It's not cold once you're in.

I know it sounds silly to say it hasn't felt like summer until today. I've eaten watermelon, gotten sunburned despite my best efforts, and have eaten my token Mr. Softee ice cream. But today was the day I finally felt that little kid feeling that only summer brings. You see, I got to go swimming. In a lake. I experienced the exhilaration of diving under the cold water and having the satisfaction of saying, "It's not cold once you're in." Ah yes, now it's summer.

That alone would have been wonderful. But it was also little Miss Grace's first real go at swimming. She's almost 10 months old now. To think we've been depriving her for so long! This little lady likes water. I should have known by the fact she is always making a beeline for the cats' water dish. It was so fun to see her enjoying herself so much and was even more special that Grandma and Auntie Woogie got to be there, too.

After the HarryMan state park, we went to Cold Spring (not Cold SpringS, for all you people who like to add an extra letter 's'. It's not Barnes & Nobles people!). I'm pretty sure we could have spent hours looking through the antique stores, but we got there at 4:00, so most of them were starting to close.

So, if you're looking for a great swimmin' hole near New York City, I highly recommend going to the Seven Lakes in Harriman State park. It's not far from NYC. Maybe 45 min? We got a little lost since thanks to the iphone and ended up at some summer camp getting directions from a camp counselor while being stared at by 10-15 tweeny campers. Anyway, it's easy to find if you're paying attention...And the water temp. was perfect - not cold once you're in! Just wanted to say it one more time before I go to bed.