We have had numerous family reunions held at my sister’s lake house in Virginia over the past 29 years. There’s always too much food, drink, sun, and multiple conversations happening simultaneously. What fascinated me most is that we have watched our own children grow up, and now they have children of their own who come to the lake.
Since my sister’s house has been remodeled, both the inside and outside now match the stunning and peaceful lake views we have all come to cherish these past decades.
This year we got to experience the lake with Avaya. I think she was initially overwhelmed with all the people and noises, much like anyone who comes to the lake and meeting the whole family for the first time. But she quickly took to the sand and to the 35-year -old dollhouse that’s brought out of storage every summer. Eventually, she was comfortable holding onto to someone in the lake and started blowing bubbles in the water. I think she will be a water baby like her daddy. Maddy has been taking Avaya to swim lessons for the past two weeks and I suspect Avaya will have some new skills to show off to her swim instructor!
The weather was unbearably hot in Virginia this Fourth, even the lake was a little warm, although it was still refreshing. My brother-in-law hired a band to play which added to the festive, patriotic atmosphere of the day.
Because the afternoon and evening storms swept past the lake, we didn’t get to enjoy fireworks firsthand. However, watching the display on TV from the National Mall in Washington DC was amazing. I thought the Military singers did a great job.
This summer has brought a welcome return to uplifting stories of Americana, from European football fans praising the food at Buc-ees to visitors enjoying the charm of our small towns.
Our country is far from perfect but there’s no place on Earth quite like it. I, for one, am proud to be an American as we celebrate 250 years – marveling at how we can learn from the past and yet still create a positive future.
Gary and I are excited to continue our America 250 tour from the comfort of our RV, as we travel across this beautiful land we call home.
