The kids are back to school. They have been for more than 2 weeks already. I always think of Back to School as a threshold. It defines the new year, even more so than January 1st. Each time summer vacation ends, my children let go of being carefree and a tiny piece of their childhood. They start a new grade, moving forward, growing, experiencing new things, and taking on new responsibilities.

It’s a precious time right before school starts, and I’m always a little sad during this time. My sense of nostalgia was really strong, and I really wanted to capture my kids authentically at this threshold. We always love the beach, and it’s a treat for us. So, we headed there for our last hoorah of the summer.

Naturally, the beach was freezing, as is typical for San Francisco area beaches! We started out wrapped up in our towels to stay warm, but we soon shed them as we started to explore and play.

A little more grown up. A little more serious. Yet, still a little young and silly. I love to capture all the different expressions that my children show.

My oldest always loves to make things with her hands.

She tunes out the crazy mud fight between her brother and sister until her creation is finished.

Meanwhile, these two run around slinging mud at each other. They think it’s hilarious! (I do, too.)

I love the wind in their messy hair.

He got so dirty that I was cleaning sand out of his ears at the end of the day!

He still has chubby cheeks and peach fuzz.

A day is not complete until sand gets between his toes.

I love the drama of this.

They are so big.

But, I’ll always remember them like this.

I love the dreamy quality of this. It’s like a memory that’s not clear anymore. Rather than being about details, this image is about a feeling.

A time of childhood ends. A new year begins.