I wanted to do something different for my 30th birthday: to be outside, to be surrounded by friends, and to have an activity we could all participate in.

When I was little, my parents used to take my brother and I canoeing down the Concord River.  We would have a picnic at the Old North Bridge, and our dog, Clover, used to come along.  I have really fond memories of those trips, and over the years I’ve brought a few select folks to have similar adventures with me.

Dana and Molly, picnicking way back when

Molly and Rachel N, canoeing in July 2004 (Ashley M. was there too, she took this picture!)

So what better way to celebrate a new century than to revisit a childhood activity!

Matthew coordinated everyone, and we all set out to the Charles River and paddled to a little picnic area, where still more friends joined us.

The whole crew!

A cookie cake, made by Adriel

It was really wonderful.  A hot and dreamy day. We all came together, and moved at our own pace:  Lazy paddling, exploring lily pads, toddlers chasing balls, delicious pot-luck dishes.  It was just what I had hoped for!