15...

This is 15.

Phone in hand, covering her face to get by me as quickly as possible.

Volleyball, Snapchat and AirPods take priority these days.

...while her Mom and I fall a few further rungs down the ladder.

We get it.

Life is good.

Fast and furious...

...and sometimes frazzled.

And this kid...

...well, she's crushing it.

I won't embarrass her much more.

You make us proud kiddo.

Keep at it.

We love you.

Happy Birthday!!!

That first kiss of morning light...

A sleeping house...

...and that first kiss of morning light.

Snoring dogs alongside my feet.

The swirl of water in the dishwasher.

The hum of the window AC.

Cicada finding their morning song.

...these last days of summer.