River Riders

On Friday night we were thinking about things to do this beautiful Memorial Day holiday weekend. CANOEING!! Bob and I had canoed down the Shenanadoah years ago and I've been wanting to go with Connor. So, I reserved a trip with River Riders in Harpers Ferry, WV http://www.riverriders.com/welcome.htm

Headed out there today around 1pm for a 2pm check-in. Watched a quick saftey video and off we went in the shuttle van. They did a very nice job of telling us where to "put out" and gave us some good landmarks. Took us to the drop off point and off we went. What they didn't tell us was that we got in the canoe BACKWARDS. I couldn't figure out why my legs were jammed in a tiny hole in front of my bench. So, we had to paddle ashore and change positions. IDIOTS.

Connor did great once he figured out that he had to stay in the middle and realtively still or we were going to tip over. He did a great job spotting rocks so that we could avoid them and he actually helped paddle back to the ramp where we met the shuttle for the return trip. Water was high and quick and the day was extraordinary.

Another adventure completed---and the great part is that we did it in 7 hours for only $60!!

The Party--At Last

Connor's big 5th birthday party was today. Great fun was had by all. Great exhaustion was had by all, too. We rented a huge moon bounce and were undeterred by the rain that came right in the middle of the party. The cake, from Chantel's as usual, was awesome to see and fantastic to eat. Connor decorated his big slice with a unique stone sculpture. Don't know what that was about, but it made him happy. Can't say too much...I am headed out of town tomorrow morning for a four day sales meeting. Gotta pack!

Imaginary Dead

Yesterday Connor captured and placed in his bug habitat a gypsy moth caterpillar. He loved that guy. For about 3 minutes. Then he went in the backyard and played on his swing for awhile while the caterpillar slowly cooked to death in the plastic death chamber in the garage. After a brief attempt at resuscitation, he was carried around until he disintgrated into about 5 sections and Connor attempted to place his bits INTO a spider web for the spider to eat.

Today at 7pm-Front Yard

Connor holding another potential victim in hand.

C: Mom. Remember my caterpillar? From yesterday? The one that died in the pieces?

D: Yup

C: I have another one to take his place.

D: That one looks like it is already dead to me.

C: It is.

D: What are you going to do with it? It's dead.

C: Awwww. Poor caterpillar. I guess it will have to replace my imaginary dead caterpillar from yesterday that died in the pieces. Okay?

D: Okay!

After that he proceeded to hang it off his shirt and dance a happy death dance in the driveway. Then, the carcass was summarily smashed to bits so that the innards could be examined and discussed.

Boys--gotta love 'em!!