Back to school!

Bright and early this morning, Austin and Brooke were all smiles for the first day of school. Brooke was really excited to be joining Austin in the world of the big kids. They were being silly and in great moods, thankfully! Austin is an old pro at the school thing and never even batted an eyelash about going back. He's a great student and was looking forward to seeing his friend that's in his class. Can't beleive he's already a 2nd grader!
Brooke did amazingly well today as well. I was expecting some tears or at least hesitation, but she was a champ! Daddy wanted to snap a few pictures and she decided to put on a silly show for him. Thus, the tag in her mouth.
It was Mommy who had the hardest time leaving today. Brooke's teacher gave me a poem that perfectly summarized my feelings, so I thought I'd share it.

She started school this morning,

And she seemed so very small.

As I walked there beside her

in the Kindergarten hall.

And as she took her place beside

The others in the class,

I realized how all too soon

Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as

She first learned how to walk.

The words that we alone made out

When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed

In learning how to write.

It seems as though she must have grown

To girlhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred and hastily

I brshed the tears away

Lest by some word or sign of mine

I mar her first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with her

And keep her by the hand.

To lead her through the places

That she couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear

Was mingled with my pride.

I knew she would no longer be

A baby by my side.

But she must have her chance to live,

To work her problems out,

The privilege to learn and grow

What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl

With friends and work and play;

She's not a baby anymore--

She's in Kindergarten today.

Author unknown