NATCHEZ — Immediately following early dismissal, the Myles, Washington and Gordon clan suited up in their brightest summer clothes, went for pizza and celebrated the start of summer with a stroll on the Natchez bluff.

The cousins all agreed they look forward to a summer spent poolside.

Sporting sunglasses and a sundress, Elexis Myles said her last day of third grade at McLaurin Elementary School ended up being sort of fun; they even got to watch a movie.

“I had fun with my friends,” Myles said.

Her mother, Latricia Myles, said the last day of school is fun for the children because it is one day they go to school but do not have to do much school work.

“I’m going to miss third grade,” Elexis said.

Latricia said she was on her way home after bringing her three daughters, two nieces and nephew to get pizza when the children requested to catch a view of the Mississippi River.

“It’s big, and it’s getting too high,” Elexis said of the river’s historic flooding.

Robert Lewis Middle School student and cousin of Elexis, Patrick Washington, said he looks forward to setting aside his white polo shirt and khaki pants this the season and choosing his own clothes during the week.

Elexis disagreed.

“It’s fun wearing a uniform,” she said.

Elexis said she will be excited to wear her bathing suits soon to go swimming at hotel pools and at her grandmother’s house.

Washington said he also plans to swim most of the time during his break from school and spend lots of time with his family.

Washington’s sister, Rickeita, who just finished her first year at Natchez High School, said she also has big plans for the summer.

“I’m going to sleep and swim,” Rickeita said.

Latricia said school is also out for her this summer because she is an Alcorn State University student studying business.

She will spend her days with her children this summer, a routine to which Latricia said she looks forward.

“I’m exciting about spending time with the kids,” Latricia said.

The first day of summer vacation proved a good day for the cousins, who continued their walk along the bluff with flip-flopped feet and smiles.

“We had a great time,” Elexis said.