We were all once young

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

I. Love. This. Photo. It could not be much more aesthetically pleasing. I mean seriously, check these girls out. They're ROCKIN' it! The melds, the loose waves, the studs, the spikes, the accents, the TEXTURE, the COLOR... the absolute and utter perfection.

Interestingly enough, the girls in this photo haven't always been this sophisticated and fashion-forward. Not too long ago, they were little pipsqueaks solving crime "before dinnertime."

How does this happen, this growing up thing? How do two little girls go from playing dress up in their mom's closet to dressing up for the red carpet?

I feel like just yesterday I was snuggled under my mom's comforter, waiting for my beloved Mr. Rogers to come on the television... 

Just yesterday, it feels as though I was standing in my grandparents' bathroom in Florida, getting my little body lathered in sunscreen before heading out to the pool.

Just yesterday, I was sitting on the ground, crying because I had sat in a hill of red ants. 

Just yesterday, I was afraid and lonely at school, faking a stomach ache so my mom would pick me up.

Just yesterday, I was embarrassed, because I had mistaken a stranger for my father and given him a huge hug.

Just yesterday, I was painting on my Playschool easel, not worrying about what I was making, or how I was making it.

Just yesterday, I was riding on the back of a bus, anticipating a field trip to the Milwaukee Fire Department.

Just yesterday, I enjoyed dipping animal crackers in apple juice.

Just yesterday, I sat on the hull of my uncle's boat, watching the Fourth of July fireworks for the first time with my mom.

Just yesterday, I was a little kid again.