This is a picture of David helping to load the kayaks. He is connecting the ropes to the wheel--I suppose that's one way to do it.
This is David digging (with his paddle) on the shore of the lake at Huffman Metro Park.
After trying to kayak a few other places last summer, we finally discovered this place. It's perfect for us! A calm, shallow lake in a lovely setting, herons included. The best part is that no one is ever there, which I like. The last times we went kayaking, I was 8 1/2 months pregnant, and I was quite the spectacle getting in and out of the boat--it's nice to have a little privacy. This morning, with two squirrelly little ones, the absence of gawkers was again appreciated. (But let me say how much easier it is to get in and out of a kayak not being pregnant!)David, again with his shovel, er, paddle. That David had his own little paddle was the key to success (no power struggles over Dad's paddle like last summer), though I won't pretend that it didn't slow Greg down in the water. (But that's okay--it's not like I was super fast myself with Mary's "help.") David also brought a toy fishing pole and a plastic boat attached to a string.
Check out Mary, all ready for her first ride in a kayak. (Isn't she cute?)
We don't have pictures on the water--our hands were a little full. But David and Mary were super cute, and we'll try to get pictures next time. Mary started out on my lap, but she soon migrated to the very front of the cockpit, where she stood at the bow. David, outfitted with paddle, fishing pole, and boat-on-a-string, sat in the hatch behind Greg. They both did remarkably well, and David (who had had a hard time remembering not to shovel dirt into Daddy's kayak) was good about following directions when it really mattered. (The proof? They never capsized!) We had a great time, and it turned out to be much easier than we had expected. We can't wait to go again!
