Life pretty much went into overdrive when school started back in August. So, just to preserve the memories, I am going to back up a bit and post some of our favorite highlights of 2010 (pretty much the stuff we did the second half of year).
Starting with the annual canoe trip that we take with the kids over Labor Day weekend is a good place to begin. We canoed on Sunday which is more "family-friendly" than canoeing on Saturday. The whole family really looks forward to this weekend every year so the kids don't mind missing the Labor Day parade and carnival that goes on in Louisburg. Okay, to be fair, it really isn't a carnival anymore. It is more like a showroom of blow-up moonwalks, slides, obstacle courses, and a jousting arena.
So, this year we reserved campsites and cabins at Shady Beach. It was our first time at this campsite and it was worth going back to next year. The main luxury was the location - right off the highway where we didn't wonder if our camper will sustain damage by the tunnel of low hanging trees or have to fix a blown tire on the rocky terrain that lead us deep into the woods of a campsite that can't be located on GPS. Yep, this one was right where the website said it was. Yay!
On the website, the cabins looked all elaborate on the inside, but they weren't all that. No biggie 'cause we stayed in our camper -- you know, really roughing it with air conditioning and microwave. Ha!
Rise and shine early in the morning to take a little bus ride upstream and begin the main event!! Oh, did I mention my phobia of bus rides? The fear of rolling those things on the windy-curvy Missouri roads.....UGH. Thank goodness, I had Amanda to chat with and keep my mind off things.
Ahhh...the good life. Chilaxin' on the river.
Zac, Kayla, Jana, Sean, and Sophia are happy to be row-row-rowing down the river.
This little Diva is happy to be floating.
Safety First: Kevin is all decked out in his life jacket, sunscreen, and large hat so he doesn't get sunburnt.
It wouldn't be right if we didn't get our annual picture of me smooching Q while he acts like he doesn't like it.
Long time friends, Nicki and Rick joined us for the fun. Thank goodness because I needed help paddling that raft! Thanks guys!
Mavis' kids - Brandon, Natasha...and Natasha's friend (oops, can't remember her name now).
Hmmm....What happened after this picture was taken? LOL
Kevin and Q took a canoe this year.
The "John and Mavis" group catchin' some rays.
We even saw a deep-sea (or shallow-river) diver looking for treasure....how weird.
Kevin, Kayla, Sophia, Brandon, and Zachary got adventurous and jumped off the rock.
Mavis volunteered to take Amanda swimming. Thank goodness because it was REALLY cold and I really didn't want to get in much passed my knees!
On down the stream a bit, the kids searched for crawfish. Caught one this year but it wasn't near as big as the ones we have seen in the past years.
Hm...where's Amanda?
Oh that's right......Amanda decided to have a pouty session because I wouldn't let her jump into the swift water and drown. GO FIGURE! Kids can be so silly sometimes. (I think she was wearing down at this point and needed a little nap).
Canoeing is over now and we're back at camp; what's left to do?
Apparently, it is time to pick on Kevin...
And get plugged back into the real world, via Facebook on cellphones...
However, John prefers to stare off into space because Facebook means nothing to him.
For Amanda, what's left to do? LOAD up with sugar, of course! Yummy kool-aid.
And Nicki is going to catch a little shuteye. (I think I'm with Nicki - a little shuteye sounds perfect after a long day on the river).
There you have it - The 2010 canoe trip is officially documented. Wholesome fun, friendship, and a good time had by all. I can't wait for next year!
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