And that's a wrap...! On Summer 2023.

Although you wouldn't know it from the still-blazing temps, summer is officially in the books. It was a good run.

Volleyball camp was survived, the pool is closed for the season (having been farewelled heartily and with whipped cream races), 

and the first day of school came and went. We're now two whole weeks in to new teachers, new classes, new routines, and the same old last-minute search for shoes and water bottles every morning. 

First though, in ancient and sacred tradition, we threw a "back to school bash" week for the ages, complete with haircuts and shopping trips,

swimming holes and river tubing,

Baysox games for the superfan, and West Virginia with Aunt Jackie.

By way of (very) partial thanks for floating our summer, we took Grandma to Ocean City for parasailing

and showed off our crab-eating skills.

Somewhere in there we got to see the Dodgers beat the Nats, caught up with Gunnar & April at National Harbor,

sang karaoke at the library fundraiser (Finley's literal dream come true), and acquired a cello.

And after four days of school, we committed our first-of-the-schoolyear truancy violation, and headed off to Colorado for the long weekend. We were so excited to see the whole Walters crew.

It seems crazy to contemplate in a family as close as the Walters, but this was the first time that all six cousins had ever been together, since Lisa and I were (unbeknownst to us) pregnant with Luke and Ford when the Bustamantes left for Peru.

Colorful Colorado never disappoints, and Ben & Lisa had put together an action-packed itinerary that included gorgeous hikes, a polar plunge,

sunsets and s'mores,

our favorite zoo, and even a trip to Rudy's.

The Cousin time was magical, and we are grateful.

And now, if looking at the weekend sports schedule is any indication, fall chaos is well and truly upon us. 

We're all hoping fall weather isn't far behind.