Boating brothers

Back in July, the boys got a super fun treat when Big took us out on Lake Houston in his new boat. We headed out bright and early and were slathering up with sunscreen before 9 a.m. All of these pictures were taken with a phone, so they're not the best quality. 

Here they are in their lake attire:

{Reid L, Grant R}

After 18 liters of sunscreen were applied, we loaded up and headed out on the boat. They sat really, really still in our laps for the first five minutes, but once they figured out that they could help Big drive, it was all over.

{G}

{R}

{That is sheer joy on that kid's face...}

{And sheer determination on this one...} 

{Big & his boys}

{Can you tell who's the real captain??}

{They thought this roped helped to steer the boat.}

{Like a boss}

Of course there were several fights over whose turn it was to drive (Reid's favorite) and then whose turn it was to man the rope (Grant's favorite), and let's not forget the incident when Reid gunned it in a "no wake" zone... but there's just something about watching them experience new things for the very first time that gets me every single time. Seeing them move from nervous and uncertain to comfortable, gleeful and full of swagger is a joy and a privilege.

They lasted a lot longer than I thought they would -- close to two hours -- but the heat eventually got to us all and it was time to head back to shore.

They still talk about driving Big's boat, and I'm certain they will be tagging along on fishing trips before we know it. Thanks, Big, for a fun day and memories we will never forget!