This past Friday Joe finished his B.A. and teaching credential. It’s been a long journey. This means one more year (special ed. credential) and the ability to begin substitute teaching (he really wants to) locally. I am trying to warm him to the idea of a giant party next year to celebrate. But even now, we are celebrating massive finishing and wrapping up. He has come so far!This is how our papa of three looked on Saturday at a birthday party. He can finally rest! Although he is looking forward to more time of just hanging out and being a papa who does’t have homework or lesson planning or grading or typing to do:

While our oldest is showing an increasing interest in sports. He loves all things active these days.
Someone else is drawing and writing more.To keep with the theme of change. We spent time today hanging out next to the nearly loaded truck of our friends who are headed to the desert with their three kids. We are wishing them the best.
A pinata definitely seemed appropriate
a crowd of family and friendsalong with watermelon and other potluck fixin’s.
So to come home tonight and wrap up the final chapters of Little House on the Prairie-it made sense. Their story came full circle as well, with a mixture of sadness and excitement.
Different versions of the same theme echoing in the stories around me: of growing and letting go and learning and gaining all at the same time.