Once again, Becca and I made the walk of shame to the office for another late slip. The second one in three days. Becca smiled at me and said, "It's okay, Mommy. It's a new school. You hats to get used to it, just like me."

Next time Mom gets one of her really cool ideas, it better come with a Xanax. For me, not for her. She's having a great time.

It's likely I'll miss your fireflies the most -- and the barefoot children who gave chase, drinking in the moment, alive with pleasure, racing across your cool, slick grasses without end.

For me, September is just another small goodbye hinting at bigger ones ahead. But like a criminal on the lam, I realize our Thelma and Louise days are numbered, and not just because school is back in session.