home

After over 7 hours of driving today, we are home.....I am so excited to sleep in my own bed tonight. And I think Elle would agree. 

4th of July was spent at my parents lake and although I loved seeing all of my family members, pretty much my Mom's entire family, we are exhausted. The lake house is work. For 27 years of my life it was 100% enjoyment, now I know why....Mom and Dad did all of the work and we were just there to enjoy ourselves. When it was time to leave, we just left. Boy, has that changed. We are now second home owners and everything that comes along with it. I never wanted a second home this early on in life. I still thought I had many more years of just enjoying it. I so appreciate, now more then ever, my parents for putting on these amazing weekends for so many years. They never complained, they just loved being together with family and friends. I seriously think my Dad was "magic" as my Uncle Jimmy put it.  

I felt as if I could never sit down. There was always something to be cleaned, cooked, washed or put away. Not to mention doing it all with a 5 month year old, who still hadn't fully recovered yet.  

Ted and Matt worked outside for hours, put the motor on the boat only to take a few spins around the lake. The weather was absolutely perfect though. It was clear and sunny the entire weekend. 

My Grandpa loved having most of children and grandchildren/great grandchildren at the lake. It was so much fun showing my cousin Tracy and her husband "up-north", with living in Texas, they have heard so much about this place but had yet to experience it. 

Not only did we have perfect weather, perfect food and perfect company, Ted and I got a perfect surprise. One of our best friends-Josh came up on Saturday and made a surprise entrance. We enjoyed his company and we're very thankful to have spent 4th of July with him. He normally is at the Bay in Canada with his entire Family. We got him this year! 

Before heading back to Cincinnati, we did have to make one final stop. Wyandotte, MI. My Aunt and Uncle threw Grandpa O a 90th birthday party. He was on the porch, in a wheelchair, very peacefully smiling. "Happy Birthday Grandpa, I so wish your Son, my Dad was here to witness this. You have lived a wonderful life. Stay here, as long as you can. We love you. "

All my love, 

Melissa