Week 25-26 - East Coast

So much for consistency. We knew it was going to be crazy during the summer, but don't lose FAITH!

Where do I start? Well last we left off, we were on the wedding circuit. Shortly after the weddings we squeezed in a couple of days of work and then it was out of town again. This time it was to western Massachusetts to gather with Sarah's extended family.

Each year in the summer we head to New England for a long weekend of family and fun. Sarah's family has had a house up there since the 1700's. It's in the quaint little Berkshire Mountain town of Ashfield. I'm not sure what the population is, but it can't be above 1000. Let me give you a rundown of the activities each year:

1. Golf at the Ashfield Golf Club - That's right, they have a golf course. Augusta National and Bethpage Black have nothing on this course. The Ashfield course is 9-holes and on the side of a mountain. Even a straight tee shot is not straight enough to keep it in the fairway. I lose at least 7 balls a round. Thanks to Walt, Sarah's dad, for providing a steady stream of Srixons

1st Tee Box

1st Hole

2. Country Pie - The most delicious pizza I have ever put in my mouth. Who knew it was in Ashfield, MA.

Enjoying Country Pie Around the Table!

3. Tennis - This is where Walt and I escape each each day to get out of the fray. We average 3-4 sets a day before heading to the Lake House (local watering hole)

4. Grill and Chill - You know...kind of like the Dairy Queen, but Ashfield style. When we aren't eating Country Pie pizza, we are cooking burgers, chicken, anything that we are able to grill. While we do that we enjoy sitting around the fire pit and catching up with everyone.

party on the front lawn!

our version of the beach :)

5. Elmer's - The country store that serves breakfast. Some of the best pancakes in America. Because of the fresh maple syrup up there.

view of Elmer's from our front lawn - just have to cross the highway :)

6. Run to Shelburn and 4th of July Parade - Each year we make the 8 mile run down the mountain to the next town...Shelburn Falls...for their annual parade. (this year some bikers went too!) The run is always a good prelude for the big eating day on the 4th. The parade is...well...very Massachusettes. Lots of emergency vehicles with their sirens on, but the kids love the free candy.

Runners before the race

Bikers before the race

Finishing up!

resting

parade time!

dad biked all the way UP the mountain and never stood up from the seat!  mission accomplished.

7. Etc. - swimming in the lake, water balloons, human pyramids, Boo the dog, Mr. Whitney, Northampton Coffee Shop (Smoothest Cappucinno Ever!!!), Williamsburg General Store and more...It's like summer camp all over.

Just to round out the annual trip. Here is quick look at where everyone comes from:
Fisers - Memphis, TN
Sarah's Parents - Denver, CO
Sarah's Sister - Chicago, IL
Conn Family (Aunt/Uncle/Cousins) - Charlotte, NC
Fadar Family (Aunt/Uncle/Cousins) - Old Lyme, CT
Doug (Uncle) - Chicago, IL
Brooks...Occasionally (Cousin) - New York, NY

It's a great annual tradition that I have really enjoyed being a part of. It is one of the highlights of the year for us!

West coast in a day or two....this post is getting too long!!