Gavin's First Vacation

Prior to pregnancy, Matt and I were big river-people. We would go to the river several times a month during the summer and we always had a blast. Here we are with our first boat back in 2002:

Ahhh, yes, those were the days when we didn't have as many responsibilities, as many bills, and as many worries. Going to the river was a chance to just relax and enjoy time with friends out in the sun and the water. Of course, the boys usually used it as a chance to see who's boat was the fastest and who could drink the most beers.

Well, times have changed. Once I became pregnant with Gavin, I only went to the river once and I just laid on the sand like a beached whale in my conservative one-piece bathing suit. Wearing a one-piece was a big deal, since I was the self-proclaimed bikini queen before pregnancy. I probably own as many bikinis as most girls own panties. We also no longer own a boat and of course, our next boat will have to be much more family-friendly than our previous two jet boats. Here was our second boat shortly before we sold it (not exactly the type you'd want to have a toddler in):

Since Gavin has been born, Matt has gone on one guys river trip and I haven't gone on any trips at all. So, we decided to bring Gavin for the first time over Memorial weekend (which also happened to be my 28th birthday on May 28th - woo hoo!). Naturally, the trip provided plenty of photo-ops.

Gavin did great overall. Our friends, who brought their 2-year-old and 3-year-old along, invited us to ride in their large Placecraft boat, which is much safer for kids. Gavin wasn't too sure about the wind or the water in his face, and he definitely wasn't fond of the life jacket, so during the ride, I would cover him with a towel and he would fall asleep.

Gav enjoyed watching his Daddy waterski (something Mommy definitely will not do because she's a big CHICKEN!). But one of his favorite things to do was "drive" the boat, of course.

Gavin was not too keen on the mud and didn't like sitting in it at all. He would curl his little legs up when I tried to set him down in it like I was trying to drop him in quicksand or something.

He really enjoyed playing with Rylee (age 3) and Talen (almost 2), and especially liked riding on Talen's mini-quad since he could drive it on his own. It was the cutest thing!

By day two, all three kids were pretty tired from a busy previous day, and the two boys fell asleep shortly after first boat ride.

Gavin enjoyed people-watching with his Daddy. But, he was not too happy with Matt and I when we put him in the water for the first time. Although, once he got used to the temperature, he became pretty relaxed.

The hum of the boat motor put him sleep nearly every time.

Gavin wanted to "drive" every boat at the river! He loves anything with a motor and a steering wheel, just like his Daddy.

The most eventful moment occurred on the final day out on the water, while I was riding in the boat with Gavin asleep on my lap. Talen was asleep in his grandma Debbie's lap next to us and his grandpa, Wayne, was driving the boat. The others were riding in another boat and Matt was getting the trailer back at camp. We were idling near the launch ramp when an odor filled the air that smelled like something burning. Suddenly, Wayne lost all power to the boat and realized that the motor must be on fire. He tried to open the hatch to check the motor, but because we had lost power, he couldn't. I don't think Debbie and I have ever moved so fast. We scooped up the boys and flew to the front of the boat while Wayne flagged down another boat for help. We made it back to camp safely, but boy, was that a scary moment! It turns out the one of the folding chairs that was stored in the hatch fell on the motor and had begun to catch fire, thus, shorting out the power. Of course I didn't snap any photos during that time, but I did get one of Talen helping his Daddy fix the problem back at camp.

Once we were safely back at the trailer, the kids played around camp while the adults barbecued dinner. Now, most women know that having a baby does at least slightly alter your body. Even though I was able to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight, my shape has changed a bit and I guess I would say I am just a little squisher than I was before. That being said, some friends of friends had their charming little boy, maybe about 10 years old, running around our camp that evening. He was screaming in the faces of the little ones and smacking them with the large foam water noodles. I don't often find children that annoy me, but this little guy was definitely testing my patience. Then, he says to me, "Are you pregnant? 'Cuz you look like it." Niiiiccceee. What a lovely child. I know I'm not in the same shape as I used to be, but I certainly didn't think anyone would mistake me as pregnant. Geesh.

On a happier note, I leave you with one last shot of my sweet boy during that last night. He was "mowing" the dirt in front of the trailer. Such a good helper!