Grandpa Tom has a boat AND a truck

Which means after way too many years without we finally get to go BOATING!!

 Last time N. went out in it(as a 7?year old) he pirated the controls and tried to steer us back to the dock. He didnt love it. This time he seems to at least found a way to keep occupied. Making his mom snort at his antics!

Aunt Roo came too. She doesnt pass up a ski day if she can help it.

 Unfortunately the boat refused to run. Grandpa may have cried a little bit. The kids all did. Whats second best? Beach day. It was September and the reservoir is chilly but a beach is a beach. Enjoyable.

 The kids found a way to use the tubes without a motor. Hook a rope up to Uncle Todd  and make him run. Its almost as good, and Todd got a great workout!

 Showing off the wetsuits.

 I love this look on Roos face. Its totally N's look when he is happy. Dont worry N., everyone has a hard time sliding into a tight rubber suit!

 Mudpies?

 And so we tried it again. A week later. This time with cousin S.

 Z. loved it! N. loved it! T. loved it! S.&S. loved it! Grandpa loved it(because the boat ran!)! Roo loved it! Mom had a full blown out of the blue panic attack and nearly died! It was awful. I apparently need some conditioning to the sound and feel of the water again. It was sad!

 Upon returning home we found we had been in the right place all day. Although it ended up rainy and windy at the reservoir, the valley we returned to had just started bailing out from a 50 year storm. Tornado, Hurricane stuff. Unheard of here. Lots of wind debris and damage and lots of flood damage. Incredible. And the whole time the family members we left behind were worried for our safety. If we had been hit with that on the water we might not all be here today. Scary! "The pit" was almost full enough to pull the boat into. Great memories!