Note: Chloe is currently on vacation in Hawaii with her aunt and two cousins.

Hey Dad, want to have a catch?

Yeah, let’s not let the fact that you’re in paradise on vacation and we’re at home stop us. What’s in front of your face?

There’s a light breeze. It’s nice out, even though the UV is 10. I’m on a pool lounge chair in the shade because I am too pale to be in the sun. My younger cousin, Megan, is on my lap as we watch the pool waves shimmer in the sun and other guests swim or play. There’s a grandpa and grandson passing a football, and a family with their baby daughter floating in an inflatable tube. There are some people tanning, some people on their phones, and some people passed out asleep; jet lagged, maybe, or maybe just tired from swimming. And there’s me, with my little cousin, happy as ever as we wait on our Liliko’i chicken wings. I love you, Hawaii. What’s in front of your face?

I’m standing on our front porch watching the rain, as dads are wont to do. We didn’t have rain in the forecast, so this feels like a treat. Summer rains are truly the best rains. They’re one of the few weather patterns that almost feels like an emotion in and of itself. Like… it’s dry and the temperatures are near or at 100 degrees, and here comes this refreshing and replenishing rain out of nowhere that feels like a relief. …and it feels like the earth acknowledges it as such. There’s steam coming off the ground in the culdesac. I can hear the big drops of rain simultaneously hitting the hot pavement and the dry brittle grass. I can hear a gentle rolling thunder in the background. I can also hear your brother in the house watching the Netherlands vs Turkey EuroCup soccer game. All things considered, a nice lazy day. I needed the chill and the city needed the rain. Anything else?

Yeah. Dad! Earlier someone pooped in the hot tub.

Yummy. Might want to avoid that. Love you!

Love you, too.