Gaggle of Geisslers

Well, another fabulous trip to NJ and the lake!!!! And we definitely squeezed as much time out of it as possible. Brett was there for 10 days and the kids and I stayed for 15J

Not everyone was excited for us to go as is evidenced by Walli unpacking my clothes over night before we left…

Friday

We made it and the first order of business was fishing!!!!

Friday night we laid low and after we put the kids to bed we visited with some friends.

Saturday

Saturday we started with more fishing and a big catch.

We also had story time with Uncle Ed. Brett’s Aunt Carol and Uncle Ed delayed their sailing trip to spend the weekend with us which was so nice!!! The kids (and us) loved seeing them.

In the afternoon we headed out for our first day on the beach. And we got our first treat from the soda house!

That evening we went to the fireman’s carnival in Denville. It was a perfect amount of rides and fun for all.

Sunday

Sunday was land events which is a bunch of different activities for the kids and the adults including a bottle fill and egg toss.

Apparently it was too much for the boys:)

Ed and his fish!

In the evening we got all ready for song serviceJ

Monday

It was a bit rainy so Brett, Pat and Owen went out to watch Monsters U while Maddi and I stayed home to relax. She was really relaxed:)

It cleared up a bit later so of course there was time for more fishing. Brett caught a pretty large pickerel.

Tuesday

The rain finally went away so we went to the beach!

We also had our annual chicken parm dinner courstesy of Dale and this year she even made me a gluten free version! It was so yummy and it’s always nice to have everyone gathered around the table.

Brett’s dad Jim arrived which was great since it’s been a year since we last saw himL

Wednesday

Surprisingly, I was able to get some walks in while in NJ. While on one of my walks I ran into my friend Allison who was walking her two dogs (including her new puppy) and her parent’s dog too. They were so cute when swimming together!!!

In the evening there was more fishing and even bigger ones!!!!

Thursday

Happy birthday to our Country!

We celebrated by more fishing, beach time and dinner with family and friends.

We also got to meet our friends Mike and Cindy’s new baby, Molly. So adorable.

Friday

Friday we, you guessed it, went to the beach!

Can’t get enoughJ But apparently Maddi could because she passed out while in the swing. Haha.

Later that day the cousins arrived. Yay! It’s been over a year since we saw them so it was really great to get them all together. The girls especially hit if off second one of their arrival which was so cute.

Brett’s cousins Lindsay and Kerri and their spouses and Kerri’s step-children arrived on Friday to join the festivities!

Saturday

Saturday morning we went to the annual pancake breakfast.

Then of course it was off to the beach where Maddi had fun swinging with Nonni Pat.

And the big news of the day is that Owen learned to swim!!! He has really had all the skills from swimming lessons but lacked the confidence to actually do it. But I guess that spending 3-4 hours a day in the water for 9 straight days helps! SO proud of him:) Sorry...video is sideways.

And Maddi got the confidence to jump off the box herself!

Surprise, surprise, Maddi also wanted to swing. But it was sweet to see AnaKate pushing her.

Molly learned the joy of the swing and also fell asleep in it.

Brett’s Aunt Maggie and Cousin Kristen along with his Uncle Rich and cousin Meghan came for a visit. We hit a new record of 22 people at the house!!!!

Sunday

Sunday morning we had a Geissler family photo shoot. The kids were remarkably well behaved for the 45 minutes and I think we got some great shots. We are still waiting on the photos but here is a sneak peek. I can’t wait to see them!

We spent the day at the beach and then unfortunately had to say goodbye to Brett who had to go back to Houston and back to workL

That night we went to song service where our friend Robin was doing the service. Pat, Owen and I took up the collection which was neat because I’ve never done it in the 16 years we’ve been coming. It was also boat song service which is so special and done once a year. They pull the boats up and put chairs on the beach for the others.

However, right as the service was about to begin, there was thunder and everyone had to get out of their boats. Ironically, the service was about water. And about 5 minutes in the skies opened and a crazy storm let loose. Everyone ran inside with the chairs, etc. as the bottom was dropping off.

And then there was a beautiful sunset in the middle of it all.

Monday

On Monday Pat, myself, Dale, Allison and Robin boarded a bus and headed to Atlantic City!!!! Thanks to the rest of the crew for watching the kiddos.

Tuesday

More fun in the sun and fishing…. And Happy Birthday Nonni Pat! Brett’s brother and his family went into the city for the day and the rest of the family went to a Yankees game so the kids and I hung out with Papa Jim for a quiet eveningJ Which is why I caught up on the blog!

Wednesday

On Wednesday evening the kids spent a lot of time playing together which was really great to see. Uncle Rich’s daughter Becky and her friend also came for a visit. More friends!!!!

Thursday

On Thursday they took my niece into the city to have some minor surgery so all the boys, Maddi, and I hung out and played and then, you guessed it again, went to the beach!!!! It’s a rough life here at the lake…

Friday

Unfortunately it was time to pack up, spend our last few precious hours, and then head to the airport in the evening. CLEARLY they had a good timeJ This was taken about 5 minutes after leaving for the airport…

Already can’t wait for next year! Thanks to everyone for making it a fabulous vacation.

After a crazy May, we kind of laid low in June. Although I did manage to travel 5 cities and 2 countries in 5 days for a quick trip to Chicago and our annual girls trip (with my Mom and MIL) to Stratford, Canada. And Brett took a 5 night trip to Vernal, UT for work (I know you are all jealous.)

But with all of that travel we still managed to have some fun!

Maddi and Mommy Relaxing:)