Vacation, Day 3

I packed five outfits for each of us because I figured we would be here for 5 days, on the road for 5 days and at Uncle Terry and Aunt Paula's for 5 days. We can do laundry at the first and last home, but in the middle, we are on our own. I'm starting to realize that we won't even go through one outfit here. The kids are in swimsuits the entire day. Sometimes, they put on an outfit to feel dry and be able to sit on sofa for a few minutes while I make their lunch. But since they only wear it for a few minutes, I put it in a drawer and they wear it the next day again.

Today started with a boat ride to a beach. Noah wanted to try it again since we got a longer rope and he wouldn't be splashed the whole time.


He liked it. This is his face when he likes something.


We saw this water plane coming in and were trying to get there attention.


Then, came another one.


Then, they finally noticed the first one.


Pretty cool. They landed on the water in front of us a ways. Oh, to be rich.

This beach is only about a 5 minute boat ride away. We came here last year. The kids got busy working on sand castles.


We all went out floating in the deeper water. Then, we came in and my Dad and Suzy hung out some more. It's truly beautiful.


David had a nice seat in the water, so I went and joined him after this pic.


Then, we took a walk to the playground.




I love this park. It is so, so pretty.



Ben was trying to communicate.


Emily thinks any park with a bar is a great park.


Noah riding a dinosaur.


Then, we went walking through the park looking for Bigfoot. We didn't find him.


After lunch, David took a nap (shocker), I read my book, and the kids did a little of everything.


Then, Ben's waterbed was floating down the river, so Emily and Noah tried to save him.


He was supposed to grab on to the cord on the kayak, but that didn't go so well.


So, David had to get him. Luckily, he woke up from his nap in time. I thought I'd have to do it.


We watched part of the movie Jaws, maybe not the best water movie. Then, Ben turned into a monster and tapped fangs to his face. He made some for Noah too. They look real scary!


After dinner, we took out the speed boat. I don't think the kids have ever been on the speed boat. This time, we were going to pull them on the raft with that. A whole different experience from the pontoon boat.

My hubby looks hot. I'm a lucky girl.


The kids were excited about the speed.


Ben thinks speed is more his style.


Noah decided to be brave and went out for a little bit.


But, a few big waves, and he was done.

Then, it was time for Em and Ben to have some fun. Em said just go a little fast, and Ben was chanting faster, faster!




Here they are flying over the wake.






Whew...they made it that was fun!


They had a great time. Em said she likes the raft better than the jet ski. Noah likes the jet ski. Ben is undecided.

Here's a video if you want to feel the thrill a little.

Vacation, Day 2

The first thing out of Noah's mouth this morning was jet ski. Oh brother. We ate breakfast and he went right out and sat on it.


We try to tell the kids that you don't need to be going 60 mph this entire trip. We have 14 hours in the day, enough time to enjoy some of everything. Luckily, they are still young enough that they do enjoy other stuff. While breakfast settled, David took out the kayak.


Then, Noah took it out. He actually did really good.




Then, he yelled for David to help him. You can't tell from these pictures, but he was only about 20 feet from shore.


David saved him.


There was more throwing.




Then, David took the boys out.


Grandma Suzy took Emily out.


And here I am on the paddle boat. That's more my style. Making the kids work while I relax. Except they wussed out quickly and I was left peddling us all home.


I took the kayak out alone first to make sure I wouldn't tip.


It wasn't as hard as I thought it might be, so Noah got in with me. The canoe is HARD. This was much easier.


The kids did about 1,000 flips and jumps on the trampoline. Then, we all came inside at noon for a little refreshment. David never naps, except for when we are here. He's out. My Dad is asleep on the other sofa, as is Grandma Suzy. Emily and Noah just went in the bedroom to lay down. Ben and I are the only two awake. Although, I feel a nap coming later for me.


It was hot outside, but the water is cool. We went for a dip. Suzy picked this air mattress up at a yard sale for $1, and since there isn't any fabric on it, my Dad thought we could use it for a raft. I thought this was a true hill billy water bed! You know you are a redneck if you say...Man, I don't need those fancy water beds. I just put an air mattress on the river and call it my own water bed. It was super comfy. I could have laid on it all day.


We had rafts, kayaks, noodles and an air mattress. All the ingredients to stay cool on a hot day.


David launching Ben on the raft.




Then, David took another little nap. Seriously??? No seriously, good for him. He never rests.


The little girl next door came over to play with Emily.


Then, it was time for getting pulled on the raft.


Noah lasted about 30 seconds and was getting splashed in the face.


Then, Justine got a turn. They had a blast.


That was enough for Noah. He preferred to watch from the dry safety of his Dad.


He's cute.


Doesn't my girls hair look redish here.




I tried to get a good photo of Ben, but he has the face with 1,000 expressions and most look like he's in pain. I went with the natural no smile look as it was the only decent one.


It's almost 9:00 and the kids are still going strong jumping on the trampoline and running around. I'm ready to pass out. How does that happen?

30 minutes later....I got out of the shower and this is what I found on the sofa....


That's how you know it's been a good day.