This is the last photograph of the Little Admiral in braces:
They came off Monday — most importantly, before the start of school.
Monday evening’s menu consisted of BBQ ribs, corn on the cob, and three varieties of sticky candy for dessert — all forbidden foods for the past three years.
And this is the child I gave birth to 14 years ago, on the first day of her freshman year in high school. Two inches taller than last year, the braces are gone, and a wardrobe chosen from the best that the malls in Northern Virginia had to offer.
It’s going to be a great year!
Rumen Nation 
Oh, look out Mom! Does the Studmuffin have his Big Stick at the ready? You’re gonna need it!
She’s beautiful. Hopefully the local boys know that Mom and Dad know how to use a shotgun right?
aaaahhhhh youth!!!!!!!She is a cutie!!!Glad to hear you all enjoyed some serious gum smackin grub in celebration. I’m sure SHE knows how to use a shotgun too eh? Good luck to her in her new High School year!!!!