Boating Bliss

Ryan's parents let us borrow their boat for about a month. We tried to take it out as much as we could, but with schedules and rain, we definitely didn't get out as much as we wanted. There's always next summer! :) Thanks so much for your generosity, Robert and Julie!

We tried Gavin in the lake right when we got the boat. Still not a fan...

The boat does put him to sleep, though.

An evening ride with Lon and Sharon...
...and Peter and Bethany
(look at that sunset!)
Lon in my life jacket. Nice, Lon.
Bananas in a teether ring--anything to keep this boy occupied on the boat!
Gavin's bed in the boat.

Our wonderful neighbors Stan and Diane (who possibly love Dakota more than we do!)

Last Sunday, we traveled to Boomsday via boat! We didn't even leave the dock until after 8:30. Fireworks started @ 9:30 and we got there just in time.

We don't always make Gavin wear a lifejacket, but he definitely had to at night! Notice there's only one strap on it for this hefty boy. :)
Elizabeth, Liz, and future Haylee--having a great time and no clue what's in store for them.
I think Braden somehow knows what's coming. Look at that terrified face...
Thank goodness for my responsible hubby who had to drive with MANIACS after the fireworks show.
Watching the fireworks on the back of the boat--it was an incredible view and one of the coolest things I've ever done.
You can see the boat lights behind Ben, Elizabeth, and Braden. What we didn't know (and were NOT prepared for) is that ALL the boats leave AT THE SAME TIME!! It was seriously one of the most terrifying experiences of my life! It was pitch black and boats were coming about 5 feet away from us--most of them much bigger than our boat which means lots of waves and tons of rocking. Whew.
Thank goodness this little guy had no clue what was going on. We arrived safe and sound about 1 1/2 hours later!

We tried for a better day on Labor Day, and it was perfect weather and not too crowded.
It was a great way to celebrate my birthday!

We went out with Matt, Shannon, & Libby and Josh, Sarah, & Lucy. Here's the dads holding their daughters.
Gavin FINALLY liked the lake! Hooray!
I love this picture. The girls watching the boys.
And then they switch and watch the girls fighting! Notice Shannon kicking Sarah in the background. Haha.

Gavin was exhausted after all the excitement.
And Ryan was exhausted after Josh pulled him on the tube.
Maybe next year this little guy can tube!