Summer = Boating

Since our summer officially kicked off on July 4th, which was right after we returned home from our Great Midwest Tour we have had some great summer weather. And by great summer weather, I mean great weather for boating. The "new" island just north of Lakeside Beach is the place to be, and that's where you'll find us and our friends, every Saturday and Sunday! Kayla's getting great at swimming, snorkling with her friends and jumping off bows of boats into the water, Khloe loves splashing in the water and digging in the sand, and Mommy and Daddy love that the girls are easily entertained.

Perched in the shade, taking a snack break on our island

We never have to mention to Kayla or ask her twice to put on her life vest if we deem necessary. She's already on it. If there is perceived risk or danger, she's got it on before we even say anything. Good girl! There's one motto we live by when boating and it's that we can never be too safe on the water. Safety first!

Kayla's favorite spot on the boat - the bow. "Weeeeeeeee! Faster Daddy!"

Oh yes, and please throw in a hang loose for good measure.

 Lately on our boat outings, we've been pushing the girls with staying out all day and late into the night too, a couple of times not getting off the water until 10pm or later. The heat, the sun, the water, it wears us all out, but we maximize our hours on the boat. Khloe is our new napper on the boat, falling asleep as soon as we hit the St. Clair River. We try to let her sleep for at least an hour because we know that she - and us - will all have a better day if she gets a nap in.

On this occassion, after a long day and evening on the boat, on our way back home, Kayla took a nap in the shade of the console and Khloe fell asleep. Two little peanuts. Asleep.

Here's another picture, from yet another evening on our way back home, when Kayla fell asleep underneath the console again and Khloe was asleep in my arms - two sleeping girls, one picture.

And I enjoy cuddling my sleeping baby every time. Just like I used to do with Kayla for years on the boat. One day I won't have a sleeping baby to cuddle on the boat anymore.