As a child, the first day back to school was exciting. I loved to learn and reunite with my friends. As a mom, a different set of emotions seems to accompany this day for me. To say that I am “mournful” wouldn’t be too far from the truth. Rather than being 1 day older than she was yesterday, it seems that my baby has grown a year over night. And while I’m glad that Ariana is excited for this day, I’ll count the hours until I can go pick her up and bring her back to the safety of the nest.

While on my trip to Utah, I was able to meet my newest niece, Ava Grace Summerhays. Bryan is incredibly envious that he wasn’t able to meet her in person (work kept him home), but I told him that I’d post these photos to help ease the disappointment.

She’s a beauty! Click here for more photos: http://www.tolberts.org/lori/photo-albums/album/72157601193760046/Ava_Grace_Summerhays.html