Junior Prom

It happens to us all as parents - you look at one of your kids and say 'Is she really that grown up already? When did this happen?' I had one of those today as I helped Claire get ready for her junior prom. I took her to a friends to get her hair done, then to a little jewelry shop in town to pick out some bling to go with her dress. Typical Claire style...didn't really think about jewelry until noon today. She really is a pretty simple teenager for the most part - she doesn't need too much to make her happy. Much lower maintenance than her older sister, and for that I am truly grateful. No date, so no nerves. She went with a group of friends who we've known for years which gave me the sense of comfort one needs when their child heads out to one of the biggest nights of their high school life. I'm glad my kids are social and go to these things - I never did - but back in those days, you would never dream of showing up to prom without a date. It's hard to believe one more year and she will be off to college. Little does she know how much her world will open up for the best that's yet to come.