I can’t claim to be a native Texan, since I wasn’t born here, but there is one thing about growing up in the Lone Star State that I know to be a requirement: you must take childhood photos in a field of bluebonnets (<<the state flower, in case ya didn’t know).

It’s a tradition that I’ve tried to keep with my own kiddos, although we don’t do it each year (especially not last year because of the severe drought across the state).

However, we got some much-needed rain over the past couple of weeks (ironically, a bit more than we needed all at once, but come August, I suppose it’ll be good when the lake doesn’t dry up), and the wildflowers are blooming again!

The highway embankments and grassy medians have never been more lovely, not to mention the splash of color sprinkled across open fields.

The boys are already asking if we’ll take pictures in the bluebonnets again, so I need to find a field where we won’t be trespassing … or perhaps at the local arboretum … and take some snapshots. I’m happy that they enjoy sharing a tradition that Nathan and I did as kids, also.

Because of the deep connection with childhood memories, I can’t help but think about this old photo of my brother when I see bluebonnets.

I love you & miss you, Nathan!