Summer Boating

Yesterday our family enjoyed our first time this summer on the Columbia River. Normally, by this time in the summer, we've been boating several times by now, but since my parents have decided to sell their boat, we hadn't been on the water at all. Luckily, Jeff's sister and her husband just got a new (to them) boat and invited our family to spend the day on the river with them. 

Ella enjoyed sitting on Jeff's lap and helping to steer the boat out of the marina. 

Nicholas and I got comfy in the cabin of the boat

Ella came down to the cabin later and found a soccer ball to hold

Jeff's sister, Eva, and her daughter, Zoie

The morning started out cloudy and cool, but by the time we arrived at Ackerman Island (a little past noon) the sun broke through the clouds and we enjoyed a beautiful day on the water. This is my shadow on the sand at high noon. 

Me and my hubby. We fell in love on the Columbia River, so whenever we get to spend time out there, I get nostalgic about that time eight years ago. 

Ella was in the water or in the sand all day! She loved every minute of it. We had to remind her to drink water and eat. If it was up to her, she would have sat like this and played all day long. 

She loves her older cousin, Zoie, and Zoie adores Ella. Zoie keeps an eye on Ella for us and helps her when she asks. She's such a loving little lady. 

Jeff and Uncle Chris chatting

Cousin Alex played in the sand most of the day too

Nicholas enjoyed the shade of his personal tent and wanted his frog ball to be near him at all times. 

The kids dug out a body shape in the sand to bury Uncle Chris. 

 Jeff got in on the fun too

You can't see it very well in this photo, but majestic Mt. Hood was part of our view the entire day...sometimes the beautiful place where we live, simply takes my breath away. 

After the kids finished burying Uncle Chris, Ella wanted in on the action, so they buried her. 

Then she broke free!

Later in the afternoon, Ella and Alex worked diligently on building a sandcastle, complete with a moat (which they sat in to keep cool) 

Nicholas enjoyed watching his cousins and even took a little dip in the water to cool off. He was so excited to go on the boat and even more excited to spend time with the family he loves. 

Thank you ,Petersen family, for such a fun summer day!