Friday was the first day of summer vacation for Per, and I decided to let him enjoy a time-hallowed tradition.  On Thursday, he was allowed to stay up as late as he wanted.  On Friday, he was allowed to sleep in.  When he woke up, there were no major rules.  He could go back to sleep, watch tv, play video games, go outside, eat snacks--whatever he wanted, within relative reason.   I realized that one of the best feelings to me was that feeling of release at the end of the school year--of finally not *having* to be somewhere or do something.  Poor Per doesn't really get to enjoy that freedom during his summers.  On Monday, he starts camp, and once again, he'll have to be on a schedule, and coming and going to strict times on a clock.  Sure, there's no homework, and what he's doing is more fun, but it still means he can't just sit around and do absolutely nothing.

So Mom and Dad gave him a brief respite.  We left him to his own devices and did not tell him to do anything other than feeding the beasts.  I think it really was a great day for him.  When I got home, he was playing Legos with Dad and was bubbling over with sunshine and happiness.  We had discussed going to see Transformers, but it was raining and I got home late, so we decided to extend the nothing day into today.  Once again he's free to let his brain melt into a puddle watching cartoons or eat what he wants.  The great part is that I'm doing the same thing.  I slept in until 7am (yes, that's almost 2 hours more than I usually sleep).  I would have slept longer but the cats disagree with this freeform living.  They want their food as soon as they see the sun.  Now I'm going to go soak in the tub a little bit, and then later on we're going to go catch that movie.

Tomorrow is a (slightly-early) 8th birthday party for Per.  Luckily it's off at a restaurant, and we've only invited a few good friends, so it's hopefully not going to be a complete madhouse.  And next week is another short week at work.  Even though it's now the busy time at work, I still love the summer!!!