I brought my daughter to school today, continuing a five year trend. Summer vacation ended, and fifth grade started today.

Every year I feel really bad that summer vacation is over. While I want them to go to school and soak up every last bit of wisdom, I want them to be happy too… and who doesn’t think summer vacation is fun?

Last year I did a mental double-take realizing Beth was starting fourth grade, so I can’t be that surprised that one more year has passed, can I? Then again, I can’t help but wonder how many more times I’ll get to take her to school on a “first day,” or how many times she’ll want me to. Being a parent to young kids can be a blast. To them you are the coolest thing going. But something dark and sinister is lurking… adolescence. My cool days are getting scarce. Some day soon I’ll be “the old man.”