Boats

Team DuRoss road tripped up to Driggs, ID to catch up with Nana and Papa for a few action packed days.  Day one we hit the resevoir on "Papa's Boat" where Chip and I resurrected our water skiing skills and Ruby and Owen wore a life jacket for the first time.  It was amazing- the views stunning, the water like glass, and hardly another boat to be seen.  Ruby and Owen are still talking about "Papa's Boat" and, I love that Ruby usually adds that it is "Nana's Boat" too.  I think she gets it from this ongoing joke that Chip and I have about whose car our truck is (I mostly drive it, but Chip likes to call it "his" truck.  I am pretty much in love with it, so I always remind him that he is dreaming and that I spend most days with it, therefore making it "my" truck.)  Anyway, Nana, Ruby is looking out for you and your partial ownership of the coveted boat.  I mean, she did rock it on the water ski back there.  We should name the boat after her!

There a bunch more cute pictures that Papa is holding hostage on his camera, so here is what I have so far. :)

Owen was a little unsure at first- hence the little bit of tension you can see on his face here.  However, he quickly relaxed and he cried for more when it was time to get off.  He especially loved "driving" the boat and touching all the knobs and buttons he could find.

Ruby- gung ho from the getgo.  This is her kinda thing- water and swimming.  They both swam off the boat (with their life jackets on of course).

Chip, skiing like he never missed a day.  Seriously.

Day two included a hike to Ski Lake.  Gorgeous lake, some fun play in the water for everyone, Ruby pooped outside (over a log, that's right) for the first time (sorry if that is too much information but for campin outdoorsy types like us, this is a major accomplishment- ranks right up there with walking and talking. ;), and a later afternoon thunderstorm to boot!  And, Papa carried Ruby off the mountain!  Yahoo for awesome new knees!

Day three we were so lucky as to be in Driggs the same time as the Targhee Bluegrass Festival.  And, we were so fortunate to have tickets also thanks to Nana and Papa!  The whole gang, with blankets and snacks in tow, went to dance and relax as we listened to The David Grisman Quartet and other great bluegrass wonders.  We went home to put Ru and OT down for bed, Nana and Papa monitor watched, and we were granted a date night with Leftover Salmon back at the show.  Awesome.

Oh yeah- front row, baby. Go big or go home, right?

Day four was our departure day.  But, why not squeeze in one more adventure.  It seemed to be the name of the game this go around!  So, we took the kayaks to the Teton river where Ruby and Owen got to watch a fisherman cast his line from the water, a fish jump in front of our boats, cows grazing on the shore, and lots of birds swimming and flying around us- they were lovin it!  And, aside from Papa experiencing a near loss of his phone to drowning (that's why these pictures are a little blurry), everyone was safe and happy by the end, and Ruby and Owen napped all the longer on our drive home. :)  

Just a few parting shots to try and illustrate just how into the whole boating thing we were, especially Owen.  He did not want to leave his life jacket alone, insisted on wearing it to lunch (some battles just aren't worth choosing ;), carried it around the house (along with the hiking poles...I see a gear head in our future), and wanted to sit in the boats in the garage whenever given the opportunity.

Thanks Nana and Papa for all the adventures!!  We all had a blast and love you lots and lots!

"Ships (or boats) are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made."

- Robert N. Rose