Back to school

Wednesday was the first day of school here, and it's hard to believe that Gina is now a freshman at West Seattle High School and Fran's in 8th grade -- top of the heap -- at Madison Middle School.

Ten minutes ago they were tiny munchkins, heading off for their first day at Schmitz Park Elementary. I used to love to take their picture out on the sidewalk in front of the house on the first morning of the school year, repeating one of Mom's traditions from back in the day. Michelle asked me if I planned to go do that this year. C'mon man, they go to school at like 7 in the morning now. Don't be ridick. Besdies, the girls love nothing more than taking their own photos, so I asked them last weekend to remember to send me a pic.

As it turned out, I don't think I rolled out of bed on Wednesday much before the end of the school day, never mind the beginning. In the afternoon I drove by their house to drop off a birthday card for Greta -- the girls' excellent mom, my generous and cool ex -- and Franny had just gotten home.

"Gina just went to Husky Deli with her big high school friends," she said, sort of mock-pouty. "She didn't even take me."

Well poopy to her, I said, let's just drive up there and get our own ice cream cone.

Which we did, and we ran into the Bean and a bunch of her friends -- Maddy, Katy, Nikita, a couple others -- hanging out and being high schoolers. A couple of Fran's friends wandered by too. It was a cool scene, one I'll remember whenever they grumble about hating school. It's not true, or at least not after the final bell.

Both girls told me the same story about their camera being out of juice in the morning and promised to send me a photo later, which I'm still waiting to receive. I wish I'd thought to snap a quick phone pic of the Husky Deli gathering.

Their summary reviews of the first day:

Gina: I kept getting turned around. I didn't get a locker. We got to go off-campus for lunch, so we walked over to Hiawatha Park. World history might be cool. The seniors are really big, like adults.

Franny: Most of my friends are on the other team (which means different classes and a different lunch schedule). I couldn't get my locker open without my friend's help. The little kids (6th graders) look really little.