An ongoing personal essay about childhood, family, chaos, and the strange little moments that happen before anyone is ready.

The backyard becomes a stage set when you photograph it from their height.

The ceremony of cake, within the chaos.

A floor full of toys can feel like its own little city.

The grown-ups drift in and out of the frame, but the children s run the scene.

These are the moments that vanish first — odd, funny, imperfect, and usually the truest.