Boating Adventures

We’ve taken the boat out a few times in the last couple of weeks. The weather is finally starting to cooperate to make for some fun boating days (after the freak wind storm a few weeks ago . . . think opening scene of Gilligan’s Island). The kids have been trying out new things with varying levels of enthusiasm. Ben and Elise both got bounced off the tube last week and it seems to have made them both a little gun-shy about getting out there again.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day. The water is finally getting warm (74 degrees according to our handy floating thermometer), there was no wind, and it was sunny and hot. We figured we would take advantage of the perfect conditions to let the kids try skiing. After much wailing and gnashing of teeth, Ben finally agreed to give it try. He got right up on the trainer skis but decided he was done five seconds later and basically just sat down and let go of the rope. He went on and on about how horrible it was and how much he hated it (then, on the way home he said three times, “Skiing is AWESOME. I loved it!” . . . some days that boy makes my head hurt). Once Ben was done with his dramatic attempt, Emily wanted to try it out. She popped right out of the water and did great. The look on her face was priceless. I don’t think she really thought she would be able to do it. When she got back on the boat, she said “that was so much fun that I just couldn’t stop laughing!” I’ve been shocked by how daring she has become. It’s not really in character for her to be so fearless, but it’s been fun to watch.

My goal for the year is to learn to slalom. So far it isn’t going really well. Elise said last night, “Mom, remember when you were trying to drop a ski and then you dropped both skis?” That translates to, “Remember when you were trying to drop a ski and then wiped-out so badly that the other ski flew off and ended up 100 feet away from you?” I’ll keep at it as long as this old body can take it, but I am sure sore today.

Here are some pictures from our last few trips out to the bay:

We found a tiny little beach with perfect skipping rocks, so Nate gave the kids some rock-skipping lessons.


The kids were hesitant to try skiing out in the open water, so Nate was a work horse and helped them practice in shallow water.





Abby slept through all of our beach fun.


Here’s a picture of Nate skiing. I have yet to master the art of taking pictures and driving the boat simultaneously. :)


The kids were getting pretty brave on the tube until one slightly too sharp turn knocked Elise off. She was completely freaked out. After that they insisted on the “mom’s a human seatbelt” technique.




Here’s Emily showing off her new skills. (It’s Abby squealing in the video, not Emily.) Ben’s run was too short-lived to get a picture. We’ll try next time.

These damselflies are all over this year. We love them because they seem to be eating all of the annoying little gnats that are usually out there. We also love that they make a cute little heart shape when they are mating.


Abby almost made it through the whole day without falling asleep on the boat. Almost.