July 4th

To celebrate "America's Birthday" (as Charlie has been calling it) we planned for a day on the boat, including fireworks. The forecast wasn't pretty but it ended up being bright, sunny, hot and beautiful for most of the day.  Scott's cousin Sara, her husband Matt, and their friend Will joined us for the day.

The three babes, although unfortunately my lens had fog on it (from going to cold AC to hot and humid) so the quality isn't great

 JJ and her dad

 ...and her mom :)

 Sam ready to head to the sandbar! (please note the decline of his enthusiasm in later pics)

I'm sure I've talked about it before, but Lake Wylie has a sandbar where everyone goes to hang out and swim off their boats.  It was deep our first day, but then within a day or two it was up to our waists (Charlie could touch).  On the fourth, it was shallow but so windy; the waves tossed the boat and made it hard to walk in the water.  There's a boat that sells food (sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, popsicles and ice cream) and you could tell there are many "regulars"-floating rafts with dogs on them, bar tables made to sit in the water, a volleyball net, etc.  The picture doesn't do it justice, it's pretty amusing.

Charlie and his shell collection, making Will play with him.  He was fascinated by all the clam shells and spent most of the day on the boat, barking orders at Scott and Pops to collect more shells.  He wasn't too keen on the waves.

I had to post this picture for 2 reasons: first, please notice the arm sticking out holding a beer.  Pops was going under to reach more clam shells for Charlie.  Second, sadly, this is the only picture I have of Pops from the week.

 Sam, during prime naptime (we decided to stay out later instead of head back at naptime)

 Scott, Sara and Will

 Charlie and a rock...

 Sam, passed out on the ride home

Just before 4pm we noticed huge black rain clouds rolling in and decided it was time to head home.  It takes 20+ minutes in the pontoon and we made it back with only a minute or two to spare--the rain came down in dangerous sheets.  We saw later on the news that people had to be rescued from the sandbar--not sure exactly what happened but we're guessing alcohol came into play!

It rained on and off, but we were able to eat dinner outside.  We debated whether or not to head back on the boat to see the fireworks show, and risk getting wet.  Last minute, we decided to go for it, and we were loaded on the boat around 9pm, just as it was getting dark.  The drive to the official show was amazing--so many people had purchased fancy fireworks and were shooting them off over the lake, it was like a fun game of "I Spy". The boys had never really seen fireworks (at least I don't think they have?) and LOVED it.  While we were waiting for the official show to begin, we felt big, fat, raindrops...which soon turned into a downpour and sheets of rain.  10 of us on the boat--8 huddled as best we could under towels and the small cover of the pontoon, Pops trying to keep control of the boat, and Scott standing at the front trying to direct Pops.  To be honest, it was really scary, pitch black and we couldn't see much around us.  Charlie was crying and scared on Coco's lap and I was doing the best I could to keep Julia dry (who, in true Julia style, was completely content just looking at me with wide eyes under the towel).  Sam sat with wide eyes on Sara's lap (thank goodness for the excess adults to love on my kids!).  After a few minutes we saw other boats going to an abandoned marina, so we followed suit.  It took a few minutes, as parts of the dock were covered with metal bars, and the waves were pushing the boat around.  Pops pulled us safely into one of the slips and while we were relieved to be out of the rain, it did seem like a scene from a horror movie (honestly I was waiting to see a long trench coat and the glimmer of an ax or something).  Soonafter, the rain stopped and the fireworks started--we had a great view.  The kids loved the show and it will surely be a year to remember.

To top the crazy night, Pops admitted the next morning that we were so low on fuel, he wasn't sure if we were going to make it back, but he didn't tell anyone.  Whew.

In the words of Sam, which he has been yelling randomly for weeks without even knowing about the 4th of July, "YAY AMERICA!"

Lake Wylie, part I

This past week we drove down to Lake Wiley to visit with Scott's parents.  While the weather wasn't ideal (it rained every day), we were able to get out on the boat at least once a day and enjoy what the lake has to offer!  The boys were REALLY excited this year, talking about fishing and driving the boat for several weeks leading up to the trip.  The car ride went really well (what should take 9 hours takes us just under 11) and all three kids were well behaved.

The first morning, the boys insisted on fishing.  Unfortunately, unlike previous fishing experiences, we did not catch anything this trip.  But the boys had fun just the same!

  Out on the boat

Since our last visit, Coco and Pops purchased a jetski.  Charlie passed on the chance at first, but of course Sam jumped on it--so he and I went for a little spin!  He loved it, and kept talking about it the rest of the day (how he went "REALLY FAST").

After seeing that Sam survived, and a little added bribery (believe it or not, we only had to offer the last triscuit, which he would have gotten anyways), Charlie went out with Scott.  He would not let Scott go fast (this picture is deceiving as they only went 20ish miles/hour) but still enjoyed it.

Since Lake Wiley is a man made lake, the water level varies as determined by the power company.  The first day we were there, the lake was very high. The sand bar where we swim was about chest level, so the boys couldn't touch, but they enjoyed swimming with their new floaties.  Charlie loves his floaties and confidently swims "on his own", which is a big feat for my cautious firstborn.  Sam is not quite at the lower weight limit for the floaties so he tends to tip into the water if we're not holding on to him, which he finds hilarious!

 

 Precious moment

Julia wasn't sure what to think of her first boat ride (a little whiney...not sure if she was tired or didn't like the wind) but was an old pro by the end of the week.  The kids slept well all week and adjusted well to our flexible schedules--later naps and later bedtimes for the most part.        

5 Months Old

 

 

 

  (spoiler alert: she only sat for 3 seconds or so...Scott's hand was just out of the frame)

 (a glimpse of what it really looked like...)

Strawberry Picking

The boys were very excited this year to pick strawberries at Spencer Farms.  We found the perfect day--Sunny but not too hot, and beautiful blue skies.  Charlie couldn't wait to get started (and Sam wasn't sure what to think)

 Julia wore a very "summery strawberry" looking outfit

  And Charlie just can't get enough of her (he loves holding her)

After a few photo ops, and nursing Julia standing up in the middle of a field (add that one to the list, ha), we started picking.  Sam started out with intensity and had 20+ strawberries in his bucket when Charlie only had 5 or so.  After a few minutes, Sam found a smashed one and showed it to me.  I told him "You can eat it, don't put it in the bucket".  A minute later, "Mom, I eat this one?"...followed by another request.  Three minutes later I noticed his entire bucket was empty.  So much for strawberry picking.  I filled a few buckets, with Charlie helping here and there (and Sam eating his weight) before Julia decided we had enough.

Time to pay for our 6+ pounds of strawberries, and get some ice cream (pre-lunch?  why not??) and fudge.  Charlie chose chocolate chip cookie dough and Sam (with my guidance) chose cookies and cream.  In all fairness, Charlie chose the random bright colored ice cream (like day-glow) and I veto-ed the decision--feeling good about my choice when I saw the rainbow colored child sitting at the next table.

 

 

All in all we had a good morning. If the farm wasn't so far away, we would definitely go again...but it'll have to wait until next year.  We're hoping to pick blueberries at a farm in the city in a few weeks!