From the Parent Trap: Charles: “My dear, what are you doing?” Susan: “Making a memory.” Charles: “Making a memory?” Susan: “All my life, when I’m quite grown-up I will always remember my grandfather and how he smelled of tobacco and peppermint.”

We chased the sunset tonight.

Near our church is a beautiful trailhead for the Sonoran Preserve. We found a quiet spot and I was quite determined to make a memory. My kids know that when I get a bee in my bonnet about making a memory, they might as well just come along for the ride.

At 4:20pm I announced we were going to chase the sunset. The only problem was I could only find 3/5 of my kids. Brian, Riley, and Mary Alice were at a neighbor’s house playing ping pong. Thankfully, they walked in at 5:15pm and I knew we had enough time to announce the adventure and race in its direction. Mary Alice, my always partner in adventure, was thrilled. She hopped in the car. I’ll just say the others were a little less than thrilled.

But then, the beauty took over and no one could shake it. Worries melted away, deep breaths were taken, and the show in front of us began.

So dearest Sunset, thank you for putting on a show for us tonight. When I close my eyes, I have memories of orange haze, skateboards, curls, giggles, and love. And our evening ended with all of my hopes coming true. We made a memory.