where they live spring comes early

It rained.  A lot.  But we had an umbrella.  It was gray and cloudy and too close to sunset.  This little guy (& his parents) had been on a road trip for the past several days (visiting here from Northern Montana where they live),  been around tons of new people, and,  after spending a long fun day at the zoo,  didn't accept the nap he was offered.  Yet somewhere in between a skipped nap and his first birthday party we drove a couple blocks and snuck in a photo session.  And despite it all,  it was...perfect.  I just had this feeling through the whole thing like my heart was about to burst.  Francie has been a dear friend since college but I hadn't seen her in YEARS.  Way too long.  If there was a person to represent every word,  I think her word would be JOY.  She has a gift of making everyone around her know they are loved and welcome and somehow special.  She is AMAZING.  God shines through her in a very real way.  Her husband and son are pretty cool too. :) Here they are.