Lake Pontusak...

Just when I think I've got the best job on the planet something new happens that makes me continue to pinch myself! My boss, Gary, recently bought a house on Lake Pontusak in Pittsfield, MA and was so generous to let us use it for a week last August. It was the perfect house sitting on such a beautiful plot overlooking a gorgeous lake - we couldn't get over how amazing it was.

On top of the wonderful accommodations he also has just about every toy you could imagine to use on the water - kayaks, paddle boards, a pontoon boat, jet ski, tubes, rafts, noodles, and not one, but two, gigantic pink flamingo floats.

The boys took full advantage of all those toys - swimming in that water from sun up to sun down. Adam amazed me with his paddle boarding skills and he was also kind enough to take Harper on some kayak adventures as well. I think lake life suits Adam just fine.

Happy hours on the pontoon boat with fresh lobster, wine and an assortment of cheese were a nightly affair. I know Andy loves his Boston Whalers but pontoon life is something I can truly get on board with (see what I did there.)

The weather was amazing - sweatshirts for coffee on the deck in the morning and again for wine on the deck in the evenings - when I can find sweatshirt weather in August I'm happy.

Being in Massachusetts meant close to the Greeley side of the family and we were lucky to get to see Uncle Bob and Uncle Jack for some fun on the water and lunch one day. They hadn't met Harper so it was a thrill to get to introduce him. Meanwhile, Adam and Uncle Jack hit it off and became quick friends - they even went off on a kayak ride together and returned nearly an hour later. Turns out they had quite a nice conversation - with Adam doing a bulk of the talking - no surprise there.

Sadie may have had the best time of all. She spent her days running around the big backyard, chasing tennis balls, jumping in the water whenever she pleased, boat rides, and some other dogs to play with as well.

This trip was just what we needed after the heartbreak we experienced at the beginning of the summer. Our hearts continued to heal as we spent time enjoying every single moment together.

Shon & Madison Come to Visit...Part II

For day two of our adventures with our visitors we decided to take them to Harper's Ferry for some sightseeing, history and an epic hike. It had been a few years since we'd headed that way and Adam was for sure excited about the hike - not sure what it is about a hike but he just loves them - now, ask him to go for a walk around the neighborhood with me and forget it - sigh. 

We didn't have a real plan in mind when we got started but that's kind of how the best days start. So off we went on the trails with Sadie in tow (Andy & Harper stayed behind at home) and before we knew it the woods and trail led us to the heart of downtown Harper's Ferry. Ever the history buff and learner, Shon was excited to take in all the information he could - he even took the kids in to watch a movie about Harper's Ferry - while Sadie and I just sat in the shade and rested our legs. 

We found a fun spot for lunch that allowed dogs in their outdoor dining area - they even brought a bowl of water for Sadie. Fueled up and rested we were ready to work our way back to the car. We took in some more of the sights first and then found our way to the Appalachian Trail which may or may not have been the quickest route - but I think we all enjoyed the scenery and the extra muscle it took to work our way up and down the trail. 

When all was said and done we'd hiked over six miles - we had tired kids (one of whom slept on the ride home) and a happy but exhausted pup. For the parents - great memories of a day spent among the woods and history with our kids.  

Shon & Madison Come to Visit...Part I

It's always fun when friends from out of town come to visit - gives us a good excuse to play tourist and tour guide in our own backyard - something we don't do nearly enough. So when one of my very best friends, Shon, let me know that he and his daughter, Madison, were headed our way for a mini-summer vacation we were thrilled to say the least. Seemed only fair to host them for a change seeing as we've been to their house in Charleston numerous times. 

Now I'm not saying that we tried to out do them - but we did wait for their flight to land at Reagan from the Potomac River - and right after catching their plane on camera as it made it's decent Harper and I jumped from the boat to the car and picked them up right as they were walking out - eat your heart out Uber! 

From there it was back to the river where we took them on a fun boat ride down to Old Town Alexandria. We had an awesome lunch which included some oysters on the half shell - surprisingly one of Adam's favorite treats. 

After lunch we got back out on the water and took them for a little sight seeing of DC from the boat. They got to see the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center, and Georgetown. Not a bad way to take in our Nation's Capitol. 

Back home we had planned a crab feast and Shon was even nice enough to jump in and make some pizzas to throw on the grill. It was a fun first day with our friends and we were looking forward to more fun to come...