Benjamin Chait

Aspen Clare Brook was born at 05:32 Pacific last Monday, July 27, 2026.

This year feels different.

We spent a night in Desolation Wilderness for Luna’s first backpacking trip (and my first return since May 2020).

We took our first real holiday since moving to California.

Luna returned to Yosemite for her second visit, this time as she and I joined with Cara’s lab.

While 2024 was a mix of lows and highs, my 2025 was focused on building stability in a new place.

We celebrated our first wedding anniversary by returning to Yosemite National Park, this time with friends and a puppy.

I’m grateful.

Yesterday we brought home a new member of the family: Luna, an eight-week-old Bernese Mountain Dog.

We’ve had four years in Chicago.