A Very Happy Birthday, Matt!

Hi everyone, Suzy2 here. After being featured on Woody Boater over the years with Hank, this is my first time ever actually joining in on the fun here!

Matt has unknowingly handed over the blog today for his birthday post. Surprise! So take it easy on me. I can’t promise any deep dives on boat varnish or the latest rare barn find, but I can share a little about what it’s like boating with the family… dogs included. While I’m very very rarely the one at the helm, I’m always more than happy to be along for the ride, enjoying the sun, the scenery, and of course the dogs!

Last year, when we moved back to the U.S. after more than a decade away, we spent a month with my in-laws. It was the perfect homecoming, with afternoons on the water, evenings spent chasing the best light, and plenty of those magical sunset cruises Matt is always ready for. Sunsets have always been one of my favorite things in life, and there is truly nothing quite like watching one on the water. It really might be one of my top requirements as Hank and I try and decide where we want to live.

It was also our dog Ziggy’s first real taste of boat life after growing up in a city. At first, he wasn’t so sure about the whole moving-floor thing (he may have crawled into my lap more than a few times). But by the end of week two, he had settled into the rhythm, leaning into the wind like he had been doing it forever. He is a water dog after all!

Meanwhile, it took nearly the full month for Mr. B to decide Ziggy was worth his friendship. Just as they finally warmed up to each other, it was time for Hank and I to head out to Colorado to spend some time with my family. We’re planning on spending a month (or two… or three…) with Matt and Suzy this fall, so hopefully B and Ziggy will pick up right where they left off. And hopefully sweet Poppy will warm up to him a little faster!

But enough about the dogs!

I am grateful for every single moment on the water with my in-laws. They make space for joy in the little things, whether it is a good meal, a spontaneous ride, or a quiet moment watching the light change over the water. Being with them always reminds me that the best days are often the simplest ones. I cannot wait for some more of those days very soon. I know Matt isn’t the biggest fan of the term “in law”, so for now I will just say that I’m beyond grateful to have married into this wacky, fun family and to have gained another amazing dad. So let’s all celebrate Matt today and get out on the water!

Happy Birthday Matt!