Swimming at Jordan

A few weeks ago - enjoying one of our favorite little places in Durham - this beautiful beach at Jordan Lake. Willie is always excited to show off his amazing swimming skills and it's been a great place to beat the heat. We are still having fun playing with our new camera - I start my photography class on Monday which should be fun.

Have a great weekend!

Great 4th of July and all I have are these lame pics?

Our favorite campsite

Such a tired pup (and full truck!)

We decided to go camping for the July 4th holiday at our favorite campsite at Jordan Lake. Even though it was pretty hot, we had a breeze the entire weekend and it was very comfortable even at night. We set up camp on Wednesday night and then invited friends Maria & Justin out for dinner on Thursday. Friday was a fun day with Willie on the lake. Chad and his dog Bo joined us, so Willie had a playmate. Trisha and Justin came out for dinner and camping Friday night. Such a fun night filled with card games, swimming and sitting around the fire.

Saturday we traveled north to another lake, meeting some of Doug's work friends for a great day and great cookout. Doug went tubing and I even skied once (it's been so long since I had been up on skis!) Willie enjoyed all the new people willing to throw the ball endlessly for him. Back at our campsite, we enjoyed a low key night and even some fireworks that were visible over the lake.

We packed up to go home on Sunday - which is when I finally remembered to take a few photos! I have never seen Willie more tired - I think he swam for three days straight. We had a wonderful holiday weekend, hope you did, too!

Camping in August?

Doug setting up the tent
View of the lake from our site
Beautiful sunset Friday night
Our new favorite campfire recipe, Ziplock Omelettes

We played keep away from Willie for hours on Saturday. He never got tired of swimming back and forth between the two people played catch. I think he swam for 3 hours straight.

Considering how hot it can be in August, it was literally a breath of fresh air to have cooler temperatures last week. Doug was able to switch his call schedule and have the entire weekend off to go Camping!

Camping is one of our favorite things to do together and we don't get to go nearly enough. I had Friday off (my last Green Friday), so I went early in the morning to claim our campsite on the Jordan Lake. We were able to get the best spot- so beautiful!

Our friend Chad and his dog joined us for most of the weekend festivities- there was plenty of campfires, food, dog playing and lake swimming. We had such a nice relaxing weekend.

Best Buds at the Lake

Willie, Bo, Elise, Chad & Doug. Teaching Bo to fetch
Stealing the ball from Willie
Both pups - with Willie mid shake
Willie getting a jump on keep away
Action shot of Bo attacking Willie to confiscate the ball

We had such a great time at the lake last weekend with Doug's family that we headed back to Jordan Lake this Sunday with our friends Chad and Elise. Chad's dog - Bo Jackson- came along for a dog/fetch afternoon.

Bo is a recent rescue from the same shelter as Willie and he is slowly adjusting to his new life. During this afternoon, Bo learned to swim and play tennis ball fetch. He also proved how smart he is, by waiting for Willie to fetch the ball and then attacking him to steal the ball. Much less effort.

Willie also likes to play "keep away" when we throw the football back and forth. Bo got into this game, too. But instead of chasing the football - he was chasing Willie.

It was a great day - beautiful weather, nice breeze and a great way to spend the afternoon with friends.

Truly Burgess Central

Our house was truly Burgess Central this past weekend, when we hosted Doug's mom, grandmother, Aunt and cousin. Well, they are from that side of our family, though all of their last names aren't Burgess.

We picked up Connie & Marie from the airport on Friday afternoon and Kim & Drew met us at the house - we were a stop on their road trip. We went out to dinner on Friday night in Chapel Hill and visited. The family met Willie & he was on his best behavior.

Saturday morning, we started out with our favorite diner breakfast at Elmo's and then showed everyone around Duke - both the campus and the hospital. We then picked up BBQ for a late lunch and went to a Durham Bulls Game that evening.

Duke Hopsital

All of us walking in Duke Garden

Always see Brides getting photos in the Garden

Doug took this pic in the lily pond.

Drew, Kim, Connie & me.

Yes, it's a Saturn

Drew & Doug, doing the Bull horns

All the ladies- not quite as good at the horns...

Sunday was a slightly less busy day - we loaded up the SUV and went to Jordan Lake. Doug, Drew, Willie and I all played in the water - while the ladies enjoyed the breeze and beautiful views at the lake. We cooked a big family dinner that evening and celebrated a great visit. On Monday everyone left, leaving a very sad Willie with much less attention at our house.

Willie & Drew - ready to go swimming.

Willie playing fetch in the lake. He had so much fun.

All of us in the water.

Wet nose

We took Willie to Jordan Lake on Friday evening - which gave him an opportunity to do the two things he loves simultaneously - chase tennis balls & swim.

Jordan Lake with Willie

Wet, tired dog.

Throw the tennis ball!

Chasing Doug down the beach.

We had a fun weekend with Willie, introducing him to swimming. He is a natural in the water - it just took him a few minutes until he was charging into the lake, chasing his tennis ball.