A Morning Away

We finally went out on the boat this weekend. The poor thing was starting to collect dust and get a rusty motor! We took off for Lake Perris and thought it would be a good get-away and we were right. This was the first time that Austin could enjoy the boat, since he was about 3 months when we went last time. He pretty much slept that first time. Can you believe the water was about 81 degrees? Ok, maybe you can. It was so pleasant...until about 11ish and it got warmer. We cruised around the lake a couple of times because Ethan wanted to go "faster." What cracks me up about going on the boat is that when the boys are little and they wear their life vests, they fall asleep in them because their heads are held up and they are enrobed in foam. We stopped for a snack later in the morning, but discovered that our favorite snack shack is still not open..and probably never will be again. We had to sacrifice and buy from the all-in-one store at the dock. Cheetos and a frozen burrito. Ethan got a hot dog from a shack outside the store.

He was loving to chew the side of the boat. Those who know Austin should not be surprised. He eats and chews EVERYTHING. Yes, we did put him in a life jacket when the boat was moving. They are too restrictive for him when we're just sitting there.

From the time we left the garage to the time we left the lake in the afternoon, Ethan had to hold Bryan's very expensive trout look-a-like swim bait. Needless to say, Bryan was very alert to every move that thing made while in the hands of his 2 1/2 year old. One guy saw him holding it at the lake store and said "that's a pretty nice swim bait..." like "why is your toddler carrying it?" kind of thing. I just laughed. Even the kids around him were investigating it and wanted to touch it.

Austin using Tyler to help him stand up. Riva and the kids hung out with us on Thursday afternoon and evening while Will was out of town. We had a lot of fun and the kids are old enough that they can mostly keep themselves busy! Hurray! More social time for us!

Back at July 4th...I'm going backwards here because I'm so far behind. We went to my parents' house and saw my aunt and uncle who were in town from Sacramento. Bryan bought fireworks and we all had a "small" show in front of the house with the kids. The kids loved the sparklers...of course.

Cousin table begins. Ahhh...I remember the days. Check out Tyler...had to get that last bite in before smiling at the camera...or did he even smile? "The food is way more important, Auntie."