Happy Birthday Grandma

Ten years ago, we were in Mountain Springs for Grandma's 80th birthday.  That get-together followed up two other trips to the Poconos and now it looks like this might be an annual tradition.  The verdict this year - even more fun than last year.

Even though this is a tradition, we may have started some new ones this year.  Like Daniel's haircuts.  Like Donald's birthday celebration!  (and Mary's!)  Like the two-lap, around the lake running race (that Sean won in a last-minute surge.)  Like the next generation dinner!  Like water balloon contests.  I'm sure there were some others but these are what I can remember.

Other highlights?  Hanging at the beach.  Laughing on the porches.  Wildlife - snapping turtles (Andrew some them), snake in the water, spider on the dock, deer drinking water.  Fishing - David caught two large fish, a perch and a bass.  Seeing the progress Matthew is making - what a journey over the past nine months.  

And we talked.  There was talk of house hunting and house moving.  It had to be a welcome reprieve for David and Paula from weeks of packing and rides to the dump and Goodwill.  There was talk of the visit to the water park for Matthew, Tina, Oliver and Donald.  There was talk of a wedding in Portugal!  Talk of those who couldn't join us - Bill and Jen and children and Claire.  Talk of new jobs (Margaret and Sean.)  Talk of travel to Denver (Annie) and to Portland (Margaret) and to Green Lake (Andrew and Lur.)  Talk of books we're reading - Sean may have had the most intimidating book - criminal procedure.

I actually don't remember anyone talking about a certain Presidential candidate.  Okay, just a little.  Okay, quite a bit.

Mary and I talked the whole way home about how fast it went. You know it went well when everyone wants to stay an extra day, and when we sign up already for next year.  

It took us a day or two to unpack.  We got the kabob leftovers (thanks David and Paula, Andrew and Lur) and I made about $5 from bottle and can returns.  

Thanks to everyone who pitched in and made this a great weekend.  Thanks for taking the time and braving the traffic and withstanding the heat.  We love you all.