Boats and More (Pt. 1)

Let's take a break from the crazy, shall we?

So, a long time ago we went to California. By long I mean 2 weeks ago, but with everything that has happened it feels like a year ago.

There we celebrated Emily's 2nd birthday and Papa Wayne's 70th birthday.  

At Emily's birthday party, Grandma Peggy presented us with our family present: a nearly indestructible camera. 

Hooray!
  

I'm still working on extracting Emmy's party's pictures from other people's cameras, but I do have lots of pictures for the three days we spent on the river!

The first day, we rode in the houseboat with Papa Wayne. GGMel had to take care of business on shore, so she couldn't be with us.  I did snatch a picture of her before she left,

We were unsure of how the kids would act with being on the boat all day, but we were pleasantly surprised at how happy they were (for the most part)! 
California law dictates that any child, 12 and under, must be in a life jacket when out on the deck.  Andrew really loved that.

You can't really tell by these pictures, but he was actually really upset.  He just couldn't suck on his fingers with the life jacket on!

Once we unstrapped the top, he was happier.

Nap times were the most difficult part.  Emily fought and fought.  Her daddy finally got her to sleep by constant rocking.

Besides that, the kids just ran around the houseboat. 

They really loved looking out the window to see the water, animals, people, other boats, and trees.

 Emily was especially fascinated by the captain's wheel.

Andrew was equally impressed.

The houseboat was fully equipped (thanks to Papa Wayne and GGMel) with delicious food that even tempted Emily.

The best part of the experience, was hanging out together.