an 8th grade rite of passage is upon us

It is time for the 8th grade Washington, D.C. trip! After first our little lady wasn't sure she wanted to go. Then we talked about flying with her friends, staying in a hotel with her friends, seeing America's history, and the fact that 31 years later I still remember MY trip. After that, she was IN! It is so crazy that we have an 8th grader.

She is measured for a cap and gown for 8th grade graduation. That happened in PE class a month or so ago. We are enrolled in high school. Freshman orientation is over. The 8th grade graduation party has been planned by the 8th grade class parent volunteers. We even got on the graduating class's Facebook page for the high school.

I can NOT. I just can't. If you saw me dabbing tears at the freshman orientation, that was NOT an illusion. I am so excited for my babe to go on this D.C. trip. I was the one telling her to go! And now? I am not dropping her at the school because I will cry. No doubt in my mind. My husband will take her to the bus drop off and get the mandatory pictures since I have to be at work. Then she will be spared mama's waterworks. 

We created this amazing little human. She was a snuggly little baby that ate everything, drank everything, and (after 4 weeks) she slept like a lamb. Then there was the cute toddler with 9,000 questions, whisps of baby hair, and nonstop energy. Bump forward to the grade schooler who learned empathy, a love of crafting, gymnastics, and Star Wars. She loved to dress herself and cried when the big kids made fun of her looks. And now we have this long legged, long haired sassy, yet kind, goofy, snuggly 8th grader.

Don't blink. Time is a thief! She still loves my hugs (at home only). We still do mother-daughter days, outings and trips. She's my boo thang, my diva, my sidekick. But she isn't my baby any more except for in my head.

Tomorrow she takes her first flight without us. She will be on a traditional adventure. All the middle schools in this area have done this trip for over 30 years. She is going to love it! She will soak it up, ask questions, take pictures, buy souvenirs and becomes a part of history. And me? I will patiently wait for me check in texts, pictures at night, and just hope everything is perfect for her. 

Ignore me for being sappy and sentimental. When you go all over running errands for your kid to fly with 3 ounce bottles, cash AND gift cards, and all the other things in between, it makes you pause. I am grateful. We are lucky. We are blessed. 

Fingers crossed for a seamless trip for all our local 8th graders! Here's to hoping everyone has fun and plays nice. It looks like the weather will be warm and dry. I am sending thoughts, hugs, and wine for the moms patiently waiting at home by their phones to hear from their babies 😀 Stay strong mamas (and dads, too!).