School days.

Well, people. It's happened. Summer officially came to an end for me this evening. [insert dramatic disheartening music here.]

I will say that thanks to Jill's Hannah Montana movie party, it closed with a bang!

While it's hard to say goodbye to the days of summer heat, my pool rat tan, and non-existent bedtime, there are a few things I do always look forward to at the start of a new school year. They are:

1. New crayons--I just really love the way the smell, the shine of the pointy wax tips and clever names like "dandelion" instead of yellow and "granny smith apple" for the green. Unfortunately, the kids in my classroom know how to proverbially punch me in the stomach by snapping the new crayons in half when they get mad.

2. Waxed floors--the hallways only look good twice a year. The first day of school and the first day back from Christmas break. I'd like to tip my hat to Doug and Ray, the two janitors who take the time to wax, polish and buff the hallways to a gleaming shine.

3. Temporary tattoos--with the state fair going on while the kids are already in school, it's funny to see them come each day with 14 temporary tattoos on each arm and leg.

4. The kids. I just really love all of them and missed them quite a bit this summer. It will be fun to hear what they've done, see how much they've grown and see them day in and day out for the next 180 consecutive week days.