Dash's Last Day of School and No Ice Cream Milkshakes

Life has drastically changed around here the past week. (I'm not going to lie; I have had to be on my toes, planning activities, making sure to keep my little bundle of energy on task and out of trouble...it's not easy. We're praying for peace about what to do for next year.) Dash had his last day of preschool. It was definitely bittersweet. I was looking forward to no more morning rush, but I was really sad, too.

I felt very teary-eyed all week. His little world as he knew it was about to drastically change. He had to say good-bye to the friends and the teachers he has come to LOVE. And I felt very attached to the little fellas, and the parents, and the teachers, too. We'll probably never see most of them again. I've got a lump in my throat right now, typing this! I have mentioned before that my heart was not fully in board for putting the kids in school this year, but I definitely don't regret Dash's year at all. It has been GREAT for him, and I can't say enough wonderful things about his school.

One of the coveted spots on the playground - getting to be the one who pushes the others on the tire swing...there was always someone waiting for their turn in that position.

Dash, with one of his best buddies

saying good-bye to one of his teachers

His other teacher...we just LOVED these two. They were wonderful teachers. They always seemed patient, and I never saw them in anything less than a happy, motivated, engaging, encouraging mood. I will put Sissy in their class when she gets old enough, if they are still there, and it works out.

I'll post graduation pictures this weekend. It was ADORABLE.



In other news:

One of our FAVORITE snacks these days: banana ice cream milkshakes. At all times, we have peeled, frozen banana pieces in the freezer. We throw them in the blender with a little milk (We use soy, almond, coconut, hemp, or rice milk.) and go from there. Just leave it like that, or our favorite is probably just cocoa powder (Or you can use chocolate syrup if you're going the decadent route...I can't really tell much of a difference, though.).

My weight-loss desiring self usually doesn't go for the ones with nut butter added, but the kids love them.

I think it's amazing how similar they are to real milkshakes. Just healthier (and much cheaper!). They don't necessarily taste overwhelmingly like bananas, either, after you add the chocolate.