Burley: The Boat

We spent much of our Fourth of July celebration on grandpa Logan's boat. My boys all had different feelings towards the boat. 

Adam thought it was just amazing. If the boat was running he wanted to be on it. 

He sat up front most of the time and enjoyed the boat going really fast. 

I  had to include this quintessential boating photo. 

He got in the tube for a while too but I think it scared him a little bit. He loved being with Jasie but didn't really like being out on the water in a little tube behind the boat. 

We also spent some time on this relaxation station that was tied to grandpa Logan's dock. The two middle boys thought it was great that they could be in the water but not in the water at the same time. 

Caleb showing his enthusiasm for the whole thing. 

James was a maniac. He kept jumping from side to side and splashing through the water. 

A brother moment. 

My boys are so handsome. 

Eric decided that the boys needed an additional thrill and started chucking them into the relaxation station. 

They both thought it was pretty fun. I did not. 

Adam was big enough to jump himself. His growing bravery always amazes me. 

Eric floated the relaxation station out into the river a ways. I'm not quite sure why he dove off but it must have been important because that water was cold!

Adam pulling the station back in to dock. 

Caleb didn't really care for the boat itself.

Although he was perfectly happy to pretend to be driving while the boat was in dock. 

Look at that concentration!

Unfortunately he had to compete with James who is also very determined. 

You can see him expressing his desires to drive the boat alone.

Happy boating Caleb. Caleb actually bailed on us partway through and went back up to the house to be with grandma Cheryl and aunt Alyson. It just wasn't his cup of tea. 

Eric participated in some tubing while we were on the boat. Logan was going fast with these three. 

But even faster with these two. I don't even know how Eric managed to let go long enough to do that. 

Look at them go!

James was our flag boy. I can't say that any of the other boats ever saw our flag but he was sure cute doing it. 

Adam would only get back on the tube if I went too so I donned a life vest and headed out. Those who know me know what a big deal this was because I hate large bodies of open water and I am quite sure that fish will bite my feet the moment I fall in. 

My fear was worth it to see this smile. 

James was quite distraught while we were out with Adam and he was left in the boat so we assumed he wanted a turn too. We were obviously quite wrong in our assumption. 

As parents we couldn't help but be amused at his reaction. What an enjoyable Fourth of July weekend.