fransje's letter to aunt susie

Dear Aunt Susie,
Have we ever told you how much we love coming to visit you - John, Claire, Olivia and I?

We have such fond memories of all of our times with you at Little Sandy Pond – the wonderful sandy beach where the kids play, the canoe John learns to maneuver out into the quiet mornings, the kids in toe; the beach and museum trips; fish dinners on the porch; philosophical talks over drinks; casual chats with our coffee while the sun warms the porch.

What fun we had last summer with you! What a sport you were to have a 6 and 4 year old (and parents) for a week! (and especially since you had a full house for many weeks before and after our visit!)

When we arrive, you tell us your ideas for the week, an amazing itinerary – stuff that I love – jaunts to the beach, nature walks, a visit to see Lucy, Hannah and Nick. And all are “kid proof”. I am secretly grateful to you as deciding the “what, when and how” with kids can be exhausting.

First is Scusset Beach (new to me) and the kids love it. You spot an unusual object on the beach and the kids go wild – a stingray (or skate) – Claire and Olivia lug the dead ray around proudly, showing everyone on the beach. John stays out of the sun under our new “beach tent” while you patiently watch the kids in the water. “Why don’t you two take a nice walk down the beach?. I’ll watch the kids.” We explore the large rocks along the canal and take the loop past the bathhouses and back to the beach. On our return we find that Olivia has decided to chase a little boy down the beach and has completely forgotten everything else. You are watching her intently, exclaiming “She hasn’t looked back to even see if we’re here! Let’s see how far she goes until she realizes!” We all laugh and watch as Olivia stays on the heels of the boy for perhaps 200 yards. You follow after her keeping a good distance so she doesn’t see you. Finally, when she sees that she’s lost, you are close enough to rescue her and a major meltdown is avoided! On the way home, we stop for ice cream! Childhood memories!

The next day we’re off to Plimouth Plantation. We’re all in for “free” as you are a “docent” there! We step back in time enjoying the view toward the ocean and the Pilgrims chatting with the tourists. “Peter Browne” sings to us from his kitchen table. You regale us with stories of your work there, how the staff has to audition as in a drama, the history of the plantation. It’s VERY hot and humid but you are so tolerant as we explore the village.

When we return home, the answering machine has messages – you have been requested to help out (once again!) at the Audubon booth at the Marshfield fair. And another request to drive someone to an appointment (which you have declined since we are there).

The next day at Ellis Harbor you take the kids into the tidal pools and show them the marine life, the periwinkles, crabs, seaweed. We saunter down the beach while the kids hunt for tiny pieces of sea glass. Olivia has quite the eye for spotting the glass and collects dozens of little gems. You suggest we stop for ice cream on the way home and the kids whoop with excitement!

Our next trip is to Horseneck Beach, a childhood favorite of the whole family. It’s a long trip, but you’re such a good sport – showing the sights, telling stories. The breeze is brisk and the waves are quite powerful. Olivia gets knocked over in the heavy surf and becomes overwhelmed as salt and sand gets into her eyes. You help her patiently. Claire screams with delight as she figures out how to “surf” the waves. We all dig holes in the sand and watch as the water gushes in. Surf destroys our sand castles. We remark that the sand and water are endlessly fascinating and we talk about your wonderful summers at Horseneck. On the way home we stop for ice cream. Yum!

Back in the afternoon, I sit on the porch, while you say “Dear, why don’t you sit and relax and I’ll watch the kids down at the beach”. I take the babysitting offer to heart (!) and I start “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Wells. Time passes blissfully. The kids are happily ensconced in the sand and water. I can tell from the noises reaching me at the screened porch that all is well. You have found all sorts of sand toys for them to play with. The neighborhood boys are waterskiing and kids are delighted by the frequent spills.

Later you ask the kids to help clean and sweep the back patio and stairs. I watch the activity with amazement – the kids are loving it! I can’t manage to get them to clean their rooms!

Our last day is spent with Lucy and Hannah and Nick. We have never seen their new home on the Cape. It’s a rainy day. Lucy offers lunch while Hannah entertains the kids. They are, as always, completely taken with her! We walk along Craigville Beach, collecting shells. The sun is glinting behind the clouds and I realize that I should have brought suits for the kids. We decide that we all want ice cream and go the local’s favorite. I realize I haven’t eaten this much ice cream since I was a kid! Olivia and Claire don’t want to leave -- Hannah is too much fun! And, we do manage to survive Cape traffic on our drive back to Pembroke.

Aunt Susie, our vacation would not have been the same without you! We hope that we can spend more time with you this summer, if you’ll have us.

XXX OOO
Much love,
Fransje