Hanna and Happa.

Hanna and Happa are the words for "Grandma" and "Grandpa" on Josh's side. Booker did not coin these loving names, but this is how he knows them. We had a grand visit, and it was very clear that Booker recognized these folks as his family. He loves them. And clearly, they love him. What a lucky thing.

Orion.

For many years, Orion's Belt has served as a sort of constant: I have often noticed him hovering on the eve of great changes, and times when I need to be reminded that I can find beauty and goodness in every phase of life. My last evening swim in Hawaii before returning to school in chilly Utah; the eve of embarking on an LDS mission to New York City; and last weekend. He again hovered over us in our very big, very great state of Texas. Beneath that rhinestone cosmic cowboy, this Downs family did find beauty: we went for our first ever family campout in the wilderness! Never mind the fact that we had an electricity outlet, wi-fi, and the hum of the highway in the background; for all intents and purposes, we were in the great outdoors. And we were happy.