Trends and Parenthesis Host Back to School Photo Contest

Daniella is ready for school, but still hanging on to mom, Allison, on her first day!

Lylah in hues of blue, a new pair of glasses, and a fabulous smile!

Rebecca and Hannah are ready to go on their first day!

Ian is decked out in a Batman tee and cool trainers on his first day of school!

Claire and Liam: School supplies? Check! Snacks? Check! Sleepy eyes and ever-so-cute smiles? Check!

Aeryn is dressed in shades of pink from head to toe and a fantastic grin from ear to ear on her first day!

Freshman Huskies await the new school year with side smiles!

Owen May looking dapper and ready to hit the books!

Vivien May as cute as a button on her first day!

Jake Pfledered looking absolutely adorable on his first day of school!

Mia de la Torre on her first day of school.

Little Ava McConochie ready and set for her first day of school!

Here’s the truth. I can’t get enough of children’s pics. Those who read this blog know I worked with at-risk children and young adults as a social worker for ten years. I loved the work, I loved the children, and I loved taking plenty of pictures on important days and at celebratory events, like a proud parent.

Those wide smiles, keen observations: (“Look at the moon!” on a day when I couldn’t see past my computer and piles of paperwork on my desk – quite frankly, I’d forgotten there was a window in my office), unexpected questions about the meaning of life (even Aristotle would be stumped), their sheer joy and appreciation of all things small and lovely (picking a flower – they don’t have to know it’s a weed, tying their shoes, learning the alphabet, solving an equation).

And now OakPark.com is inviting you to show us just how darn cute your kids are by sending us a photo of your child/children on their first day of school for our online gallery. If you have a favorite image from a previous year, we are accepting images from past years (one entry per family, please).

Trends of Oak Park (one of my favorite eco-friendly shops, a consignment shop with such a great selection that looking great is absolutely within your budget) and Parenthesis Family Center (a fantastic nonprofit that supports healthy children and families) have joined forces!

The winner will receive a gift certificate from Trends of Oak Park (adding a new piece to your wardrobe just became easy and fun!) and two tickets to the Parenthesis Children’s Consignment Sale (so many great clothes for your children at amazing prices and all proceeds benefit Parenthesis).

Here are the details for the Parenthesis Fall/Winter Consignment Sale. Whether you enter the contest or not, you can still attend the Parenthesis Consignment Sale or shop at Trends (update your fall and winter wardrobe at pennies). Here are the details of the sale:

Parenthesis Family Center’s Fall/Winter Maternity and Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale 

Come find amazing, like-new children’s clothing for all your back-to-school needs.

All proceeds support Parenthesis Family Center. For tickets or information call (708) 848-2227.

We can’t wait to showcase your photos. Please send photos to Christina Pippin at christina@oakpark.com. A winner will be selected at random and notified on Wednesday, September 21^st.