What a beach!

Maya Angelou said it best: I sustain myself with the love of family. Every summer our family often gathers here in this magical place, a private beach on a pristine lake. I cannot count how many wonderful memories we have made here. Sad memories--after we lost a beloved mother, sister, and aunt--and happy ones where we all swim to the dock together, or enjoy a picnic, or sit in beach chairs with our feet in the sand. Here we congregate to talk and laugh and love. I've been pregnant here. I've carried both of my babies into that clear water as they giggle and kick and admire the fish who come right up to us; we trick them by pretending our fingers are worms. When we leave at the end of the day our bodies are tired and our hearts are full.





My aunt Mary Jane makes a mean spread, just as her mother did for our family picnics.



I'm pretty sure we ate this same meal at Grandma's house twenty years ago.










There was a band performing which was really neat because we were able to splash around as they played. Dylan loves live music and always tells me that he wants to be a rock star when he grows up.




Kate sort of adores her Godmother. She fell fast asleep in her arms.






Liz and Colin went fishing on their kayaks.



Katie and Mary Jane did lots more cuddling. Ryan also took her for a bit.





We swam so much with Dylan that his lips turned blue but we still had to drag the little popsicle out of the water. He had so much fun.








It was a very perfect day.