This annual summer trip is filled with traditions for us. Some are newer, some are older. Here are just a few:
We started this just last year — a Sunday early morning boat ride across the lake to the waterfront park in Wolfboro, where we dock the boat, and set up our own chairs and blankets for a 30-minute-max church service. This is a win-win-win! Even the kids like it. And my parents can even bring their dog! As we walked down the street to get donuts afterward, Braydon and I couldn’t help thinking that if church could be like that all the time, we’d happily go every week! đŸ˜‰
A much longer tradition (as in, at least 3 generations long) — trying to catch the Mt. Washington Boat and waving like crazy to the passengers on board:
A tradition that has been going strong at least since I was a kid (I can remember it very vividly) — going for ice cream in Wolfboro and ducking our heads as we maneuver under the very low bridge to get to the back-stream docks. Of course, when I was little it was my Popop driving the boat. Now my dad is driving the boat, with his grandchildren (and my children) in the front:
A tradition from just the past few years, but one K & O deeply love and greatly anticipate all year long — playing baseball at “Little Fenway.” This is a baseball field not far from the cottage that was built to be sort of like a mini-replica of Fenway park — complete with the ‘green monster’, a miniature Citgo sign, etc.:
A date-night for Braydon and me at our favorite restaurant near the cottage. My parents take kid-duty for the night. We always sit at the bar, and it is always a great night out for us:
Mini-golf:
A fire and s’mores in the ancient outdoor stone fireplace:
A family photo at the end of the dock the morning that we leave:
These traditions (and more) are things we look forward to all year long. We left just 6 days ago, and we’re already so much looking forward to next year. It is a delicious luxury– this time that we get to have at the cottage.
The cottage is a place, a place that has been handed down to us, but the true inheritance we’ve received is the chance to enjoy all that it allows for us. Our week at Winnipesaukee was filled — as it always is — with the riches of enjoyment. We are wealthy in that arena. And this week made us even richer.
We got to hold babies:
And hold kitties:
And catch fish:
And spend long days on the water:
Thanks to these two:
And thanks to the generations before them.
“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual…O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it, for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment.” ~Henry David Thoreau
We love making memories together here in this beautiful spot and are so thankful for the privilege given to us. Looking forward to next summer already!
Heather,
I love so much the fact that you share so much with us. Seeing Maria and her family ….so happy warms my heart. I too have memories of Maria and my boys as young children at Calumet.
Of course seeing you and Stina and your beautiful families with Don and Janet just makes me smile….sometime cry! Many memories from many years ago are still very vivid in my mind. A simpler time!
xo
Beautiful! I spent many summers on Squam Lake at Singing Eagle Lodge(camp for girls) and still return with my family. Such a beautiful place! We are also lucky to have a cabin in Vermont and we are fortunate enough to spend precious family times there and are hoping to pass it down for generations.
Such an amazing summer you all had!
All I can say is, awesome! Your family is truly blessed!