Pontoon Afternoon

 

Ryan and I have always tried, as much as busy schedules permit, to share our home with others. We’ve done it in a variety of ways, and some seasons lend themselves to hospitality more than others.

                One of our goals for this summer is to slow down and enjoy the lake as much as we can, because…it’s the lake! It’s meant to be enjoyed! But we also hope to share this space with others as often as we can, and this week, we had our first chance to do it!

                Last summer, after the pontoon came to live here, Ryan offered to have the Swiss Village residents come over for a boat ride. They did, they loved it, and the activities department asked about doing it again this year. We put a date on the calendar and then watched with much nervousness as warm weather did NOT arrive in any quick fashion, and we feared our guests might have to wear snowsuits on the boat!

                Alas, the Lord was so gracious to give us a warm (hot!) and sunny day, and we had about 20 people show up on two buses to spend the afternoon here with us, enjoying patio and pontoon time.

                We scattered camping chairs around the patio, supplementing our own furniture, and everyone found a seat – most in the shade. We passed out water bottles and homemade cookie bars, and Ryan rounded up the first half of the residents to take a couple of laps around the lake. Then they returned, switched places with the patio crew, and the second half toured the lake.

                I was so happy that my parents came along. Originally they hadn’t planned to, so others could have a chance, but when they added the second bus, they signed up. (Mom forgot her sunglasses, so she wore mine. Pretty stylin’!)

                My favorite part of the entire day was seeing their joy. Several of the residents used to have boats and/or lake homes, and they miss them. It was fun to see them enjoying a slice of that life again.

                My other favorite part of the day was hearing the residents share how much they love Ryan, his encouraging smile, and his helpful attitude. Proud wife, right here!

                Lexi’s favorite part of the day was seeing her grandpa. Those two. 😊 I was pretty sure Dad didn’t even want to go on the boat, because it meant leaving Lexi back on shore while he was gone.

                After everyone left and we cleaned up the chairs and the food, Ryan took Lexi and me out for a private cruise, because there wasn’t room for us earlier! We had the best time!

                So grateful to share our home and pontoon!