As I mentioned in my last post, we went on a birthday boat cruise over Labor Day weekend when the whole family was in town. Now a 2 hour boat ride, with 7 adults and 4 children (including two 3 yr olds, and two not even 1), may seem like a recipe for disaster, but truly it was absolutely great. First of all we had AMAZING weather. North Carolina had THE hottest summer on record - set a record for number of days over 90 degrees - and yet the day we went was sunny with no humidity and a high in the low 80s. Just gorgeous.
Besides great weather, everyone was in a good mood and ready to enjoy themselves. It didn't hurt that Captain Don greeted us with cupcakes and we brought champagne. Everyone needs champagne and cupcakes for a morning boat ride!
One thing we had been worried about was the life jacket requirement for the kids. While they weren't super happy about putting them on, there were no tantrums or refusals. (This was mainly a concern for Hayden). And turns out, one of the benefits of life jackets was a built-in cheek pillow - good for naps and general cuteness.
Basically we just toured around Jordan Lake, checking things out. Captain Don pointed out some stuff, and answered questions if we asked, but generally we just enjoyed being out on the water. The head of the boat was a popular spot for Hayden and Jay.
There were occasional disputes about ownership of the space. Hayden was desperate to control as much real estate as possible.
Even Eliza liked looking out over the water. Can you see how her eyes are crinkling cuz she's smiling as she checks things out with Aunt Katie?
There wasn't much specific to do on the boat, we just enjoyed the sunshine, the scenery and each others' company. And tried on sunglasses.
There was kind of a lull in child activity as we got into the second hour. Eliza actually took a nap, and Hayden wanted some snuggle time in the shade.
Here's a closeup on Eliza's cheek pillows.
And then after the sleepy time, we just had spacey time, with sunglasses and windblown hats.
Just as the kids were really starting to get antsy, there was a new diversion - steering the boat! (You can even see the infamous Captain Don in the second picture.)
And then it was time to head back. Some of us could have stayed out all day, but others were ready to get back to land.
Captain Don was kind enough to take a full family photo of the happy sailors. It could have been a seafaring disaster but I think we all had fun.
After we disembarked, Captain Don headed back out for some solo sailing. Goodbye boat!
PS Hayden did ask if we could go again. And every time we drive over Jordan Lake, she asks if that's where we went on a boat ride.
Besides great weather, everyone was in a good mood and ready to enjoy themselves. It didn't hurt that Captain Don greeted us with cupcakes and we brought champagne. Everyone needs champagne and cupcakes for a morning boat ride!
One thing we had been worried about was the life jacket requirement for the kids. While they weren't super happy about putting them on, there were no tantrums or refusals. (This was mainly a concern for Hayden). And turns out, one of the benefits of life jackets was a built-in cheek pillow - good for naps and general cuteness.
Basically we just toured around Jordan Lake, checking things out. Captain Don pointed out some stuff, and answered questions if we asked, but generally we just enjoyed being out on the water. The head of the boat was a popular spot for Hayden and Jay.
There were occasional disputes about ownership of the space. Hayden was desperate to control as much real estate as possible.
Even Eliza liked looking out over the water. Can you see how her eyes are crinkling cuz she's smiling as she checks things out with Aunt Katie?
There wasn't much specific to do on the boat, we just enjoyed the sunshine, the scenery and each others' company. And tried on sunglasses.
There was kind of a lull in child activity as we got into the second hour. Eliza actually took a nap, and Hayden wanted some snuggle time in the shade.
Here's a closeup on Eliza's cheek pillows.
And then after the sleepy time, we just had spacey time, with sunglasses and windblown hats.
Just as the kids were really starting to get antsy, there was a new diversion - steering the boat! (You can even see the infamous Captain Don in the second picture.)
And then it was time to head back. Some of us could have stayed out all day, but others were ready to get back to land.
Captain Don was kind enough to take a full family photo of the happy sailors. It could have been a seafaring disaster but I think we all had fun.
After we disembarked, Captain Don headed back out for some solo sailing. Goodbye boat!
PS Hayden did ask if we could go again. And every time we drive over Jordan Lake, she asks if that's where we went on a boat ride.
1 comment:
The boat trip was incredible - beautiful weather, the kids did great, all good fun! It was funny to see Hayden and Jay battling over who got to stand at the front rail. We all agreed that we'd do it again.
Just to give credit to the right captain, it was Captain Don of Triangle Boat Tours.
Love,
Popop
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