Friday morning began with waking long before the birds began sounding. Rita and Mike Bomholt picked me up at 4 AM with three of their four sons following in a second vehicle. We headed toward the Cincinnati airport to retrieve Joshua and David who would arrive from Los Angeles. Rita and Mike were a part of Josh’s God Parent Team with several other couples and individuals.

We grabbed The Boys and headed back to Cincy for a very fun, animated breakfast that produced lots of laughter. After breakfast, we moved on to Auburn Avenue to visit President William Howard Taft’s birthplace. It was a very nice tour and I always love seeing what has been accomplished with continuing the exploration of Taft’s life and family.

I felt up to the task of hiking and while the heat and threat of sporadic rain held off, we explored the top of Mount Adams before grabbing lunch at a nice bar and grill.

Back to the lower level of Cincinnati, we all appreciated the Claude Monet Immersive Experience. I had wanted to attend the Van Gogh exhibit when it was in Columbus (I think), and thoroughly loved Monet’s work. It is impressive how legendary art and current technology can come together.

Dinner at the Hofbrau House is always a fun event. Over at The Levee of Newport, we took a brief walk, as were so many others who were dining and strolling.

It was a beautiful day, and while I wished it could have lasted longer, my body could take no more. I may have nodded off on the ride home and was in bed by 11 PM. Since Jacob, a former Canine Crew member, was home for the weekend, he offered to stay with the dogs. Although they love Jacob, they were thrilled to see me.

Make it a great day!

PHOTOS: Mount Adams