it is sad, but you wanted the day to come –strange dichotomy. you want them to get out of your hair, but then you miss them in the same thought. when the last one goes off to elementary school, you enter a new phase in your life with your wife. you had at least one of them around most of the time, but now, after 7 years the freedom begins again. you get more things done, you start saving and making more money, you get better organized and the last 7 years seem like a blur raising them from cuddly babies to kids with a ‘tude. they still cling, but not as much, they still whine, but not as much, they still cuddle, but not as much –the relationship has shifted, but if you did indeed cherish all the key moments with them over the last 7 years –you should be ok. it is like anything –memories fade, life goes on and you live moment to moment –with new surprises and new things to look forward to. but deep down you miss them –and you miss their time growing up more than you miss your own childhood –you remember their childhood more than your own -crazy how that works. soon you will remember your grand-kids childhood more than your kid’s childhood –it is coming fast, but not so fast. take a picture of your kid biking off to school –it will help in the future.