Boating with the Hormans.

Monday night. 6pm. Meet at the Hormans. Destination: Blacktail Reservoir.

The kids were so excited to go boating. They had no idea what this even meant, other than being in a boat in some kind of water. Reservoir means nothing to them. A river or lake it is not, but I settled on lake b/c they could get that the best, and its kind of like one. On the drive to Blacktail (15 minutes away) the kids were chattering endlessly about boating. They were so excited. Coleman was proudly holding his life jacket and was talking all about the boat and water. When we came down the final hill and you can see the reservoir below, Ashley and Coleman kind of started freaking out. They thought our car was just going to fall off this cliff and drown.

We parked the van and jumped in the back of the boat. We forgot everything in the van. Camera, Towels, my sunglasses. Luckily for me, Wendy had her camera so we still got some pictures of our children's first boating experience.

Coleman and Ashley were initially very nervous. Ashley curled up by Wendy and felt safe there. Coleman had a look of panic for a good 5 minutes. He was holding on tightly to Josh and did not move or show much facial expression. I started to worry that he would never relax, but he did. thank goodness. He is asking to go again. He has told everyone he sees all about the boat. About his dad "flipping ober" and him "not big enup yet".

When the boat started out and we started picking up speed Justin had a range of emotion. He was laughing and squealing with excitement/panic and it was so funny. I wish I could have recorded it. I can still here him and I am still laughing. He was holding on tightly to the side, his mouth open, seeing only those big teeth and the giggle/squeal of panic and enjoyment. It was fun.

Justin was the first of my kids to try out the tube. He again experienced the fun mixed with a touch of nerves and you can see it all over his face. He loved it though and wanted to go every time we switched. He is now saying he's got to learn to kneeboard like Julia.



Mitchel was not feeling as brave. He climbed in but did not seem to like it quite as much. He also gets coldest the quikest and I should have been more mindful of that. They have a lovely hot air hose that can quickly warm you from the freezing water. He never complained he was cold until we were done. We could have helped him out with that and then he may have wanted another ride. As it was he was content to enjoy the ride and observe. Which is pretty fun too.

Josh bribed Ashley to get in the tube. She is my nervous cat and this was no exception. I was just amazed she wasn't freaking out in the boat. She rode for a little bit in the tube - very slowly-yet still felt terrifed. Poor girl. She did earn herself a few petshops. I think it was worth it.



Coleman thought it was fun to help "dribe".
Josh and the boys in the tube.



The kids thought it was very cool to see Steve wakeboard and Julia kneeboard. They had a good cheering section from the boat. remember, this is all very new to my kids and this was so cool.




Josh was feeling youthful and decided to give it a go. Yes, its been over 15 years since he skiied, and yes, he weighs um, a lot more, but he was determined. He never could get up on the ski. His children were worried for his life with tons of "are you alright dad" when they would see the rope finally let go and their dad go under! Do remember this boat has 13 passengers. some are little, but still. Briggs finally had him give the wakeboard a try. Although Josh has never wakboarded, he gave it a go and got up on his 2nd try. You should have heard the cheering this time!




It was such a fun night. So fun to be doing something out of the ordinary for us. So fun to be with the Hormans. The kids are anxiously waiting for the next invite. Thanks you guys! You are the best.