This is my favorite photo from our Memorial Day weekend visit to my parents. After we had a big family dinner on Saturday we (the adults, cordoned off in the dining room) noticed that the kitchen, where the five cousins were seated, had gone quiet.

I went outside to investigate, where I found all of them engaged in a game of Wiffle ball in the front yard. Ryan was as engaged as any of them, despite the fact that the game was not of his choosing.

It was not lost on me that I was watching them play one of my favorite childhood games in the exact same spot where I used to play it with my friends.

I joined in, because I love Wiffe ball, not because my presence was needed. They were just fine without me, thank you. It was a perfect capper to a great visit, one in which Ryan could consistently be found playing various sports and games with the other kids with little if any coaxing — in marked contrast to previous visits.

The weekend would continue with Ryan scoring his first goal of the spring hockey season, in front of his grandparents. As long weekends go, it will be a tough one to top.

Read more "Photo Friday: In the Mix"