This time last week, it was still the Summer Holidays.
The tail end always seems a little strange - the days still our own, but tinged with anticipation of what is to come. It's a notoriously scratchy period at our house - tempers a tad frayed, ready to get back to some sort of routine. To feel we are taking up the reins and getting on with life again.
And nature too has a way of reminding us that time is passing. That summer, however sweet, does not last forever.

But that every season brings its own bounty.
As a reminder to us to enjoy each new phase as it is ushered in.

Even if it can't possibly be time for that already.
Nancy taught me a good word for this moment: 'la rentrée' - hope yours was a smooth one.
That is one proud big boy you have there!
Posted by: Dragonfly | 10 September 2012 at 15:57
i have that very title for my post that i need to publish on my blog this evening ali! a great phrase...i saw it on rachel khoo's blog :)
and even though me and my little elsa don't have school gates to be at yet i think i'll always have that feeling come september. i like it. something in the air has definitely changed here as of this morning.
you look such a proud mum. and what a handsome chap there with you. i guess that's probably a very uncool thing to say right in his world?!
i love that top photo. it really sums up the sense of leaving summer behind in a beautiful way. x
Posted by: kelly | 10 September 2012 at 16:14
enjoy the bounty of each phase - what a useful reminder, everything seems to be going past in a blur here....
Posted by: driftwood | 10 September 2012 at 16:43
I'll tell you if la rentree has been a smooth on on Wednesday- that's the day SmallerBean starts school...
Ax
Posted by: Magic Bean | 10 September 2012 at 17:46
What a tall, handsome boy you've got there! Oh, I love back to school, that re-entry into routine and order. Everything has its season. We're finally getting some fall-like weather here, and it feels like all is right with the world.
xofrances
Posted by: frances | 10 September 2012 at 20:31
Gosh, he is almost as tall as you!
Posted by: Toffeeapple | 10 September 2012 at 21:09
So tall, so smart, so happy. What a great photo of you both.
Posted by: Alice C | 10 September 2012 at 22:31
Love the boy in new school uniform, hope all goes well for him. We no longer have to worry about new school terms - husband was a teacher so it lasted longer for us, but I still like the feeling that September is starting something new.
Posted by: Jane | 11 September 2012 at 09:02
Could that last photo be any more glorious? Love it.
Posted by: Dottycookie | 11 September 2012 at 10:45
Oh, bless your big boy! I must admit - sheepishly - that we haven't even got round to the Uniform Photo because the mornings have been such a rush!
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 11 September 2012 at 10:48
sigh...
yes, our 'rentree' was a good one... too good in fact.... I'm waiting for the whole thing to fall down like a deck of cards!
That big boy of yours looks fab.
Posted by: monica | 11 September 2012 at 14:51
Time does fly by and seeing your big boy looking so smart and tall (and with very cool hair) is certainly proof of that! May your la rentrée be a smooth one - ours has been so far, fingers crossed it will last!
Posted by: Julie | 11 September 2012 at 17:48
Wow! So grown up!
Posted by: Readersguide | 11 September 2012 at 22:59
How he's grown! What a great photo.
Posted by: Megan | 12 September 2012 at 06:54
Oh wow - so smart. My twelve year old always looks like he's been dragged through a hedge backwards...and that's before he's left the house. It's the look - so I'm told, but I bet as soon as they hit school shirts get tucked in, ties and hair straightened too.
Nina x
Posted by: Nina - Tabiboo | 12 September 2012 at 18:22
Hey Ali - thanks for the heads up on the little cork person - I deleted him right away. He's really cute though - will probably try to search and see if I can find his real home on the internet.
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 13 September 2012 at 23:27
I think that that photo of the two of you is the most beautiful thing I have seen on the internet in AGES. What a treasure to have.
Posted by: Lynn | 14 September 2012 at 19:54
I can't believe how big he is! What a gorgeous photo. K x
Posted by: kristina | 17 September 2012 at 11:16
What a wonderful image Ali. Goodness, your boy is tall! And now, in writing that, I know I have hit middle age.
Posted by: Emma | 17 September 2012 at 14:37