My Baby Bird

I'll be the first to admit that I may be a bit of an over-protective parent. I like my babies to stay close by. I homeschooled Ellie for two years of preschool, even though I knew she would have loved the social life that goes along with formal education. I admit it was due to some selfishness on my part. I wasn't ready to let her go just yet. I wanted to hold on to her a little longer, and I loved having my own schedule and all three of my chickies around me all the time. It felt right, I went with it, and I don't regret it. This morning though, I felt kind of like a momma bird that just shoved her baby out of the nest. Perhaps "shove" isn't the right word. It denotes some force was required, but really, no force was needed. This girl dived on out of our comfy little nest without even looking back. She was so confident, so excited, and so ready for this moment.

She asked all of us several times yesterday, "Do you know what's going to happen to me tomorrow? I'm going to school!" She was counting down the days and had her outfit picked out way ahead of time. Dad came with us this morning, and I was grateful to have him there to take her to the door, because I knew I'd break down and cry, and I didn't want my little girl to see her mess of a momma, because I really am happy for her. I'm excited for this new start in her life and all that it will bring. I know that it is right for her.

My baby's gonna fly.

And rewinding just a bit.

We took a little Saturday excursion to Cascade Springs. I hadn't been here since I was in my early teens, and although I do remember it was cool, I had simply forgotten just how beautiful it is. And, Nick and I have discovered that drives on skinny canyon roads with hundred feet drop-offs scare us both just a little. Okay, so maybe more than a little. We are getting to be chickens more and more in our advancing years.

My girls pick out their own clothes, as a disclaimer. And, my Ellie has learned how to put her hair in a ponytail, which is handy, but not necessarily very neat.

The drive was worth it.We should have keys in hand by the end of today if the sellers close as planned.

Oh, to have my own house again.