We Passed The Test

We have been living on board for three months now and, honestly, it is wonderful! Occasionally we'll turn to one another and exclaim "wow, we really did it----"

Jennifer decided that she wanted to celebrate her 40th birthday on the boat with us and her family. Great news!!! She, Ian, Christopher (5) and JAC (2) arrived June 25th for 11 days of togetherness and, hopefully, lots of fun. As soon they unpacked, we left for a five day trip down river to Lake Pepin and Wabasha. Dinner at the Harborview in Pepin was a great celebration with Steve and his family driving down to join us. Ian had to go back to Dallas for work on July 3rd, but Jennifer and the kids stayed to enjoy the fireworks in Hudson Bay as we anchored for the night. We had an amazing front row seat. On July 5th, Jennifer left with JAC and Christopher stayed for another two weeks.    

<> Grandpa and his crew!

      

          Jennifer and Christopher 
           swim in Hudson Bay          

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JAC ready to party!

Ian & Addison picking up pennies
after the train ran over them

   

 

   

One day later, July 6th, our good friends from London -- Sid and Marion Palmer -- came for a five day visit!  Luckily, a 48 foot boat cleans up quickly!  A trip to the grocery and we were ready to enjoy their visit.  Sid and Marion are like family and they treated Christopher like he was one of their own.  We had a wonderful visit, doing a little sighseeing,  remembering our previous times together (in Afton, London and several weeks on our last boat)  and eating, eating, eating.   

When everyone left, Christopher had only one week left with us that we crammed full:  swimming with his cousins, fishing, feeding the turtles that live near our boat, nature hikes and lots of boat rides.  

The reason we moved up to the bigger boat -- we hoped it would accommodate friends and family for frequent visits.  Now we know that the boat and owners passed the test!  We loved sharing adventures and time with all of them.  Hopefully this was just the beginning with lots more to come!   

Gotta smile -- we're lovin the ride!