Patterson Park, Baltimore

Caroline & Bambi

"Bambi" was my favorite stuffed animal when I was little. His spots have fallen off, his fur is worn away in places, and the stiffness of his legs has given way so he resembles his newborn self, splayed limbs and nose inches away from his new found friend, "Flower," the skunk. My parents bought me a replacement at some point - a brighter, more alert version of my careworn buddy. But as we all learn about true love, newness is no replacement for comfort. Whenever the nieces and nephews forget their stuffed animals while sleeping over at Nana's and Papa Joe's, Bambi is on a nearby bed or dresser ready to fill the space between cheek and pillow.

LaxSplash, Baltimore

Three days of round robin lacrosse games. A mix of competitive intensity (sideline coaching, 6 year old body checks and a few tears), and the simpler times of being a kid (competitors chatting about Pokemon cards during a break in play, picking dandelions, half time orange slices and post game pizza).