First Day of Kindergarten in the Bay Area

The morning of August 29, 2012 was a big one—the first day of kindergarten. Before we could even think about leaving the house, an impromptu photo session was required. One was all dressed and ready in a rainbow-striped dress, a grey cardigan, and a bright blue feathered headband.

Her younger sister, never one to miss out, jumped in. At first, she was just peeking out from behind the wooden chair, but soon they were posing together, leaning in close and trading smiles for the camera. The indoor light was soft, catching their expressions as they toggled between serious looks and wide, happy grins.

After a series of close-ups, it was time for the official shot. We moved a chair out onto the pebbled patio. I set up the little framed chalkboard sign I'd prepared—'First day of school ~2012~ Kindergarten'—and placed her new wolf backpack next to it. She sat down, and we got the classic photo to mark the day.