Happiness is . . .

Our traditional family photo at the Gatlinburg, TN, entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our group this year included our two sons and their families. Photo by husband Walter.

Happiness is camping in the Smokies with husband Walter and our sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Of course contributing to that happy experience are dozens upon dozens of moments that bubble up, each iridescent with the joy of a distinct memory of grandchildren’s enthusiasm about simple pleasures of rocks and water, the giving spirit of two special daughters-in-law, our sons introducing their little ones to the magic of the mountains, and a husband who puts his love for all of us into action.

Nana and Baboo

Hubby knows how much I love having this photo that seems like a cliché. But for me it marks changes in our lives. There is also the humor that accompanies our family’s photographic efforts: formerly it was the patriarch’s setting up camera, getting the timer setting to work then the recurring mad dashes to get into the photo.

Now that the sons are fathers, the scene is even more entertaining to me.

Get ready!

And like father like sons, it always takes longer as fond grandfather and fathers become distracted by the potental of cute kid photos!

Get set!

Go!