Rafting

Yesterday afternoon the Cousin Crew and I battled the rapids on a whitewater rafting experience. I was delighted when I discovered the tour. Since the kids don't like to wake up early (part of the fun of the week is their staying up most of the night being goofy teens and eating a lot of junk food), I struggled to find something fun to do in this area that didn't start at dawn. When I found the afternoon whitewater tour touted as fun for the groups who "love to have fun but don't want the work of a regular experience," I thought it was designed for them! 

Almost as soon as our raft touched the water I realized that I overestimated their rafting prowess. I was the Captain, responsible for steering the vessel, yet I felt like I was trying to herd a crew of feral cats. Needless to say, the guide had to jump out of his kayak to dislodge our vessel from beached rocks and tree entanglements multiple times. I'm glad the rapids were only 1 and 2 class because anything stronger would have been dangerous for my lackluster crew.

The Cousin Crew didn't seem to care that we were lousy rafters. They were just as happy playing in the river with their water guns. Even Timmy was able to enjoy the fun so I am considering the adventure a success with the caveat that I never need to do it again with this Crew. 

Today we are checking out and heading to the largest slip n' slide in the world before returning to my Mom's. Tonight is Rock 'n Bowl, a Cousin Crew tradition to mark the close of our week-o-fun. It is hard to believe that we are already packing up to leave. It feels like we just arrived!

Laughter

We had a great day yesterday. I woke early to work while the kiddos all slept until nearly noon. When everybody was finally awake we headed out on our adventures for the day. The weather was gorgeous and we could not have planned for a better weather day. (It is so nice to be away from the heavy humidity!)

We spent the first part of our afternoon at a mountain adventure park. The kids and I zoomed down the side of the mountain on tubes, laughing and spinning the entire time. I did not see the photographers along the track, but I am so glad that they captured the moments. A photo of somebody authentically laughing is special. Yesterday I was graced with more than 30, all of which show the kids wearing their various smiles and having a wonderful time. 

After the slide we headed over to the mountain coaster. I remember going on the coaster with my parents when I was Timmy's age. My dad skinned his arm on the track (because he didn't follow the directions - this part of the story was always included in the retelling) and the Crew wanted to see where it occurred.  They delight anytime they are able to experience something that their Candy Papaw did before they were born. I think my dad would be thrilled to know that his legacy has remained so strong with the grand kids. They don't have many first hand memories, but they all have an encyclopedia of anecdotes and stories that they love to retell.

The coaster was more complex than my memories. Because of Timmy was with me I tried to contain my overwhelming fear as we were careening down a mountain in a plastic cart fixed onto hallow metal poles. My filter broke halfway around the third corkscrew turn. Timmy laughed the entire time and proudly told the attendant that "Momom screamed the f word the whole time." 

Ugh.  Thanks Timmy!

After the coaster we headed back to our house to relax and to play some pool. We eventually ended up at the pool and the lake, where we stayed until we were kicked out by the lifeguards. The evening was spent with Timmy falling asleep early from exhaustion while the teens turned the downstairs game room into their private lounge. 

The laughter resonating through the house was a beautiful sound.  I hope they always remember our adventures. They are all growing up so quickly, I know that our time is limited.

Welcome to the Lake

Scott may be back at work, but our summer vacation (well, the boys anyway) is still in full swing. Yesterday morning I packed up the kids and we headed to PA to get ready for another Aunt Peggy Cousin Crew Adventure. (After all, now it is tradition!) Per our rules, they did not know our destination or our plans. They had no idea where they were going for the week until I pulled into the driveway of our home away from home for the next few days.

Greetings from a lake house! We have done exciting adventures, educational adventures and beach adventures. I decided it was time we try a lake vacation. Instead of heading to a hotel, I rented an obnoxiously large lake house for the next few days so the kids can hang out and play. With seven bedrooms from which to choose, a fully stocked game room (complete with a pool table, shuffle board court and a pinball machine), a 15 person hot tub and large screen televisions everywhere, I don't think they even care about the lake.

The Crew came barreling into the house yesterday evening and tore through it like a new contestant on Big Brother. I heard nothing but squeals and exclamations from every corner of the house as they all scurried to check out new areas. Our days won't be as busy on this Adventure, but I don't think that will impact the fun or the memories. 

I wanted to include a photo of the food the teens picked for their trip. 

One Last Time

 After a travel filled summer vacation, Scott's time off has come to an end. This morning he is packing up and heading back into work. My goodness the summer flew by so quickly! I like his vacation starting at Memorial Day, but I am not sure I'll ever adjust to the August 1 return. It feels so odd having him working at the beginning of August. 

Today is not "just another" first day of school. Today is Scott's final first day of school! This marks a year of lasts as he winds down his career and prepares to retire in May. It is bittersweet seeing him off this morning because, while I am sad that his summer vacation has come to an end, having him begin the final year of his career is exciting.