Toward School by darylo

Toward School

In May, I took a photo of my youngest on her last day of elementary school walking to the bus(see: http://365project.org/darylo/365/2013-05-22 ) and today, I took a photo of both my girls on their way to middle school together--it's within walking distance, thankfully. The sun came in at a nice angle so I had to keep shooting to get the best "light" shot. I kept my distance and used my zoom. :)

Here's hoping the 8th grader helps the newbie 6th grader in her transition. Last night was a roller coaster of emotions. Today, I think everything is a "go."

Preparation for "firsts" is often tough. For the past few weeks, I have been asked so many "what ifs" and my responses have been "everything will be fine; if you get stuck, ask for help--others will be in the same situation as you." While some children just roll with new situations pretty easy, some (mine) worry so much about being able to know exactly what to do and when to do and how to do--like they are supposed to know everything in advance, which makes no sense because school is designed for learning "as you go"--not before you get there! I've learned over the years as a teacher that being understanding of those first few day jitters can really help a student feel welcomed and able to handle the work ahead.

The teen years. They are here. I am ready--well, as ready as I'll ever be. I don't get to know everything ahead of time either. :)
Oh I love this one! I am already gearing up for first day of preschool pics, even though it isn't till next month! lol I like the idea of the zoom for the older kids! lol Great shot! Fav!
August 12th, 2013  
Very nice capture of your girls while they start a new school year. Best wishes to them in the transition, and to you mom, with the teen years.
August 12th, 2013  
What a great tender capture! Love your story as well.....all so true. SHould be fun to know how the first day went! Enjoy the journey. The good news is that they turn into wonderful human beings...my oldest will be 45 in a few weeks and my youngest just turned 40. I couldn't be prouder of them, but do still miss (sometimes) these moments you are sharing now.
August 12th, 2013  
This is so sweet! My kids always walked as far apart as possible, while I skipped for joy behind them!
August 12th, 2013  
lovely capture
August 12th, 2013  
Jo
A lovely shot Daryl, and you are right the light is perfect.
August 12th, 2013  
Sweet moment in time that will be treasured by all of you. Mom now and them when they get older and have children of their own.
August 12th, 2013  
priceless
August 12th, 2013  
This is such a good photo, Daryl. A big story in one snap. I remember the middle school anxiety in our house too -seems like yesterday. Mine didn't have an older sister so this really warms my heart. Sounds like you're doing a bang up job as a mom as well as with your camera:-). I'll bet this is great in monochrome too.
August 12th, 2013  
Excellent photo and thoughts! As a kindergarten teacher, I always deal with tears on the first day or two. Have to remind myself it's a big, scary step for most of my students. :)
August 12th, 2013  
@luvmynynix @anazad511 @eyesmile @timandelke @ziggy77 @jo13 @grammyn @nancy65 @lubybee @juliedduncan Thanks all! It's a big day and they return in 45 minutes. Tears, joy, indifference...who knows what is coming my way! :)
August 12th, 2013  
Aw, such a lovely shot! My two oldest return to school in about three weeks and I have been dealing with similar questions. Hope it all went well.
August 12th, 2013  
What a lovely picture Daryl, for all sorts of reasons, it is a beautiful shot but it also tells a story that is both personal and universal. I have seen all mine through these stages (so your photo brought back memories) and now watching my Grandchildren begin - oldest starts school in September.
August 12th, 2013  
Beautiful capture!
August 12th, 2013  
August 13th, 2013  
Stalker Mom Strikes Again. I love how you love your girls.

BTW, kids in Canada don't start school until September, so they get 3 more weeks of childhood.
August 14th, 2013  
Sweet shot! Wonderful capture of this special day.
August 14th, 2013  
What a wonderful shot - another great memory to treasure! Hope your daughter's first day went well! : )
August 14th, 2013  
Oh, this answered my question. A 6th and an 8th grader. They are going to grow up so fast on you now. at this point, you won't believe it! Touching pic
August 17th, 2013  
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