First boat ride and my water bug

Wouldn't be summer if we weren't surrounded by water.  Last summer we didn't get to venture out on Matt's parents boat at all, so it is fun to get back out on the water and let the kids experience the fun!

Austin wasn't quite sure of the whole thing in the beginning. The life jacket was up around his neck, and the wind was wiping his face.  He kept saying "Go mommy, Back mommy". We did have a few tears! Once we got anchored and settled into a cove it all got much better. We put on a bigger vest, he warmed up to getting in the water, even sitting in the tube, and by the ride back he was much more content. Baby steps!!!

Maybe is was the Pink Vest making him Mad!

Ashlyn on the other hand was begging to get in the water from the beginning.  She wanted to ride the tube with daddy as soon as we left the dock.  Once on they got out on the tube, she was a bit more hesitant and wanted to go slow, but overall loved it. And when we got settled she was in the water for nearly 2 hours.  We can't wait to get out and do it again.

First time on the tube with daddy!

Enjoying the ride

Cooling off in the water

 Totally Tubular:)

As far as the water goes, I have a very confident and eager swimmer in Ashlyn.  We decided to do some swim lessons, and after the first lesson she was diving down for dive sticks and holding her breath for long stretches underwater.  I'm sure part of this was mommies fear in taking off the vest sooner and letting her try.  But i'm thrilled to see her excel, and know she is confident and a GREAT swimmer without the vest on.  I am very proud of her....and she is equally proud of herself.  Now if only we could instill the fear in her that she ISN'T an olympic swimmer. The girl will dive into the deep end like she totally knows how to swim. And although i have faith she will be ok, and can make it to the edge, the water is still a very scary thing as a parent.

At the neighborhood Pool

Diving down for divesticks

Superstar swimmer

Proud of her accomplishments