A Perfect Fourth: Birthdays, Parades, and Family
There’s something about the Fourth of July at camp that just feels like the holiday is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. The lake is right there, the family is all together, and the whole day has this easy, unhurried energy that you can’t really plan for — it just happens. This year was one of the good ones, and it started even before the fireworks and flag-waving got going.
Before anything else, we took a moment to celebrate Christine’s birthday, which made the whole day feel even more festive. Getting to sing happy birthday with family all around, right here at a place that means so much to everyone — it doesn’t get much better than that. Her dad made sure to mark the occasion in style, and the two of them got in a little golf cart ride together, which was just the sweetest thing.
While the grown-ups were doing their thing, the kids were absolutely in their element. They found their own little world, as kids always do at camp, getting into games and just hanging out together the way kids have been doing out here for decades now.
Eddie and Hayden found their own spot to hang out too, just enjoying the day at their own pace. There’s something really nice about watching everyone spread out and settle into the day in their own way — some kids running around, some folks just relaxing and catching up.
Then it was time for the parade, and that’s always a highlight. There’s just something about a small-town Fourth of July parade that never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve seen one. The kids staked out their spot and got completely absorbed in watching everything go by — you could see them totally locked in before they even knew we were watching.
And then just like that it was over and they came rolling back, buzzing with that happy, worn-out energy that only comes from a really good day. The smiles said everything.
We should also note, for the record, that Oliver is alive and well. Photographic evidence has been secured.
Days like this are exactly why this place is so special. Thirty-plus years of family gathering here on Lake Ontario, and it still delivers. Christine got a birthday to remember, the kids made memories they’ll probably talk about for years, and the rest of us got to just soak it all in together. Here’s to many more Fourth of Julys just like this one.