first day, new year...

Are they ready to go back? people ask. I think long and hard, and finally dredge up an answer. Laura has been at band camp all week, so she already feels like school started, and Cam? Oh, he's up for anything!
It's true.
She's been sweating in the sunshine and dripping in the rain... and it feels like she never left. Laughing with friends, talking about schedules and teachers... and she's happy. I hated to speak the words aloud, but this afternoon I did... Now that band camp is over, you only have to do it one more time! And after Monday? Only one "first day of high school" left. And Laura, she sent me the same bittersweet smile that my heart was feeling.

He really is up for anything. Though he lives for lazy Saturday mornings and teacher work days, and starts counting down the remaining months of school after Christmas Break... he really likes school. His friends, learning new stuff, finding he can excel. And this is his last year of middle school, which means that in a few short weeks he will have the chance to march onto the football field and get a taste of marching band for one night.  Time is a-flying.

So off they went... smiles on somewhat-sleepy faces, and photos of Africa in their backpacks.
Oh, I hope they have to write What I did on Summer Vacation!