Tuesday, September 17, 2013

GrandNewby Kayakers

I have to tell you...I was a little bit in heaven this weekend. Emily, Lidia and Sawyer came home for my family's reunion on Saturday and afterwards we took Lidia and Sawyer kayaking.
 
Cliff bought Sawyer a kayak last week...he already had one for Lidia. We were so excited for Sawyer to see it and we thought he would be too. But when Emily and the kids got here and we showed it to Sawyer, he was a little apprehensive about showing any excitement of his own. He's the kind of child that if he feels he can't do something really well, then he's hesitant about trying it. I know this and I know that you have to encourage him to try and then give him some time and space to get accustomed to the idea. And sure enough, after awhile, he started sitting on it, then holding the paddle and finally laying down on it. That's all it took. He came up to me and said, "LaLa, I think I'm going to like kayaking."
 
Well, alright then. Let's get our kayaking on.
 
Oyster Landing is a great place to start, if you've never kayaked before. It is a beachy sort of landing on the creeks of Murrells Inlet. It's shallow which makes it ideal for the grandchildren. If they flip the boat, no biggy. They can just hop right back on. And this sort of happened a couple of times. But it was a result of playing fearlessly on the water and just having a plain ole good time. The following pictures tell the tale.      
 
First lessons.....
 
...and a flooded boat landing. It was a really high tide, Saturday.
 
A few instructions....
 
And then we set sail.
 
Look at Lidia....doesn't she look like a pro?
 
Lidia and Sawyer took to kayaking like a duck on water.
 
The wind was blowing and the tide was changing so they had to paddle almost constantly.
The marsh was a good place to rest those weary arms.
 
Sawyer couldn't wait to go back on Sunday.
And this time, he struck out on his own.
 
Nothing to it.....
 
Sunday, the tide was dead low. It was so shallow that
Lidia kept hitting the sand with the paddle.
 
And of course, this is what you do when you get tired of paddling.
 
Or this.....
 
Or this. You go exploring near the marsh and look for crabs and such.
 
But if you're LaLa, you get all excited when you spot this beautiful creature.
I've never seen one before, but learned that it is a Roseate Spoonbill.
 
Her tail feather's are so pretty in pink.
 
And her spoonbill, too.
 
We will certainly be looking forward to more adventures such as this. I love kayaking and now that we can share it with the grandchildren....well, Heaven!!
 
**************
 
Oh, wait!  Before you go, I have to tell you something.....remember my half-marathon? Training has been going pretty well. I am so excited to tell you that yesterday I ran 10 miles and it was awesome! 
 
And the countdown begins....3 and 1/2 weeks until the
2013 Georgetown Bridge to Bridge Half-Marathon. I'm on my way!
 
Talk soon,
Laurie
 

18 comments:

  1. Oh Laurie it is wonderful to visit you...I haven't been here for so long, but I've finally got some time today ;D
    What a delightful post. The photos of your adventure are perfect. How fantastic setting your grandchildren off on a new hobby that will keep them fit, activite and outdoors.

    Congratulations on your 10 miles by the way. I think I broke my toe yesterday...it's turning wonderful colours today...so I'll not be running for a wee whilie!
    Good Luck with the rest of the training :D
    YOU GO GIRL!!! ...♥...

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    1. Thanks Neesie and it's sure good to hear from you! I know you've been quite busy with your move. Hope your toe heals quickly. Talk to you soon!

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  2. glad the kids loved the kayaking. looks like yall had fun. good luck with you marathon. I know u.will do great.
    sista

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  3. Laurie I love that, it is almost like I was there myself. That bird is beautiful, Ive never seen one of those either. I am so glad that you'll get to enjoy all of the beach !!! What awesome memories you are making with Lidia and Sawyer. They will never forget !! Now, RUN RUN RUN !!!!!
    Love You,
    Amy

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  4. I love this. Such precious memories. You and Cliff are so lucky to be able to spend so much time with your grandangels. I am a little bit jealous.
    Angela

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    1. Angela, I love that you call them grandangels!

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  5. Kayaking is one of our favorite pastimes. We have a marina just a block away with easy launching. Since we bought wheels to walk over, we have tried ending on the ocean and I have made the last 3 ride ins without tipping over.

    I can't wait until we have grandchildren to take with us. Our dog trainer insists that we need to get a life vest for our new puppy and take her with us when she finishes her shots.

    have fun on the water.

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    1. I would like to try the ocean, too. I might have to wait for a day when the ocean is nearly flat, though. I can see me now....getting tipped over and can't get back on. That would be the perfect opportunity for Cliff to shoot a "funniest home video".

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  6. You live in a great place! How fun to introduce the grandkids to an activity that you all enjoy. Great memories! Love the bird pic too! Good luck on your marathon!

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  7. Oooh. That pink spoonbill is splendid! I don't kayak but I love the pictures you took. Maybe I need to try it.

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  8. Loved seeing your pictures of such fun outings! And a roseate spoonbill! I've seldom seen them here in our part of Florida, so I'm delighted for you. What a great understanding you have of Sawyer's method of approaching new things. What an excellent "LaLa" you are!

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  9. Firstly..thanks for visiting my Memory Mondays! I really appreciate your comments! And I have to confess..this is the first time I have visited your blog...but it won't be my last!!! What lovely pictures you have and what beautiful grandchildren. I too have a granddaughter (a Sophomore in college) and a grandson (a Sophomore in high school) and they are definitely the light of my life!! But they grow up way too fast!! Good luck on your marathon!!

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    1. Hi Jay, Welcome. Thanks for stopping by for a visit and I hope you come back soon.

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  10. Looks like such a wonderful time with the kids! The spoonbill is so pretty, I've never heard of them, never seen a picture of them before, thanks for sharing your discovery!

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    1. I had never heard or seen one either, Cindy. When I first saw it I thought to myself....No way, a pink flamingo. LOL!!! Then I Googled it.

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  11. Oh I am so happy that sawyer took to kayaking so fast. Don't you love any time you can spend with the grands? It looks like you had so mcuch fun. Congrats on your ten mile run!! I am proud of you.

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  12. What a wonderful present to give your grandchildren. Times spent together with them is so precious. Your little ones are so beautiful and sweet and they are so blessed to have you for their LaLa, because you are helping to make sure they have these special and character-building life experiences. How wonderful that you were able to see the Roseate Spoonbill with them, too! Congrats on making the 10 miles, which is a true feat. I can honestly say that I would not have made it--not even in my dreams! You go, girl!

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