With the start of school, summer has ended. And what a summer it was. This was, without a doubt, the best summer with the boys. Sure there is a list of things, places and play dates that we put on a well-meaning list of what we wanted to do this summer and never got to- but what we did do was awesome.
Camp. Part of the summer was spent at summer camp at my school. The kids loved it. And my coworkers loved seeing them. Brendan was in a group with two of my coworkers’ kids with their councilor as my boss’ daughter. I am there were interesting dinner conversations in many homes. Both kids were able to participate in a program called “Montessori Mornings.” This was a 90 minute session before camp in a Montessori classroom where they could continue to work on what interested them and keep up with their skills. What a benefit, especially for Brendan who had three full months off from school. Aidan just liked being back in a classroom, which was great for him too! The kids enjoyed the camp theme weeks and were exhausted when they got home (see above picture). About 30% of the students in camp are international students visiting only for a short time. Aidan loved meeting new friends from all over the world. For Brendan the opportunity to wear costumes was a highlight. He found a way to wear dresses on more than one occasion, using the Belle dress to represent France for Olympic week. Their last day was a drama performance (another chance for Bren to wear a dress) and they were genuinely sad when camp ended for them.
Trips. We only had two chances for day trips to York Beach. We love York Beach in the summer. One trip was with my family, the other with the Parisi’s. Sandcastles, waves and of course ice cream were favorites as always. I am truly sad we did not have more time there. We also spent a few days at the Cape Codder. There was a wave pool. It was awesome. Somehow Brendan, usually so fearless, did not want to go down the water slide! The kids loved the bonfire and roasting marshmallows and seeing the Cape Cod potato chip factory. We were there 2 nights and it was the perfect timing. Our “big” trip was of course our Road Trip. It was so much better than we could have ever expected. We had lots of fun family time (sometimes good, sometime we got on each others nerves). I think that was when I really started to realize how old they have become and how much fun their ages are right now.
The Yacht Club. We spent more time at the Yacht Club this summer than any other summer. Brendan was finally old enough to handle the rules! Most days were spent jumping off the dock and swimming. Perfect for the summer. They saw cousins there, they saw friends there. Aidan saw where he would go to camp next year (Sailing Program). They were out on the boat, hanging with my Dad and just enjoying carefree days. Both have put this as their favorite thing this summer. The last day of the Sailing Program they joined the kids for the annual Shaving Cream Fight. So weird watching your kids participate in something you vividly remember doing yourself.
The best part for me was enjoying them have fun, living and loving every moment of the summer and sharing them with lots of people who love them. There were tons of other fun things we did- museums, musicals (the summer of Legally Blonde!) Red Sox game, birthday parties and more. So much, that I had to look at pictures to remember! But it never felt like too much, it felt relaxing even. The title of the summer album I made says “Aidan and Brendan’s best summer ever.” I really think it was. Great weather, great fun, great kids. The best memories.
