The Biker Dudes at The Prouty

Despite the chaotic start (packing snacks, dressing kids, putting the bike trailer and and bikes in the car, getting everyone in the car), we did arrive at the event around 9:00 AM. We then unpacked humans, bikes, and snacks, and rode to the Hanover Middle School where the event started. The weather was wonderful, and there were people everywhere!

We headed out on Route 10 toward Lyme, NH around 10 AM. Once we arrived in Lyme Center, we took a break; there was an official stop where the event had snacks, drinks, and port - a - potties. Ella had the pleasure of using her first port - a - potty today. Needless to say, she wasn't very impressed with the view upon entering it. We did persevere, and I explained to her that one just hasn't lived until using a port - a - potty in summer heat.


Here are the cheerleaders all filled up with watermelon and Gatorade before departing Lyme to conclude our ride back to Hanover. Matt ended up pulling Ella and Colin for the full 25 miles, and he was cruising at a very comfortable pace despite the extra 75 pound luggage! I was responsible for riding in front of Matt to allow him to "draft" off me (biker lingo)!


Here we are at the finish line. We finished up around noon time, and then helped ourselves to all the delicious food made available. Ella and Colin did some serious dancing, as there was a great band playing at the event, and Ella got her face painted before we headed home. We then had to pack up and ride back to where we parked our car. Despite some small obstacles, we had a fantastic ride and time together. We also took a moment to be thankful for our health and happiness on this day. The Prouty has taken place for over two decades in order to raise money for the Cancer Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock. Seeing pictures of sick children and adults and reading stories of parents who have had to witness their children undergo chemotherapy, really had me kiss Ella and Colin over and over again. There was so much to celebrate today - health, happiness for my family, the support we received from our family and friends for today and the hope that someday there will be a cure for cancer. I send my strength and love to those I know who have lost their lives to cancer.


Thank you to our family and friends who donated money to this event in support of our ride.
We will certainly be part of this wonderful event next year - and who knows - maybe we will shoot for the 50 mile event!

Lake Winnipesaukee

We packed our bags, dropped Moose off at his hotel, and headed up to Gilford last Friday. We stayed with Matt's parents Friday evening and enjoyed a relaxing day playing outside. Matt's parents also spoiled us with a delicious dinner that evening. Matt's dad got a new tractor, and here is Ella trying it out. Colin would have nothing to do with the tractor as of yet!

Ella and Gramma made tractor pancakes Saturday morning. We ate until our bellies were ready to explode!


We then packed up again and headed to Gilford Beach. This is the beach that both Matt and I went to during our childhood. It is also the place where we lifeguarded together (I couldn't find any pictures of us sportin' the lifeguard look.) for a couple of summers. We had a beautiful day, and Ella and Colin dug in the sand and splashed in the water until they could no longer keep their eyes open. It is evident in the photo that the kids are certainly not interested in sitting still for a photo opportunity.

We then headed to Mimi's house for some rest and relaxation. We were spoiled once again at my mom's house; she made us a wonderful dinner and then celebrated the Fourth of July with some good old fashioned sparklers!

The following day we rented a boat to spend out on the lake with Mimi and Matt's parents. The weather couldn't have been better! Here is our captain, Matt, navigating the waters! I was able to water ski, which was such a treat for me. And Ella and I took a tube ride on the same tube my sister and I used to ride on when we were little. Gramma Maher even took a turn! Later on in the day, we went to Wolfeboro for some lunch, and then explored the lake for the remainder of the day.


Some of the passengers managed to sneak in a little nap despite the rough waters!


Colin was soaking up the scenery; we must have heard the words "boat" and "water" a million times that day . . .


Here is Colin helping me steer the boat back to the dock. Our day had to come to a grinding halt at 4:30 PM. I think we are going to rent a boat again before the summer ends!!??


We also wanted to share a picture of the house we decided to purchase while on vacation (it is just a small additional mortgage payment). We decided that this house would accommodate all our friends and family for future vacations. Missing from the picture are two boats (one is a pontoon party boat and the other is a ski boat), a large raft, lawn furniture, large BBQ grill, and several beach toys.