The cast of characters…
BenA. Sent his car to the mechanic so that it would be in good shape for his brother to borrow, only to have his brother drive it into a flung pebble, chipping the windshield in the process.
BenE. Taught his cousins how to sail when he didn’t have his nose in Chomsky.
Burt. Grabbed my hand and held it after he skied, a silent way of letting me know that he was proud that his cousin had skied for the first time in many years, so proud that he himself decided to ski for the first time in many years.
Chachi Babs. Decided that now that she has an iPad, she can trash her infernal laptop, a decision likely to make family system administrators weep with joy.
Chachi Bette. Put us all to shame, skiing at 70 and leading power walks for those inclined to keep up with her pace.
Colin. Surprised us all and showed up many days before we expected him.
David. Swam across the lake and got up on skis twice, breaking a many year’s tradition of sluggitude.
Evan. Got up on skis for the first time and successfully lived to tell of his fall in the shallow, weedy section of the lake.
Jack. Was his usual indefatigable self, including when he was standing on his head in the lake with only his legs sticking out of the water.
JennyB. Pitched a tent, took care of three kids, fed us all for a day, and generally didn’t stop the whole time, making us all very tired just thinking about it.
JennyE. Cooked her popcorn one night that fed an army.
Julia. Did a manner of synchronized swimming in the lake with her mom.
Katherine. Built castles in the sand and made best friends with Rayna the dog.
Ken. Gave Babs that iPad for her birthday.
Lexi. Found little private time with Sam.
Liza. Pushed the boundaries water skiing and is certain to give Colin a run for the money next year.
Sam. Found little private time with Lexi.
Trudy. Took many naps and ate many blueberries.
VickiC. Read her Kindle and corralled Rayna the dog.
VJ. Gave us two jars of raspberry jam just before we drove off, a gift of unspeakable value and one that will grace our breakfast table for many months, with any luck.