I don't know what the weather is like where you are, but this past week has been just gorgeous around here! This Monday was, in particular, a perfect day. Sunny, warm but not too hot - just ideal fall weather that feels like a second chance at summer. So my Dad - Grandfather extraordinaire - had the bright idea to take the Little Dude out of school and bring the Little Guy along out for a little family boat ride on the river. Needless to say, L.D. did not object to a day off school at all. 
We drove Grandpa's boat down to the local dock, and with all the strength that a three and six year old can muster, we got it out into the water.
Here we are, all life-jacketed up and ready to go!
We got out on the river, and oh what fun it was!
There were fall colours, and drooping willow trees.
And something new to see around every bend in the river.
There were tall graceful Herons rising from the banks, and big flocks of Cormorants, eager to get out of our noisy way, skimming over the water like ghosts.
We stopped in the shallows to look at the forest of seaweed below us, and catch a wishful glimpse of turtles or fish.
The sky above us was as beautiful as the waters below.
We even discovered a whole tree full of Cormorants.
I love like a long-necked bird in silhouette.
We stopped and had lunch in a little town on Cooks Bay.
And then got back in the boat for a leisurely trip back down the river. The Little Dude favoured this spot at the front of the boat where he could "stretch out and relax." Because life in grade one can be very stressful.
And of course, Big Monkey-see, Little Monkey-do. Though really, the Little Guy's favourite spot to sit...
...was in GranGran's arms.
Both boys really enjoyed the novelty of being in a vehicle that did not involve car seats and seat belts. Such freedom!
Captain Grandpa was the man behind the wheel most of the time.
But he welcomed the help of little co-captains.
The Little Guy could not have been happier about the chance to drive the boat.
And after seeing how much fun his little brother had, even the Little Dude had to try his hand at it.
Eventually it was time to leave the river in our wake (sorry, could not help it)
And say goodbye to our day on the river. But it was a lovely outing that will live in our minds as one of those golden memories of our children's childhood for years to come.
Comments