Time on Grandpa's Boat

Mommy, can we never go back?
Originally uploaded by mbowling

We are trying to squeeze every last drop out of summer. We were on our way to a Royals game yesterday, when we decided to change our plans and head to Smithville Lake on Grandpa's famous yellow boat.

It wasn't that we weren't excited to go to a Royals game. We had free tickets after all. The problem was Ella napped from 12:30 to 2 pm. The kid is structured, what can I say. We didn't get on the road until 2:45 and the game was already in the 6th inning as we were approaching downtown. We, well I, questioned if it was worth the drive with only a third left to go. Mike reluctantly agreed.

As we pondered our next move in the parking lot of the downtown Denny's, Mike got the okay from Larry to take ole yellow for a spin. We of course weren't packed for a trip on a boat, but it was a beautiful day and the boat hadn't had the pleasure of stretching its sea legs yet this summer. (Oh, those pesky summer floods.) We arrived to see Larry had the boat prepped and hitched to the truck, so we hopped in the truck and departed for the lake.

It felt so good to be on the water with my family. It was a great way to spend a leisurely Sunday. Mike just beamed with joy and Ella, well, I had expected a bit of apprehension, but once again I was wrong. She couldn't soak up every view and very inch of the boat fast enough. She was like a pinball darting between seats or Goldilocks trying to find the spot just right for her. It made me rather tense, but overall she was great. If I would try to loop a finger in her lifejacket, she would swat my hand and say, "Mommy no." I do admire her fearlessness at times. I though was relieved once she was securely strapped in the car seat and away from the water.

Ella got more exposure to the water tonight. I made a last minute decision and we visited the pool, which might possibly be our last visit. I wish I could capture the excitement and her screams of joy as we pull into the parking lot. Before the car is even stopped, she is saying, "momma buckle." We were only there for a quick hour and even though I was exhausted from a long day, it was definitely worth it. We battled a bit when we left, but she calmed down enough to say, "bye pool" multiple times as we meandered to the car. I can't believe it closes in a week for the year. I just don't think the bathtub is big enough to satisfy Ella's appetite for the water.