The new paddle boat

We've been spending some time out at Big Birch Lake. Jake has wanted a paddle boat since last summer when he spent the day at Jeske's cabin playing with Jacob. They had a blast with it. He had the chance to play with it again when we visited with Amber, Jacob and Gavin a few weeks ago. I've been on the hunt for a used one but it turns out that they aren't that easy to find. Well.... I finally found a nice used one. Friday night Grandma, Ben, Jake and I went to pick it up by Alex. Not only did we find the place easily, got the boat loaded successfully but Jake caught a frog! The couple that were selling the boat were great. She went in the house and got Jake a container and put some holes in it and now we have a pet frog! :) Great. It isn't so bad I guess, but I already had to go on a frog hunt in the garage because he got out. We have him in the fish aquarium now - seems to be containing him.

The boys could hardly wait so we took the paddle boat out to Big Birch on Sunday. It was a super fun day. We paddled around some, the boys played in it and they swam a ton! Ben all of a sudden loves the water and swims all over with his life jacket on. They both had a blast and Curt got to enough some time with them.

Since we got home from the lake yesterday Ben has been asking to go back because he wants to swim. They were super all day, went to WalMart without any fighting and everyone took a good nap, so we went back tonight. It was absolutely gorgeous at the lake. Still water, warm sun and very little boat traffic. The boys swam, played with the paddle boat, swam some more, had a boat ride and had popcorn with Grandma and Grandpa. Wow, who could ask for anything more.

I almost forgot to mention that Sam LOVED the water. It is the first time he really had a chance to get in and check it out and he really liked it. First it was just his feet, then he figured out he could splash with his hands and pretty soon he was Ok with sitting in the water and playing (and eating rocks!).

Some photos from the lake..

Enjoying a boat ride.
Here Jake was busy filling the boat with water. Still not sure why but he thought it was pretty funny.
Ben figuring out how to swim around. He had soooo much fun.

What a dude.

Swimming some more - learning that both his arms and legs work to swim, first he just kicked.

Sitting on the step with Grandma.

Having a great time.


Mom and the boys cruising around between the docks. Ben pedaled with me a bunch - he's really good at it (not sure how - can you see how he has to sit?). Sam even got to come along, he couldn't stand it anymore watching from the dock. Jake was busy in the back manning the anchor.