The Zim Life: Bozman 2013

Another wonderful Bozman Invitational in the books for our growing family of 12. Our annual bay weekend at the DeOreo Lackritz bay house started I believe 5 years ago when we were all freshly married or engaged. Back then, we would lay by the pool, play yard games, drink beers, have a nice dinner out on the town, and laugh our way through the weekend together. Now that a few additional creatures have joined the party (Ben, Ella and Sophie), we still do all those things, but we do so while chasing around curious little toddlers.

Adam’s high school crew makes up the core of the Bozman posse - Danny, Evan, Andy H. and Andy Z. Julia, married to Any H., also went to high school with the boys, so she is very familiar with their shenanigans.

Amazing close, these guys have stayed close through college, stood proudly next to one another at their weddings, cherished their love for New York sports together (although we do have some traders in the group), celebrated fatherhood aside each other, and still act like teenagers after a few beers. It is extremely special to have close friends that you have known for so long. There is a sense of comfort when we are all together. Completely forgot to get a group picture this year - DAMN!

We arrived Friday and left Sunday morning. During the day we played croquet, bocce ball, hung by the pool, watched the kids explore the bay, took millions of pictures, and caught up on our lives – which seems to change dramatically month to month in this phase of life.

Ella had a wonderful time. She slept through the night fine but would only take an hour nap (she needs about 2/2.5). Since we were on vacation, I didn’t push her. I had confidence that she would eventually get used to it, and she did. By the second leg our trip she was back to two hours naps.

Ella loved the bay house. Her most favorite activity was swinging from an old oak tree overlooking the water. She loved how far she could travel and the effect of feeling like she was gliding over the water (which I assure you she was not!). When she was letting the other kids have turns, she was playing the pool, running around the yard, drawing on the chalkboard, or just playing around the house.

I always leave Bozman wishing we could spend more time with our New York crew. It also reminds me that although DC can sometimes seem far away, we are only 20 min. from Danny and Sarah, so we MUST be better at getting together more regularly.

Fantastic weekend all around! Thanks again for the hospitality, Sarah and Danny. This yearly tradition means a lot to all of us.