This gorgeous photo was taken by my mother, who's life long passion has been taking pictures. At every family gathering, graduation, sports game, vacation, etc., she was there clutching her camera and snapping away for dear life. She has always had a particular love of nature and I have many memories of her in all kinds of weather, in many uncomfortable positions, craning her neck, twisting the camera this way and that, in search of the perfect photo of that mushroom, flower, stalk of corn, mountain…

The photo here was taken near the end of a fabulous family reunion that we had this last August in celebration of my oldest brother’s 50^th birthday. We enjoyed a few wonderful days of camping, hiking and seeing amazingly breathtaking sights such as this one. More special was reconnecting with all of my brothers, my sister and my sisters-in-law. I also had the bonus of spending some extra time with my mom as we hiked the boardwalks surrounding Old Faithful. She has always been very active, but age has robbed her of her quick steps, so we moseyed down the paths, ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the many incredible geysers and just enjoying each others’ company.

Thanks, Mom, for your sweetness, loving memories, and your great photographic eye!