Two family weekends in a row, from Michigan to NY. Babies and dogs everywhere, fireworks in Fenton, lanterns in Jasper. Tents, food on the grill, music, laughter, love.

In deference to the dog’s thick dark coat, our summer walks are at dusk, leaving the house as the sun sets and returning home as the fireflies emerge in full force, sparkling in the gloom of the trees.

Driving home through a storm with the evening sun at my back, chasing a rainbow.

Daffodils and crocus have barely begun to bloom, but every year these trees are determined to be first in line to show off their spring apparel.