Labor Day Weekend is the end of Summer, the beginning of Fall, and for school-age kids and their parents it's "Back to School."  In my house, it is also the "Annual Studio Clean Up."  Since I opened the studio in 2010, I have set aside a few days at the end of each August to clean up from the previous year and get ready for the new one.  To me, it seems like a good time of year to do it-- I swing open the studio doors so hauling out all the tools and supplies is easier.  The weather is nice so my kids are willing to spray down the floors and mats with the hose (and even ocassionally slide through the soap suds).  It's a big job for one person and I feel very fortunate that I have been able to have them help me.  My daughter even woke up early to help!  With my teenage son, there was a little more negotiation. Ultimately he made me an offer I couldn't refuse; for his part, he would re-build my website.  Part of what I love about the clean up, the beginning of Fall, and the promise of a new school year, is the fresh start.  I'm happy to report with my daughter's and husband's help, the inside and outside of the studio are clean.  My son created a lovely, easy to navigate website which I will be rolling out in the next few weeks.  After all that hard work, we are ready to get back in the groove and are looking forward to all the adventures that this new year will bring.