HE summer has come and gone, and suddenly the waning of another year is upon us once more. I can't help but wonder how Flynn perceives the passing of time compared to how time passes for me (as well as all the other "adults" I know). I recall being 5 years old, and marveling that I had been 5 for what seemed like ages. But once childhood is behind, the mind compresses time at what may be an ever-quickening pace. Of course, the approach of the winter solstice brings us the final harvest from the garden (which turns out to be upwards of 160 lbs. of winter squash), as well Flynn's 4th birthday. I can hardly believe our little boy will be turning 4 soon! A few years ago he could barely hold up his head, and a few months ago when we were in Australia, he managed to whack out a hike that was over 6 km, and that involved over 600 ft. of climbing. As you can clearly see from the thumbnail below, he now appears ready to take life by the wheel. Dear Jeebus. Naturally, the young man continues to test our mettle as he expands his physical and mental capabilities, but all things considered, I would probably be sorely disappointed if he didn't.

Thanks to my father for some of the photos in Galleries 4, 7, 9, 12, 15, and 19, and to my mother for some of the photos in Gallery 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, and 19.