Somehow in my mind I can not grasp that summer really is over, the kids are back in school, and the leaves will soon begin to turn.
It's all the more reason that simple pictures like this
become so meaningful.
They say something about who you are are and what your vacation was to you.
When I look at this shot, I will remember so much more than just this moment.
For me, the laughter and faces of these three boys will always be woven in the memory of one of my children's favorite summer vacations, one of go carts, birthday cake, late days on the lake, and nights that always came too soon.
"What grizzly?", my children will someday ask, "Did we even go to Yellowstone on that trip?"
We did.
But their memories will be like mine, not of wildlife animals, but of a
$700 ski boat,
an inflatable kayak,
eating good food with people we love,
singing Eric Clapton at midnight,
Broken Chair Island,
and a go cart the kids pieced together with a car seat, a dolley, and some duct tape.
Priceless.
