Love Is.

Remember those 70s books and cards with the little sketched couple going about their business being in love? And all kinds of clever things that defined their life in love?

Here's the 2012 version. It makes me happy that this could be a very, very long post. I may have to do it again.

Love is...

tormenting your mother by pretending you're going to drive your bike into big mud puddles. And likely slip and fall and track lots of mud into the flat. With your very best friend doing the same thing.

Love is...

passing the time on a long train ride "reporting live" on Barbie microphones with your best girlfriend. Even though your mother dislikes licensed characters, she will think this is a hoot.

Love is...

helping Baby Sister enjoy a hike even though you were mid-way through exploring a rocky Scottish beach with your buddy.

Love is...

reading to a tiny sister on the way home from the park.

Love is...

a soft hand to hold on a walk.

Love is...

letting a scared little person squeeze you as you whiz above a German village on an exceedingly fast Ferris wheel.

Love is...

a buddy to play with on the bleachers while your brothers perfect their skills at the skateboard park. 

Love is...

watching faux princesses at an old castle with someone who thinks you are a real princess.

Love is...

choosing to sit without any space between you when you have acres of a park to explore.

Love is all that and more.