Since we live in the burbs over the summer, going back to school is a pretty big change for us. It means moving back into the city, which means no more meals outside on the deck or bike rides down the road or jumping in the pool when boredom strikes. But being in the city has its own advantages, so over breakfast, as part of Minute Maid’s this is GOOD  campaign, I decided to talk to Mazzy and Harlow about their thoughts on the upcoming school year.

This is GOOD is all about celebrating less than perfect, REAL moments and I knew that a conversation about the summer ending would elicit both positive and negative feelings from my kids. Also, I love that Minute Maid continues to partner with bloggers who want to show both the highs and the lows of parenting. Because you know— THAT’S LIFE.

“Are you guys excited to go back to school?”

“Mom. It’s a little too windy to eat out here,” Mazzy said, as her hair blew across her face while she attempted to shove a piece of toast in her mouth.

I ignored her and pressed on, wiping windblown hair away from my own mouth. “What are you most excited about?”

“Seeing Daddy everyday,” Harlow said. This was a great answer. Mike stays in the city during the week and comes out to the house only on the weekends, so being in his presence 24/7 is a definite win for the school year.

“I’m excited to see what our apartment looks like,” Mazzy chimed in. Another excellent answer. Our apartment is being renovated this summer and I can’t wait to see it either! Unfortunately, I strongly suspect that it’s not going to be ready at the beginning of September and we will be living in my sister’s studio apartment for a few weeks when we get back.

“WHAT???? You mean we won’t be moving back to our apartment when we start school????” Mazzy did not like this news.

“It’s a strong possibility,” I said.

“What does strong possibility mean?” Harlow asked.

“Like, pretty probable.”

“Whaaaat?”

“Likely.”

“I DON’T GET IT!”

This is Harlow’s new favorite phrase when she doesn’t understand something. It is usually followed by a minor meltdown. But, in this moment, the meltdown was thwarted when the wind caught the underside of the umbrella and the whole thing flew up over our heads and then came down with a crash, landing two inches away from Mazzy’s head.

“ACKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!” We all shrieked.

“I told you it was too windy!!!”

“It’s okay. Nobody was hurt. We don’t even need the umbrella.” I tied it up and put it on the ground so it couldn’t try to kill us. Then I sat back at the table and attempted to pick up the conversation.

“Are you guys excited about starting your after school activities again?”

“No,” they answered in unison.

“NO??? But Harlow, I thought you loved dance and gymnastics! And Mazzy, aren’t you excited about continuing your acting class?”

“I guess,” she said. “Do I have to go to study group after school this year?”

“Well, study group is great because then you can do your homework at school and you don’t have to worry about it when you get home.”

“BUT I DON’T WANT TO DO HOMEWORK!”

“Will I have homework this year, Mom?” Harlow asked.

“No, you won’t.”

“WHAT???? THAT’S NOT FAIR!!!!!” Mazzy scowled.

“Alright, let’s change topics. Harlow, are you excited for first grade?”

“Yes. I’m excited to see all my friends in my class.”

“Yeah, but you know, you are going to be with different kids this year. We don’t know who is going to be in your class yet.”

“WHAT????”

“I mean, you will probably be with a few of your friends from last year… we just don’t know which ones.”

Harlow’s eyes grew wide and watery. “But, but, but…I want to be with the SAME FRIENDS!!!” Uh-oh. I sensed a breakdown.

“Okay, let’s now talk about this anymore. How about we just enjoy the last few days in sum—”

“EEEEEEK!!!!! THERE’S A BEEEEEEEEEEE ON MY TOAST!!!!!!!”

Forget it.

This totally real family moment was brought to you by Minute Maid, as part of their this is GOOD campaign, which celebrates all the moments that wouldn’t normally make it to our social media feeds. Its funny though, because although a lot went wrong during breakfast, you would never know it by looking at the photos.

Something to remember the next time you are scrolling through your Instagram feed.