Tuesday, June 12, 2018

projects and hay season......

pre school graduation (June 7th)

checking out "camp" (June 3rd)









holding












school concert (May 31st)

musings from Memorial Day weekend.












holding

catching up on May















our first boat (May 19/20)

Here we are... our very first boat!!! For all the years that we have had a camp on the lake, boat ownership is something we have never done. We've talked about having one, but there never seemed to be any great reason why. However, this summer, with the grands being older, we thought it might be nice to have one. So, I began the search. I knew a few things I would like... one being a bow rider, I love being able to sit up front in a boat as it goes along the water... two.. I have a very strict budget, and three, it didn't need to be brand new... just well kept. It took a bit of research, but patience and looking paid off, and we found this 1999 "four winds" that met all my "requirements". Today we brought it home, and I couldn't wait to get it into the water and see how it really went. 

We first had to wait for the docks to get in ( we have hired a crew that will do that for us... especially in the spring when the lake is cold!!!) and once that happened, we trucked up to the ramp and put her in.
I had to drive the trailer into the water.. well, back the trailer into the water. I have to say, never have done this before, and it's a bit nerve wracking backing your truck into the water. The ramp for our lake isn't the easiest to deal with and I honestly was pretty nervous doing this. Ed was in the boat and had to get that into the water. He has launched boats before, so he was pretty sure, all I could do was listen to directions and keep calm

We got in it, and by the time I got back around to camp.. Ed was coming in with our new little toy

And here she is, at her home for the summer, and I am already looking forward to a summer of lots of boat rides, taking the grands, doing some tubing with everyone, and just enjoying out first little boat. 
It's a good thing that Livy is pretty much up for anything that we do.. as long as she can be with us. So, of course, when we went out on our first official ride she came along. 
She even has her own life jacket. I just think that if she ever had to swim for shore, being little she could tire.. and a jacket is a good idea. I bought this bright orange one too, thinking she could also be spotted if needed. 
She seemed OK with this idea, and even had a fine time checking the boat out. 
The next day, Kass and Nate, and boys, made a trip up to camp.. getting ready for the season and seeing what would be needed for them to enjoy the summer in the big camp. The boys wanted to go for a ride.. thought at first Reagan wasn't so sure he really liked the idea. He's a bit cautious and we had to promise that we wouldn't go too fast or over too many bumps... (though how one can control waves is a bit beyond me).. but we took it slow and just let him get used to the idea.
Cal, on the other hand , was happy from the start... and had a huge smile on his face.. Kass actually had to keep an eye on him and make sure he didn't go overboard. 
Finally a smile and signs that this boat thing was going to be alright....

and then both of them joining me in the bow and seeing how much fun it is to ride in the front!!!!
Cal wanted Papa to "go fasta" while Reagan begged him not too.....

I'd say overall, we made a good choice and I am looking forward to many sunny days on the lake with the family enjoying the rides.....