Letter 06: Summer Starts at the Pool
There’s something special about the start of summer — the way the light stretches longer into the evening, the scent of sunscreen lingering in the air, and the sound of kids laughing as they cannonball into the water. In our family, summer doesn’t really begin until the pool becomes part of our daily rhythm.
For us, that place is Rancho Swim and Tennis Club. It’s more than just a pool — it’s become part of our family tradition. The kids bike or scooter there almost every day now, sun on their shoulders and towels in tow. Watching them carve out this routine, building independence and confidence with every ride, takes me right back to my own childhood. I used to do the exact same thing.
These early summer weeks are some of the most memorable. Friend circles shift slightly from season to season — a new face at the pool, a neighbor’s cousin visiting for the week — but the laughter, the games, the impromptu swim races? That’s timeless. The kids come home a little tanner, a little more tired, and a lot happier. That tan isn’t just a sign of sunshine — it’s proof they’ve been living fully, outdoors and in community.
What’s even more meaningful is watching how far they’ve come. I still remember the days when water safety was a worry, when we hovered nearby with outstretched arms and nervous smiles. Now, they dive in confidently. Swimming laps, playing confidently in the deep end — it’s more than fun. It’s skill-building. It’s freedom. And it’s a quiet reassurance that they’ll be safe in bigger waters, like the ocean.
California gives us the gift of seasons, even in its own subtle way. And here in Lamorinda, we get to experience the shift — not just in temperature, but in tempo. The school-year structure gives way to slower mornings, spontaneous plans, and long afternoons in the sun. It’s a rhythm that allows our kids to grow into themselves and allows us, as parents, to savor it all just a little more.
A Quick Announcement We’re Excited to Share…
Because Rancho means so much to our family — and has played such a big role in our summer traditions — we’ve decided to sponsor the pool this year. It’s our way of giving back to a place that’s given our kids memories, milestones, and confidence.
We believe deeply in supporting the spaces that help build strong, happy communities — and Rancho has been that place for so many of us. We’re proud to contribute to keeping it vibrant, safe, and fun for the next wave of swimmers, bikers, and cannonballers.
We’re grateful — for this place, for these routines, and for the chance to build memories that will last well beyond the summer.
Because when home is lived by heart, summer is more than a season. It’s a tradition in the making.
From the Heart,
Nin Tang