From the Historic to the Aquatic

The following Saturday we made our annual visit to the Freedom Festival's Colonial Fest in Orem.  We love this little chance to step back into history every Fourth of July.  We did a lot of our usual activities: children's games, children's militia, children's chores, school, checking out the various craftsmen and their wares, trying out the stocks, and trying some of the baked goods.  This year we also stopped at the silhouette cutter's tent and had the kids' silhouettes cut, which was very cool.

When we got home, we twisted the kids' arms into getting their work done so that we could have a second adventure later in the afternoon.  But it was worth it!

Ben had just surprised all of us by buying a small 20-year-old ski boat from a good friend of his.  (Although, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, since he grew up with boats and has always loved being out on the water.)  We were itching to take the boat to the lake and try it out, and we had just enough time to drive to Deer Creek Reservoir and boat around for a little while before heading back so Grammy could get back to Oma's.  It was so fun!  The water was cold but the kids enjoyed tubing anyway.  I loved sitting on the boat, riding around in the sun and watching the kids have fun.  It was crowded on the lake, but the scenery was beautiful.

I think we're going to enjoy this boat.  I only wish the summers weren't so short here.