That time of year is finally here again.  Evenings walking the driveway…. hunting for catepillars & the soft glow of the evening sun lighting up your red hair.  You asked for Anna braids on this day. I love how you look with them. Soft wisps of hair falling out around your face while you tug & throw your braids about. Your cheap playdress dirty from two days worth of play. Those same purple muck boots that wait by the door. Things will be changing soon. This is your last couple of free months before you start school. I’ve dreaded this day for years. I’m not ready to let you go.  The other day you asked me …”are you & Ava gonna go places without me when I’m in school”  & my heart broke. For almost 5 years you’ve been my constant shadow. I cant imagine going anywhere without you. So lets soak up this summer.  Lets play in the water sprinkler more. Catch the most lightning bugs we ever have…. eat the most watermelon ever & let me soak in the last bit of childhood freedom you have.