It doesn't get any better than this. 2012 Houseboat ttrip

The houseboat trip was wonderful this year.  The smiles were outstanding.  The food was terrific. The weather was fantastic and we had a great time with family.  We missed those of our family that couldn't make it this year and look forward to sharing this experience with you in the future.  

 Our home for the weekend.

 Eva, Bud and I drove down on Thursday and spent the night in Glasgow.  Jessica and Doug spent Thursday at Mamoth Cave and camped that night.  However, we ran into them at Wal-Mart while doing our pre-boat shopping.

 The crew was arriving.  We received a pleasant surprise on Thursday. The houseboat company said that we could board at 11:00 in the morning instead of the usual 3:00 so we scrambled and managed to get there early.

 Matt and Diana had a flat tire problem so they were a little later arriving.  We took a vote and decided to hold the boat for them.

 Gram is excited to see those grandchildren.

 Everyone is looking fantastic and a little older since our last visit.

 Lunch was on the boat before leaving the dock instead of our usual picnic area where we had to wait for the boat to be ready.  That was really nice.

 The new hat frames a beautiful face.

 NO, Gram and Brookelynn were NOT the captain of this boat.

 Our first tie-up.

 And we were ready to swim.  The water was warm and the air was warmer.

 OUCH, this hurt when she landed.

 Bud started his new book.

 We had lots of water toys.

 Floating was a favorite pass time.

 The water toys were fun.

 Even the hot tub was used.

 The new/old game of this trip was 'pick-up-sticks'

 Friday night was birthday night and this year it was actually Brookelynn's birthday.  She reminded us many times that day.

 Three beautiful girls. Aunt Jess made shirts for them.

 Saturday morning Aunt Jess helped Brookelynn make her craft.  Gram is very happy.

 Even the teenager managed to wake up and we know that is hard for those teenagers.  Notice that smile on her face.

 Bacon and bacon and bacon.  We cooked a lot of it.

 Leo needed a little sun on that white skin.  So did his sisters.  Those floating chairs are a great way to go.

 The cooks for one of the meals.  I don't think that Brookelynn helped but she did join in the pictures.

 Mexican Train was the favored group game.  Doug insisted that he won the most games.

 Gram and Annika played 'Twenty questions'.

 We had a great view every night.

 Spa afternoon included having your hair done by Hailey.

 A message by Brookelynn and your nails done by Annika.

 Gram and the girls made cookies.

 As the trip was coming to an end we all gather for our group picture.

 It is kind of like 'herding cats' to get us together but we did manage.

Gram and her final shots with the grandchildren.  

 And with the children.

 The final beer.  Someone had to do it so Jessica and Doug volunteered.

The last picnic before we all separated and went our own way.
We dropped Eva off in Grand Rapids about 10:00.  Jessica and Doug beat us home.  Leo arrived home about the same time.  Bud and I drove on and arrived home about 1:00.
It was another very successful trip.  I hope you enjoyed the pictures.