Today is Tommy's 40th birthday; that's him to the left, in the photo. You'll note that he is joined by Brian and Christian, who used to be the shortest, at a few years younger. :-) And there's Baron, our first Giant Schnauzer, hard to see in all his blackness. He was never far from the boys - clearly their protector.
The structure would be "The Fort"... a summer project that extended over many years. The "lot" was cleared in the woods between our house and Tom's; and nail by nail, the kids built their refuge. I think I hear them hammering and laughing, as I write... sigh. Great times.
One summer past, Joe thought to gift me this little figurine. It is on display, to this day, from a series appropriately named "The Family Album".
Memories are made of this. Happy Birthday, Tom! You were 9 months old, when first we met. ♥
