Number one son with mouth full of breakfast: “Jackson says that I’m going to be an all-star.”
“A what?” I ask. “Chew and swallow, please.”
“An all-star for the baseball team.”
Me: “And how does Jackson know this?”
“Well Jackson has proof  because Carter’s father is an assistant coach and Carter saw the list and he told Jackson, and Jackson told me.”
“So what does it mean to be an all-star, more games?”
“You get to play in the all-star game against another town.”
Me: “Wow.” Trying to suppress huge grin of motherly pride. “Well sweetie, don’t get your hopes up. Just be the best you, you can be and have fun.”
Sweet smiling son: “Yeah.”
Me: “I’m really proud of you.”

Yes, the weekend was lovely because I got to see my friends but I also got some quality family time. We rented tandem kayaks and paddled Range Pond.
“Dip your paddles in quietly. Very stealthy so your father and brother don’t hear us. ‘With muffled oar…'”
“Like Paul Revere.”
“Yes, but he used lambs wool or a lady’s petticoat or something.”
“Really?”
“Yes, but we don’t have that, so be quiet.”
“We’re getting closer.”
“Wait till you hear my command… Ready? SPLASH!”
“Ack, they’re splashing back!”
“Forward paddle! Turn, turn, prepare to defend.”
Much laughter, and splashing, and general soakedness.

We were lucky to spot birds:
A bald eagle perched and watching the sparkling waters for fish. (Not this particular bald eagle this is from Google images, as are the rest.)

A flashy Oriole.

And two lovely loons.