Just two weeks away from my daughters was enough to make me notice the difference in their maturity. McMonk's face is quickly changing from that of a little girl into a pre-teenager. Banana's mannerisms scream teenager. The things they talk about, the books they read, their actions, their looks ....

The Missus and I Planned to walk them up to school today, the first day of Grade Four and Six for McMonk and Banana (respectively). As soon as we left the back door, they ran ahead to meet their friends in the alleyway, leaving us to walk 15 metres behind the gaggle of girls. Almost oblivious of our presence, they headed straight into this first day routine that they'd been through before and knew well.

With nary a glance backwards. Sigh.

I am also noticing that they are very involved with friends, sports and other activities. They are gaining independence and growing into mature young women. I know that this is what is supposed to happen and seeing their social and personal development is a signal that we are doing a good job as a parents. That's the intellectual Sean talking.

The emotional Sean is saying, "I'm losing my playmates!" and that makes me more than a little sad.