Our son started middle school two weeks ago.  He was very excited and nervous at the same time.  I was only NERVOUS.  He has grown so much and it was hard to believe he was off to middle school.  I made sure I took my annual back to school picture a few minutes early, so I would not embarrass him in front of the other kids on their way to the bus stop.  As we finished taking our picture and the kids started to come outside and walk to the bus stop, my son walks over to me and gives me a big hug and says, "l love you mom."  He must have known I needed that before I went on my way to work.  Still a great kid!