Today was the first day of school for most public-school students around the area. My husband and I were up late last night and early this morning helping the kids get ready. For us personally, it was a big day -- the baby's off to kindergarten.

Fortunately, my kids were so excited that they were actually ready early, which gave us plenty of time to indulge in my favorite first-day ritual -- a picture with their new backpacks in our front yard. Though the oldest is only in second grade, it's amazing to see how she's changed since her kindergarten picture.

What are your first-day rituals? By the way, you can share your first-day pictures on our web site here. If you'd rather share them on this blog, email them to me.

(Photo by Sun photographer Jed Kirschbaum)