Not yet. 

You'll have to drag me there kicking and screaming. 

I'm not going to back to school yet. 

No. 

No.

NO!

Mo doesn't start school until Monday, and this last week, Bry is on vacation. One last time we can relax the week after Labor Day as next year someone will be in Kindergarten. I'm holding in the tears as I type that line. 

So, I'm NOT writing about Back to School. 

I'm not participating in this Monday Listicle the way it's meant to be. 

Instead, I'm going to share the plans for these last ten days of glorious summer we have (had) left until we're back in the school grind. 

The First Ten Days of September

The First

After a surprise bouquet of flowers, on this my birthday eve, we shared in a fabulous dinner at the Noodle Store (aka Pho Eden Vietnamese) and then dessert at Kiwi Yogurt with three of my favorite people. 

Already mastering the art of chopsticks

The Second

Happy Thirty Fourth to me! 

Brunch at the British Chip Shop with Bubbles & Squeak and then not one, but two birthday cakes. Dinner with close friends and a new necklace. 

Seriously, I'm almost 24 weeks pregnant. Jewelry is the only safe way to go.

Blueberry Velvet

The Third

Impromptu brunch with friends at a local diner, and for dessert another piece of that deliciously decandant blueberry velvet cake. 

The Fourth

Time to scour the aisles, pick up various things I never thought I needed but now know I couldn't live without, and perhaps score some Swedish Meatballs, all whilst under the guise of sofa shopping. 

or

in only one word: 

IKEA!

The Fifth

Lions and Tigers and Bears!

Oh my! 

No, we won't be viewing the Wizard of Oz. Instead throw in some Cheetahs, Zebras, Primates, and the amphibian house, and add a whirl around the carousel and we've got a fabulously planned day at the Philadelphia Zoo. 

These photos taken during our last trip in April. 

The Sixth 

One last day to ride the waves, catch some sun, and relax to the sound of the surf. 

The Seventh

Wedding day for my best friends little brother and his beautiful bride to be. Get to pull out the dress from Jeanna's wedding again, and more importantly, this reception, while I can't drink, my kiddos will be safe at home with Aunt Coll & Uncle Jo-Jo, so I get to party like a grown up!

Me & my boobs in my great dress getting my sis all ready for her big day

The Eighth

Who doesn't like to wake up for 8:30 am soccer for their four year old the night after a wedding? 

Um, we do!

Daddy & Mo last year after their last soccer practice

And for good measure, let's throw in a trip to Sesame Place after to see Jack Hanna and call it a day!

The Ninth

Our first school related function occurs during lunchtime Open House where we'll finally discover who is Mo's teacher and who is in her class this year. 

The Tenth 

Time to remake the sign and get the pretty dress all ready, school starts at 9:00!

Last year's first day

By 10:00, the doors will open and she'll come rushing out. Over brunch we'll share the details of that first day and with that summer is over. As on Tuesday the eleventh Bryan's vacation is over and by Wednesday school is back to it's usual schedule. 

Sigh.

I love summer.