Boating

I haven't given much of an update since we got our boat, Baby Steps. We finally got it in the water in May and have now taken it out quite a few times. Eric is much more comfortable driving it now, but docking is still the most nerve-wracking part. I have driven it once but I still have a lot to learn. 

One of neighbors helped us get it out on the water and gave us our first lesson. He is well-versed in boating so he was a great teacher.

First time on the water!

Bonnie enjoyed it at first, but eventually fell asleep.

It was fun to see our neighborhood from the water perspective. We had never actually seen our canal until we got our boat. It's really beautiful.

Eric earned his Captain hat that day.

We went out again with some other neighbors to get breakfast across the river one morning.

Once again, Bonnie fell asleep.

We've taken it out a few times on our own for a random joy ride.

Or to cool off on a hot day.

Bonnie is a big fan. She is constantly pointing outside our back door saying "Boat, boat, boat!"

Last weekend we had some friends visit and were able to take them to a different restaurant on the river for lunch. It was so much fun.

It's also been really nice to just tie it up outside our dock and be able to lounge out on it and jump in the water.

It's been really fun learning everything there is to know and getting more comfortable being boat owners. We are so glad we lucked out and got this boat in time for summer!

4th of July Weekend

A couple days after we got home from Texas, Bonnie and I went up to mom and Dave's house for the weekend of the 4th. Benny stayed back with lots of work to catch up on and a cold he was trying to kick. As soon as we got there, we hopped right in the pool.

Future Flyer? Who knows.

The weather looked like it was supposed to be a little gloomy, so mom had all kinds of other activities planned. Wiffle ball, rope ball, puzzles, and obstacle course - there is always so much to do!

We made another visit to the nearby park.

Here are the girls in action on the obstacle course.

And of course there were tons of great food and delicious desserts.

We took a hike one day to Bear's Den. The weather was perfect for it.

Afterward we went to Great Country Farms, a favorite in our family. Every time we go it seems to get bigger and better. 

We did a 4th of July celebration on the 3rd with a parade around the pool, an American flag cake, sparklers, and fireworks.

Eric lead the firework display and did a fantastic job. 

The neighbors tried to show us up with a legit fireworks show, which was also fun to see. But I still liked ours better.

We played lots of games and puzzling.

After one terrible night of sleep the first night, this girl recovered pretty well. 

She thought the pool was a little too cold but finally started warming up to it on the last day.  

We headed back on the 4th to get back to Benny. It's always such a great time at grandma and Dave's - thank you so much for having us! We can't wait to visit again!