Making Waves

Last week we had a chance to head out to the lake for some fun on the boat. I can't believe it's already August and this was my first time on the boat for the year. We are all so busy these days it seems. We planned to go out on a weeknight after work to try to squeeze in a few hours of fun in the water. Unfortunately, Chris had to work late that night, so he missed out. The rest of us (me, kids, my sister Keara, and my parents) all had a great time. Even my mom, who has not been out on the boat for almost 20 years, enjoyed herself. We took turns out on the tubes. The girls loved it! Claire has really turned into quite the daredevil. She kept wanting to go faster and faster. Grace, although more timid, also really liked going over all the "bumps" and bouncing around on the choppy water. Kee and I took turns being on the tube with the girls. It was not an easy job...mostly it was painful. As the kids bounce around we are the ones who have to use our legs to make sure they don't go flying out. The pure mechanics of it were such that every bounce slammed their life jacket into my knees. Then Keara made me go on the big flat tube with her. At one point my left leg hit water real hard and now I have bruises all over the place. She also got the bright idea to straddle over me while riding. Just picture bull riding. Yeah...that didn't really work out too hot. The water was super choppy so every time we hit the water she would slam into my innards. She was also afraid that she'd crack her face into my head. We managed to get ourselves into a normal position, but I just could not hold on. My right arm just isn't strong enough. Funny thing, my left arm was not tired at all. Thanks to Neil.

So, even with all the physical pain, we had a blast! The kids can't wait to do it again. Although next time, I think I'll take ibuprofen immediately afterwards. :)