Beautiful Boating Days (Kern Series, Part Two)

On a beautiful July day, Ryan finally joined the ranks of Papa's boys who got a ride in the boat. Micah had his ride here. It was only right that Ryan had his turn also. Ryan and Micah... the only boys in a family otherwise outnumbered by females. For several months, these two best buddies had been talking with anticipation about riding in Papa's boat in the summertime.

No more waiting. The time was finally here. Ryan and Samantha were so excited! Well, except for the brief meltdown Ryan had when he was unhappy about having to wear the lifejacket. Mini tantrum averted... let's get this show on the road! Ryan's ready!

  

 

 The smile tells it all!

 

Anchors aweigh!

  

 

And a good time was had by all....

Of Boat Rides, Swimming, and Lawnmowers (Swanson Series, Part Two)

For months, my nephew Micah talked about "riding in Papa's boat." One day, Papa fulfilled Micah's dream. A boat ride on a beautiful day.

Gettin' ready to go!

Lifejacket? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Backwards hat? Check. One little boy bursting with anticipation? Absolutely.

"Can we go already, Papa?"

Bon Voyage!

Callie and Ashleigh waiting for their ride.

Here they come!

Bon Voyage take two.

After the boat ride, Micah talked non-stop about Papa's boat. First boat ride? Complete success.

After the boat ride, I took the girls to the lake for swimming. It was a hot, humid day--perfect for a cool down in the lake. 

Let the water fight begin!

Second only to Micah's love of the boat is his thrill of riding Papa's lawnmower. While he doesn't necessarily like the loud noise, once he is standing by Papa, hands on the steering wheel, all fear of the loudness is forgotten and complete joy takes its place. See?

Big boy driving all by himself. **

Natalie LOVING driving fast!

Ashleigh... eight years old and driving already.

Callie not to be outdone by her younger sister gave it a try also.

**No child was injured during the riding of the lawnmower. It was not even running.