Living Sundrenched & Lakebound: Life in a small laketown 🚤

Some of My best memories were made right in our backyard… technically, our backyard was The lake. Sundays meant church in the morning and boat rides all afternoon, leaving us sundrenched & lakebound. We didn’t overthink it. We just threw on swimsuits, packed some snacks, and headed out like it was second nature.

In our little laketown, you waved at every boat that passed and kept a close eye on your towel unless you wanted it flying off the Boat. We had a dock right out back, so our boat stayed ready and waiting. Looking back now, living on the lake was something special, Way more amazing than I realized at the time. I don’t live on the water anymore, and let me tell you, I miss it more than I expected. Those were the kind of days that stick with you.

🕊 Sundays Started with Church

Sunday mornings kicked off with us squirming in the pews, doing our best to keep quiet but failing more often than not. We whispered a little too loud or let out a giggle here and there, trying not to draw attention… but sometimes, it was just impossible to hold it in. People still talk about that one Sunday when we couldn’t hold our laughter, and before we knew it, the whole church was laughing right along with us, though nobody really knew what we were laughing at. Let’s just say my parents weren’t too thrilled about the whole scene, but it sure made for a memorable Sunday.

🌊 Lake Days Were Our Kind of Party

After church wrapped up and lunch was thoroughly eaten, we hurried down to hit the water. We would ski, tube, wipe out, and laugh until our sides hurt. Our jet skis were always revving, ready for the next ride… spinning 360s that had us holding on tight, whooping and hollering all afternoon long. My parents often played beach music, and every time I hear Carolina Girl, it takes me right back to those lake days. I still remember the feeling of my sunburned shoulders and tangled lake hair, and somehow, that felt like summer was supposed to feel.

Tubing was its own kind of thrill. It quickly became my dad’s afternoon mission to see just how high he could launch us off that tube, and if you didn’t get tossed at least once, well, he wasn’t doing his job right. We’d grip that handle like our lives depended on it, screaming, bouncing, and daring each other to hang on just a little longer. Eventually, we’d skid across the water, sometimes tumbling right into the lake with a splash that left us laughing even harder. Dad always accomplished his mission with great satisfaction.

🛥 Pit Stops & Family Drop-Ins

No lake day was complete without a stop at the marina. We’d fuel up the boat, beg our parents for a cold drink to beat the heat and a sweet treat, and catch up with everyone like we were running for mayor. there was always a friendly face or two to chat with. If time allowed, we’d scoot across the lake to my aunt’s house; her dock sat directly across the lake from my parents’ dock. Like clockwork, we’d pull up, tie our boat to her dock, and settle in for a little visit. Sometimes the chats would be quick hellos, other times we’d hang out a bit, swapping stories and soaking up the quiet moments before heading back out on the water. It didn’t matter whether we stayed five minutes or an hour, what mattered was seeing them, getting to spend time with family.

☀️ The Good Stuff

Growing up on the lake was a whole lot of fun and full of memories that stick with you. It meant sun-soaked afternoons, pruned up skin, and laughter echoing across the water. Going out on the lake was always a family adventure, whether we were searching for new places to dock or spotting snakes swimming nearby, every trip brought a little excitement. It truly felt like the best place in the world.

Those lake days left their mark on me… Great memories that are full of warmth, Adventure, and a whole lot of laughter. They taught me to treasure family, embrace freedom, and find joy in the simple things: a boat, a rope, and good company on the water.

These days, I take my kids back to the lake where my parents still live. My dad has picked up right where he left off, trying to toss his grandkids off the tube just like he did with us… and he can’t help but Giggle at every successful splash. We’ve got the sunscreen, The Boat, the wet towels, the giggling kids, the same man behind the wheel of the boat, and a whole lot of chaos… now all we need is the time.