{"id":142377,"date":"2024-08-03T16:16:06","date_gmt":"2024-08-03T21:16:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/?p=142377"},"modified":"2024-08-03T16:20:07","modified_gmt":"2024-08-03T21:20:07","slug":"pontoon-adventure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/pontoon-adventure\/","title":{"rendered":"Pontoon Porch Unforgettable Lake Monona Adventure: GiGi&#8217;s Playhouse Boating Experience for 40 Friends"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Boat.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"597\" height=\"361\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Boat.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142391\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Boat.jpg 597w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Boat-300x181.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 597px) 100vw, 597px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We had the most unforgettable morning spent on the Pontoon Porch out on Lake Monona with 40 our Playhouse friends. Picture this: a warm, sunny day, calm waters, and the perfect setting for our Playhouse community to come together and make some unforgettable memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our Playhouse received an incredible gift from Joe at the Pontoon Porch\u2014a morning out on the lake! Joe generously donated the two hour ride, and we ended up having 40 of our Playhouse friends and their families join in the fun.  <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/joe-and-nelle.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"351\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/joe-and-nelle.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/joe-and-nelle.jpg 350w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/joe-and-nelle-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/joe-and-nelle-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Captain Joe and Nelle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The day started with everyone gathering at the dock, and you could just feel the excitement in the air. Some of our friends had never been on a boat before, and the looks on their faces when they stepped onto the pontoon were priceless. We all settled in, found our spots, and set off on what would be a morning to remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Ian.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"267\" height=\"411\" data-id=\"142392\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Ian.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Ian.png 267w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Ian-195x300.png 195w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/K.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"312\" height=\"298\" data-id=\"142393\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/K.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142393\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/K.png 312w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/K-300x287.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 312px) 100vw, 312px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As we cruised along, the water was so calm it looked like glass. It was the perfect setup for a laid-back morning on the lake with comfy seats, snacks and refreshments, sunshine and good friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the highlights was when we pulled up to a shallow beach area. The water was so inviting, and before long,  many were splashing around and cooling off. Some of our friends were a bit hesitant at first, but with a little encouragement, they bravely took the plunge. It was so heartwarming to see them overcome their fears and enjoy the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/caleb.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"207\" data-id=\"142398\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/caleb.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142398\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Cindy-water.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"347\" height=\"390\" data-id=\"142400\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Cindy-water.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Cindy-water.jpg 347w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Cindy-water-267x300.jpg 267w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 347px) 100vw, 347px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Cindy.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"227\" height=\"327\" data-id=\"142399\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Cindy.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Cindy.png 227w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/Cindy-208x300.png 208w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 227px) 100vw, 227px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/lily.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"338\" height=\"341\" data-id=\"142401\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/lily.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142401\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/lily.jpg 338w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/lily-297x300.jpg 297w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/lily-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 338px) 100vw, 338px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/matt-water.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"242\" height=\"342\" data-id=\"142397\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/matt-water.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/matt-water.png 242w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/matt-water-212x300.png 212w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 242px) 100vw, 242px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As we floated back to the dock, there was this wonderful sense of togetherness. It\u2019s moments like these that make you realize how special our community is. GiGi\u2019s Playhouse is all about creating opportunities for families to come together, support each other, and have experiences they might not otherwise get to have. Whether it&#8217;s educational programs, social activities, or fun outings like this, GiGi\u2019s serves the entire family, making sure everyone feels included and valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We can&#8217;t thank Joe at the Pontoon Porch enough for his generosity. He gave us more than just a boat ride; he gave us a chance to connect, to laugh, and to make memories that will last a lifetime. It\u2019s people like Joe and the spirit of giving that make our world a brighter place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We even had a few friends take the wheel and drive the pontoon! You can see the pure joy and a little bit of awe at being in control of the boat. It was such a confidence booster for them, and we all loved having guest captains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/coleman.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"283\" height=\"232\" data-id=\"142395\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/coleman.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142395\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/matt.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"325\" height=\"367\" data-id=\"142396\" src=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/matt.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-142396\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/matt.png 325w, https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/files\/2024\/08\/matt-266x300.png 266w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As we wrapped up our morning, there was a lot of talk about when we could do it all again. And who knows? Maybe this will become a new tradition for us. One thing&#8217;s for sure\u2014we&#8217;ll be talking about this day for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you haven\u2019t yet experienced the magic of GiGi\u2019s Playhouse, we encourage you to check us out. It&#8217;s a place where families find support, children and adults with Down syndrome find empowerment, and everyone finds joy. And sometimes, if you&#8217;re lucky, you find yourself on a pontoon, soaking up the sun and feeling grateful for the beautiful community around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/media\/set\/?set=a.812080064412971&amp;type=3&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXf9jGAI5msQr3aV3z2sy95KauD4FG2pxfuboXdIrulD3fe85bqyynanCyMQ45hXTiNOjWycako-XyPqhGaTJ_cRHpNccMU3m7HnWXy_0eq4cGbP6RNxsl5f7rDmPQOPV_Uh82RNryYbZSivyqM225iTMc9h7IrjTVnfF4Gm_MsbU6qdlFa0AHPxkqKDn4t6rbQAs5DWzKM9n1jhkx9_fqMoThzHmLW42idTB-9gaJapw&amp;__tn__=-UK-R\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/media\/set\/?set=a.812080064412971&amp;type=3&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXf9jGAI5msQr3aV3z2sy95KauD4FG2pxfuboXdIrulD3fe85bqyynanCyMQ45hXTiNOjWycako-XyPqhGaTJ_cRHpNccMU3m7HnWXy_0eq4cGbP6RNxsl5f7rDmPQOPV_Uh82RNryYbZSivyqM225iTMc9h7IrjTVnfF4Gm_MsbU6qdlFa0AHPxkqKDn4t6rbQAs5DWzKM9n1jhkx9_fqMoThzHmLW42idTB-9gaJapw&amp;__tn__=-UK-R\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HERE<\/a> to see all the pictures and videos from our fun morning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Unforgettable Lake Monona Adventure: GiGi&#8217;s Playhouse Madison&#8217;s Pontoon Porch Experience for 40 Friends<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":242,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1537,1580,1489],"tags":[905,23,22,1039],"class_list":["post-142377","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-advocacy","category-family","category-gigis-playhouse","tag-community","tag-down-syndrome","tag-madison","tag-nonprofit"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142377","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/242"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=142377"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/142377\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=142377"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=142377"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gigisplayhouse.org\/madison\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=142377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}