Happy summer vacation!!! It's official! Today was the last day of school. This was almost better than Christmas for me as a child!

I started out on the wrong foot, where school was concerned. When I was 4, the neighbor boy who lived across the street told me that teachers were really mean, they spanked you and did all sorts of horrible things to you while you were there.

Horror of horrors. That first day of kindergarten. I ran away everyday. I still find that odd, considering I had to be there for part of the day until recess and no one ever hurt me.

I had to cross a busy 4 lane road that normally had a crossing guard. I quickly learned to not go in the house, as my mother would take me back. I would sit out front with my feet in the gutter.

Mom soon learned that she needed to consistently check to see if I was out there. My poor sister T, had to drag me to school every morning, literally kicking and screaming.

I do remember that the running away gradually stopped and I would just cry for the first few days of 1st and second grade.

The sad thing is, that it ruined my attitude towards school. That dread in the pit of my stomach on the first day of school never left until college.

I had made every effort to make school fun and exciting for my kids. I talk it up and make it seem like the celestial kingdom!

But.....the last day of school is still my favorite!! Even as an adult! I can't wait to spend the days relaxing in the sun, camping, hiking, swimming and swim lessons. YEA!!! And now it is finally here! FREEDOM!! Free at last! Free at last! Thank God above, we're free AT LAST!!!