I hope you are all having a Happy Fourth of July weekend! We've been out on the boat most of the time, and got an early start on Friday, turning this into a 4 day weekend.
Before hitting the lake, I filled a grocery cart with fresh fruits and veggies, and spent a few hours in the kitchen making up picnic dinners. I also made a vat of chicken salad with fat free greek yogurt and low fat sour cream in place of the mayo and some slaw made up in a similar way.
It seems like being outdoors makes everyone twice as hungry, and we all tend to snack the whole time we are out there, so I try to pack things you don't feel guilty about eating a lot of.
So, we gathered up a ton of food and a ton of kids and headed for Lake Clinton, about a ten minute drive from our house.
It was the very littlest, most tiny, grand child's first trip out on the lake.
It was so nice there, we stayed out on the water till the sun went down. We hadn't had much of a chance to be out there yet this summer due to engine troubles, but after weeks of having the pontoon in at the repair shop, we were raring to go and enjoy the sunshine and the refreshing lake water.
Then, of course, the boat died.
But we had Sugarwing's Daddy along and he is handy. He figured out why it wouldn't run, when about 4 or 5 mechanics hadn't been able to.
None of the kids seemed too worried about being stuck on the lake for a while. I think they'd have been happy to be stranded out there all night.
If this photo sends chills down your spine, you aren't the only one. That slippery, wet, baby with no life jacket terrified me. But, she is a cuddly child who doesn't wiggle much, so everyone else seemed okay with it. Personally, I was praying for the park rangers to come by and give us a huge fine and insist that she wear a jacket.
And I didn't hold her in the water myself at all. I was afraid I'd drop her.
But I was told to not fret so much.
Isn't that what Grammies do?? Fret and worry and try to keep the grandies from ever coming to any harm? (I have to admit that I was against using the stacks of tables as a diving board and the anti-sunscreen rule too, but I also have to admit that the kids don't seem to get sunburned and no one slipped away to the bottom of the lake or cracked their head open on the dock)
This itty bitty thing was pretty happy with the whole trip.
I think she is going to love being a boat kid.
I know I love being one! (yes, that is my husband out on the tube with no lifejacket on, I have to fret and worry about him as much as I do about the kids)
Looks like fun Karla. I have to admit I worry and fret about stuff all the time! and I would have been having a heart attack worrying about the baby!! also, the last time I went tubing (even with a life jacket on) I almost drowned! it was pretty funny though, after I recovered! lol!
have a great forth!
vivian
I dearly love the water! But I do wear my life jacket while tubing! Sold our boat a few years ago, but I miss it! Craig is afraid of water! Looks like you guys had a great time!
tot
Looks like so much fun, but I have to agree with you!!!! Lifejackets for EVERYONE!!!!! Safety first, play second!!! Can’t wait to see you for reunion week 🙂 love you!!
Well. Aren’t YOU the party pooper?! Years ago we got stuck at Lake Clinton when my sister’s boat pooped out. Not a fun story actually. But saying that, I think Lake Clinton may be cursed. Just puttin’ it out there….
Happy 4th, Miss Karla!!!!!!!
Kathy
…………………………..it’s OUR job…to fret and worry…..and sometimes..i’m glad i’m not a witness…to the happenings..lol….star spangled HUGZ!
MWAH!
The girls are so darling! I can’t believe how big the littlest is getting!
Happy 4th Karla!!!
As a grandmother I agree with you. Life jackets are not an option. Our children do not want interference from us…and have a way of letting us know. One slip…and baby is under the water, and then, what good is, “I told you so.”
I guess we just pray and prepare to withstand the unspeakable, should it happen.
Hugs..Sharon
I am right there with you on the safety, lifejackets and sunscreen! The physical therapist in me can make me a bit of a worrier. Don’t let them wear you down….you are right. Looks like you guys are having a great time! Happy 4th to you!!
Oh my Karla…. NO life jackets….that overwhelms me. One slip with the baby and……… it’s scary. Please MAKE them put life jackets on everyone. We grandmas must do what we must do. That’s our role. Have a wonderful holiday. xoso Sandy
Whew, you and your peeps survived a fabulously fun time at the lake. Now you can collapse into a heap of relief. I chuckle at your admission of wishing for an authority figure to come along and set everyone straight (so you don’t have to and besides they don’t listen to you). Been there.
Looks like you had such a fun day on the lake.
Boys will be boys!!!
I’m like you always thinking of safety – especially with my grandies. We do a lot of boating too!!
I’m having so much fun making my tags!
Today is my deadline to finish and in the post to you tomorrow!
Shane :))
Wow! Looks like you are having loads of fun. I feel your fretting about safety.
When you said “if this photo make chills run down your spine?” I thought you were going to refer to how much the baby looks like your husband in this photo.
~elaine~
Another beautiful hippie child. Gosh she is adorable. And very intense for such a young one.
I love red, white and blue as interpreted by Sugarwings…and grandma, too. Just makes me smile!!!
Hugs,
Duz
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh I got palpatations just looking at that baby on the lake with no life vest… Your just toooooo nice missy, I would have said— and sternly, “This boat ain’t moving until everyone is wearing some kinda floatation device.” Channel me next time your setting sail lol Get mean… get piratey! Arrrrrrrrrgh!!
Karla,
The chicken salad you made for the picnic, is it waht you made for birdsong? It was sooo delicious! Do you share the recipe? Love all your pictures. Young people are sometimes so clueless to danger!!!!!!
Sandy
Just wanted to pop by and let you know that I got the Charlotte’s this weekend – LOVE them!
Looks like a blast as usual with the Nathan’s!
Leann
Love the pictures Karla, what a wonderful fun holiday with the kids on the boat. I remember what fun you, Rich, Sandy, and I had on the boat at Lake Clinton. It really is a pretty lake, and that is coming from someone who lives on the ocean coast ! The grandkids are adorable !! Debbie.