The first two days of school made my cheeks cramp from smiling so much! The happiness and excitement of seeing old friends, walking to new classrooms, and anticipating the year ahead was electric. Everyone looks taller! New kids looked a little nervous, but by the afternoon of the first day, their faces had relaxed and they seemed much relieved.

I joined a hike with the middle schoolers on Friday in the sun. We took the path through the meadow to "tree island." A few intrepid souls tried the apples from the tree - tart! Then popsicicles at the tree house. I loved chatting with a small gang of girls about birthdays, pets, our ages...