J Cooper Photography

Back to school. I know it produces a wide range of emotions in the lives of stay at home moms across the country.

I never understood “those moms” who sobbed as their kids piled out of the van…always pegged myself as the “silently rejoicing on my way to Starbucks” kind of mom.

That was BEFORE kids.

I’m not a crier.  But there is something about the start of school after a long, peaceful summer that has a way of stirring up a lump in your throat.  More than the school day itself…I think it has something to do with the physical reminder that my kids are growing up…and there isn’t a thing I can do about it.  The bigger they get, the more in tune I am to the fact that they are growing at an alarming rate.  And what I really want to do is pull them back onto my lap and snuggle them there for eternity (or until they are 83 at least).  But they have a world to discover.  And while I would love to keep them all for myself…I wouldn’t do that to the world either.  Cause they are seriously GREAT kids!

Here we were bright and early this morning.  We walked down to the school through beautiful morning light along with half of the neighborhood and a gaggle of kids in shiny new shoes.

Super Sam chattered excitedly about preschool the entire walk DOWN to the school…and lamented that preschool hasn’t started yet all the way HOME from the school.  September 7th can’t come soon enough for that boy!

My girls are getting so big.  So cliche.  But true nonetheless!

Anna – 3rd Grade

Julia – 1st Grade

They were a wee bit excited!

And none too amused when I kept asking them to STOP so we could catch that beautiful morning glow

I found a pretty spot along the path to document their first day…but they were terrified that an 8 ft. cicada would fly out of the nearby tree.  Needless to say it wasn’t the ideal portrait spot.  Miss Middle gave me 2 seconds and didn’t even wait for me to focus the camera.  But she’s cute (and I’ve got some beautifully focused weeds)..so I’ll include it anyways

One more obligatory shot in front of the school.  Oh, the drama of pictures with mom!  You’d think the fake smile would have worn off by this point…but alas!  They are champion fakesters!

They let us walk them to their classrooms and give quick hugs.  But then it was ALL BUSINESS for them.  I tried to sneak back to J’s classroom and take a peak…but she gave me the hand and wouldn’t make eye contact.  I think she’s good

Girls…I hope your year is full of friendship and wonder.  I hope your teachers see your fun, quirky personalities.  I pray you grow and learn…and always remember to be a good friend.

Hurry home!