A Spontaneous Trip to Yuba

I was having a particularly frustrating summer day, the kids were fighting non-stop, and I felt like I had been yelling at them constantly.  This isn't what summer is supposed to be like.  Then, I got a text from Randy saying "let's go to Yuba Lake tomorrow, I already have a motel booked".  It took me a minute to process and instead of over-analyzing the logistics of taking 3 small kids to a lake for 3 days, I said "let's do it".  This is one of the reasons I love being married to Randy.  He loves to be spontaneous and he loves to spend time with his family.  I have definitely learned how to roll with things better since we've been married because I realize it always works out and creates memories that I cherish forever.  The kids didn't quite know what to expect but they were excited.  We found a cool little beach once we got there and the rock skipping and throwing commenced. 

Here is Randy demonstrating the art of the rock skipping throw.  I think he may have strained his arm a bit in the process but Hank and Max were amazed.  I was amazed by how entertained boys are by throwing rocks.  Between the 4 males, thousands of rocks were thrown during the week.

Our fearless captain spent most of the afternoon dragging the kids around on the tube and teaching me how to drive the boat.  Good thing Randy is such an experienced water skier because he managed to get up and stay up with me behind the wheel.  I got lots of practice and I'm feeling pretty confident pulling a skier now.

Hank and Max were loving the tube!

 

And my sweet little Sammy-boy found a darling princess life jacket to wear.  

We spent the night in Nephi at the Economy Lodge, a real classy establishment I might add.  Thankfully we spent very little time in our room.  The kids all slept great and were pumped to get back to the lake the next day.

We set up a nice little base camp, the boys threw rocks, played in the sand and water, and ate treats.

I really think playing at the beach was all three of the boys favorite thing on the trip.

Sam kept saying "waa waa", "kuh, kaa" (meaning mud and rocks), and "bote" (boat).  He managed to keep himself occupied quite nicely on the shore.  It may have been the most content I've ever seen him.

While the boys were entertained throwing rocks all day, Randy and I were itching to get out on the boat and enjoy the perfect glass like water conditions.

My turn first!  I don't think I've ever had so much fun skiing.  I felt like I could go for hours.  The water was incredible, so incredible I had to let Randy have a turn.

I was concentrating on not hitting any boats so Hank took some photo's of Randy jumping the wake.  I felt like we were still in high school.  

Sam found a comfy spot and crashed while his parents were whooping it up.  Hank and Max helped hold Sam and the flag.  It was some great teamwork.

Sam really was a little angel on the boat.  When he wasn't napping he had his eyes closed and occasionally fist pumped to the music.  I think the lake is his zen place.

Hank and Max tried to see who could stay on the tube the longest.

Once Max knocked Hank off it was war!

Sam thought it was hilarious, almost as hilarious as wearing my flip flops.

Max was pretty proud of himself when he became the king of the tube.

Hank reclaimed his position as the tube master.

Riding the waves!

A rare moment of compromise.

We were positioned perfectly in a little cove so the kids could learn to ski from the shore.  Hank was a little apprehensive so Max said he would try too.

Randy held Hank in position and I drove the boat, I can't remember what Sam was doing at the time...prob. chucking rocks.

Hank got up for a few seconds on his first try.

Max made good on his promise to try and did amazing.  He got up too for about 20 feet!  It was so cute to see Randy teaching the boys how to do something he loves to do.  I'm so glad we got a boat.  Randy really is in his element.

Day 3, our final day, was more fun in the sun.

Mr. Baywatch himself

What a little cutie.

He's got some serious quad strength.

I couldn't resist a photo op with Max.  It was such a beautiful morning.

Hey there Captain!

Lunchtime ended up being on the boat and Sam kept all of us laughing with his dance moves.

It was really hot so I jumped in the water and got my ski's on. 

Randy snapped this awesome picture while I was out on the water.  My little family is so incredible.  Randy and I are so lucky to have each other and these awesome boys.  This trip was exactly the thing we needed.   

Once we got off the lake, we headed back to Nephi  for dinner and ended up at a park teaching our kids how to do the spider on the swings.  That's how us Griffin's roll.  Summer needs to slow down, I don't want it to end!