As I look through these pictures from the last trip we took north to visit my parents in Indiana, I (Luke) am reminded of the many memories that I have that involve my boyhood home. Pictures are certainly powerful tools that can stir up a variety emotions and can bring you back to a specific place in time. Not only do I remember the excitement Cat and I had when we looked out from our window and noticed the huge flakes drifting down from the gray skies above, but I also remember…

I remember the approaching snow storms that would have all the children in our small town excited about the possibility that school would be cancelled and we could run wild in the flurries!

I remember the striking contract between the bright red Cardinals against the pure white snow while they perched a close branch. 

I remember the pine needles dripping water on a subject beneath as the snow melted and disappeared. I remember the past pets that I have had that made similar prints like this when we would travel to the barn. 

I remember attempting to drive a stick shift and barely missing this tree.

I remember all of the great hiding places in these trees for Easter eggs. I remember a trip to Denver that was almost cancelled because of an ice storm. I remember the large evergreen branches snapping and crashing to the ground under the weight of the ice building on the limbs. 

I remember the first time Wilma experienced snow and the way she pranced around through it. 

I remember when this windmill was put here and the hard time I had putting my hands in the almost dry cement underneath. I remember the similar picture of Cat from our honeymoon. I remember all the smiles and laughs we shared during our week in Crested Butte, Colorado. I remember the autumn hued leaves that used to hide these now bare trees. I remember the times the wind blew so hard the barn and livestock was not visible from the house.

I remember the times that the animals in the barn would pause at the first sight of snow, then run and frolic through it. I remember the snowball that I through at Cat right after this picture was taken. 

I remember the black cattle being covered in a snowy blanket. 

I remember the excitement everyone shared when a new blanket of snow covered up the old melting discolored snow and how a sense of calm and ease was everywhere. 

I remember the dirty fingernails and workboots of my mom while she planted spring flowers in her potting shed. 

I remember spending time as a family hanging Christmas lights in these trees and the friendly competition among neighbors for the best outdoor display. 

I remember the time that these trees were much smaller. I remember having my arms spread out, and spinning in circles as me and my nieces and nephew tried to catch the snow flakes on our tongues.