Summer Lookback

Well to state the obvious, summer is long gone. The kids have been in hybrid school for the past month, Halloween decorations are up, and it gets dark at 6 pm. Waaahhhhh. 

But what is there to say about this summer? Covid wreaked havoc on the majority of our vacation plans and the boys didn't go to a single camp. For several months straight they managed to entertain themselves within the confines of the neighborhood, in our friends' pool, and wherever their bikes could take them. It was kind of glorious. Yes we had our moments of boredom, but it was a time in our lives unlike any before and I honestly think we made the most of it. The boat helped ;)

Let's start at Memorial Day weekend and the time we bought a 2000 Chaparral 180 SSE (a little 18 foot motorboat specifically purchased to fit through the tiniest tunnel imaginable. But we'll get to that). Knowing that a) I was going to be remote all summer b) any plans for activities for the boys were cancelled c) we did not join Longfellow d) the beaches, at the beginning, were closed or at least closed to non-residents and e) there wouldn't be any parties or events to look forward to, I knew we needed something good. I said Jason, we are simply going to need to buy a boat :D

So we did! Now, Lake Cochituate is 5 minutes away and has three sections: North Lake, Middle Lake, and South Lake. The boat launch is in Middle Lake but the only place that towables and water sports are allowed is South Lake. And the only way to get there is through this tunnel. 

Can you see it all the way over there? 

It's tight. I tried to get a picture going through:

An inch on either side. Harrowing, as they say. And then there's a second one:

That one tries to decapitate you. Anyway, once you've made it through these tunnels, you are free to tube, waterski, or however you want to recreate. And it's so so fun. We spent the summer on all three of the lakes, swimming, floating, kneeboarding and generally lazing on the water with select family and friends.

It's a lot of pictures, friends, because it truly was our entire summer. I'll save you from the videos ;)

In the middle of the summer there was July 4, and then the rest of July and August was a mish mash of Long Island, a couple trips to Vermont, Ashton's birthday, some time in our friends' pool, a few family visits here and there and a lot of hanging out with neighbors and all. 

In no particular order, and sorry it IS a lot, I have got to stop cramming 6 blog posts into one!! 

LASTLY, Labor Day weekend, we went to Martha's Vineyard for a few days with our neighbors that have become super close friends of ours, the Stahls. It was gorgeous and a perfect way to end it all. Wait, that didn't come out right. You know what I mean ;)

And then it was time for school to start. Truly the longest summer ever and despite COVID and any true structure, I can't believe how great it ended up being.

Next post - the school year so far...