Schools have fundraisers. We all get flyers.  We all buy coupon cards and wrapping paper and pounds of frozen cookie dough.  And I really don’t know what puts the FUN in our Jog-A-Thon Fundraiser, but it is such a great day.  Maybe it’s being outside in the spring; maybe it’s the great music; maybe it’s the company; maybe it’s the Whole Foods popsicles.  In any case, we have a ball at the Jog-A-Thon.  Kelly was so amped about her first year in the running that she wore this smile from sun up to sun down.  She had her OWN tshirt.  Her OWN popsicle.  And she was having none of holding my hand while running around that track.

Conversely, long legged Sara would have been happy to ride around the track glued to my side.  On occasion she took off with a friend, always checking me in her rear view mirror.  They are different birds, my girls.  One has informed me she will never be leaving our nest, and the other is already picking out her dorm room on the other side of the country.  Or world…Kelly wants to leave her options open.

But even the girl called “Mommy’s Shadow” has grown considerably in 1 short year.  Looking at this picture from last year, it seems all evidence of “little girl” has been erased and replaced by “the school girl”.  She knew to lean on me for some emotional support, because she had a full day ahead of her.  Sara has learned to parcel out her long day accordingly, and of that, I am immensely proud.

Kelly?  She’s still my baby girl.  Living in spurts and flops.  Living every moment as if it’s her only moment.  She is our little stick of joy…until she poops out:

To the family and friends who supported the girls this year in their quest to support their school, our deepest thanks.  I don’t need to tell you what you already know, but it bares repeating: this school didn’t just make it right for our girls…they have made it wonderful.