Camping and Kayaking

SO, we've been trying to fit in a little outdoorsy stuff. Don't get me wrong- what with school, baseball, martial arts, art class and the upcoming vocal instruction....we've still got a lot going on. But if you've been reading here for any time at all, you'll know that this family CRAVES to be outside. Race and Austin went kayaking the other day. Jack had ball practice that morning, so while Race had Jack at practice Austin got the kayaks loaded, strapped down and all the pfd's and paddles in the suburban. When race and Jack got back, we headed out. And as I was kayak taxi, I got the opportunity to snap a few pictures of the "put in" and "take out".

Below, Race and Austin get their kayaks ready to hit the water.



The water was high from all the rain that we've had lately.That, coupled with the small water fall just above where they put in, made the water foamy that day.The skies were threatening rain, but the guys decided to take their cell phones and head out anyway. After seeing the guys off, Savannah and Jack and I ran a few errands and then headed back home. late in the afternoon, Race called to tell me what the ETA was for them at the pick-up point. So we headed out to pick em' up. It is really a beautiful area, teeming with water birds of all types as well as the occasional muskrat. We love just hanging out here waiting for the kayakers to come around the bend.Eventually, we saw them coming around the corner. The rain had started, but not much more than a drizzle. From put in to take out it's about 15 miles. There are a few rapids, but nothing huge. With the water level up, they made it in a few hours. Right up onto land!And of course, this presents a perfect opportunity for the little brother in the group to try out his own kayaking skills.
We've also been camping. Minus Austin, however. He was at a "MODGNIK" retreat with the church youth group. Have you ever heard of "MODGNIK"? It's "KINGDOM" spelled backwards.And as far as I can tell it's a bunch of church youthgroups that get together and they participate in things like rock climbing, tackeling a huge ropes course, swimmimg, and of course the obligatory singing at times. Austin could do without that last part.....but he had an awesome time none the less. So the rest of us went camping. We had a blast, but unfortunately Jack had my camera the whole time. When Jack has the camera, he takes pictures of Savannah mostly. That's because she HATES it. I mean she HATES to have Jack take her picture. So most of the pictures look like this: This was right before she knocked Jack in the head and the camera fell out of his hand.He also likes to take a lot of pictures of Scout:
He also, looks less than thrilled to have his photo taken.



Here, he has captured his mother, showing the more "serious" side of camping. But still managing to capture both dogs and his own tent in the background.

And the fire. He always takes pictures of the fire.
So, that's what's been going on here.

Cheers!

Melissa