Summertime Goodness

Happy Summer!  I have been better about taking pictures so you're welcome or I'm sorry!  Our summer has been full so far.  Full of slow days at home, day trips to see friends and family, and LOTS of time out on the water!  I feel like each summer has a bit of a theme and so far this summer's theme is FISHING.  Man oh man Luke is into fishing Big Time.  He comes by it naturally of course (thanks, Shesh!) and he would happily fish for HOURS.  We recently found a new spot on the river and have been there many times since.  We are fortunate to have the river (2 actually), the lake, and of course our neighborhood creek nearby to fill our little fisherman's needs.  His friends often join him and he has had "shop hours" where he has fixed some of the neighborhood gang's poles for them.  That little fishing nook he created for himself in the garage a while ago is being used daily.  Here are some photos to give you a glimpse of the Team Tully summer so far:

Summertime reading while having breakfast in bed.  He's kind of a prince!

 

A quick trip north to visit Evelyn and Amelia (and Daney and James). Look how big Miss Amelia is getting!  Just the happiest little lady. 

 

And this big girl!  Evelyn is so much fun! 

 

Needless to say Luke was in high demand. 

 

Love Does. I walk the dog super early and when I get back this is what awaits me...I just need to press 'brew'.  It's the little things..so sweet! 

 

Summertime means I feed whoever is at the house at lunchtime.  Sometimes it is just Luke but usually it is a crowd (yesterday there were 8 of them!).  This was a smaller group...only needing the kitchen table and not the dining room.  I love it, especially the lunch table conversations...you just never know what you'll hear!  Ha!!!
 

Luke and Jed attended a fly fishing clinic in the upstate.  They learned how to make and tie flies.  They learned about river conditions and fish types best for fly fishing and they also went out and learned the art of casting a fly rod.  They loved it!

We thought they would be the only kids but this class was 4 kids and only 2 adults.  So fun!  

 

Luke has outgrown his kid kayak so he has moved up to using the adult one.  L and I manned the canoe and we headed out to the river for a fishing adventure.  I caught nothing.  L got one and Luke caught a bunch.  We had an awesome time!  The river water is freezing which actually feels amazing with the temperatures we have been having this summer. 

 

You wouldn't believe how many attempts this took and believe it or not this is the best one!  Ha!  

 

Such a fun day!

 

This ridiculous photo is a glimpse into the 'real' summer life.  L came home from a morning workout with his buddies to this...in rapid succession he laughed, shook his head, and took a photo of me doing the complete opposite of working out!  Sometimes you just need to start your day lying in the middle of the floor petting your dog...I don't see anything strange about it. 

 

Luke turned 13.  Thirteen.  A teenager.  So crazy!  We were at the lake by 8:30am to fish per the birthday boy's request.  We were home for lunch and then birthday brownies and time at the pool with the neighborhood boy gang.  Asian food for dinner and a Pokemon tournament to round out this kid's special day! 

 

One of our very favorite days every summer is meeting up with the gorgeous Retey family for a day at the water park!  Gosh, we love this crew!  Because the kiddos are all self sufficient and make their way from ride to ride on their own Lisa and I had lots of time to chat and catch up.  We talk almost daily but being together in person is just the greatest! 

My friend Steph got up 'extra' early to meet me for a Friday morning paddle on the river.  We had the best time!  There is something about being out on the water before the fog breaks that is just so good for the soul.  Plus, Steph is hilarious and my laughter could probably be heard for miles.  She is also a great photographer so thank you Steph for the action shot!

 

 My favorite kayaker!  Thankful for friends who let us use their lakefront property and dock for a morning of kayaking and fishing fun!

We are far less successful lake fishing than river fishing but Luke did snag a couple fish from the kayak.  We definitely enjoyed our summer morning on the dock!

Summer days out on the water give way to evening game nights.  Love.

 

 It's the end of an era...

Luke got this kayak for his 7th birthday.  He sold it to friends of ours on his 13th birthday.  This kayak is covered with stickers of places Luke has been in those 6 years. They tell a story of travel, adventure, experience, and memories that will hopefully last a lifetime.  We took oodles of pictures so that he can look back on a childhood of wandering and wondering. 

 

Happy Birthday, Luke! We love you!!