family adventure

While on our dysfunctional family vacation; we went on a float trip with my twin sister and her family. The boys and I had never been canoeing before. We tipped just seconds after we got in the water. The river at that spot was WAY deeper than I was tall and I got a good drink of river water. When I surfaced to the top; I was very panicked worried about Steven who was also in my canoe. I couldn't fight the current because it was so strong. But when I turned around to check on him; he was floating right toward me at the bank so I knew he was fine. Steve tipped with Isaac trying to help Steven and I. Then he grabbed a hold of Isaac and held him all the way to shore. Then the guys head out in this crazy current after everyone was safe ashore and go to rescue the canoes. We all took deep breaths and hopped back in the boats.

It was crazy. It was dangerous. And it was wonderful. I would be lying to say I wasn't scared. I was terrified. Especially after we tipped over. The next incident happened a ways down the river. We had let the older kids get out and float along side the river since it was so much calmer down stream. Then we turned a corner. The river was RAGING. We instructed the kids to get out on the nearest bank which was all the way across from where we were able to dock the canoes. So here go the men again upstream in the middle of the raging river to make sure that no child would get past them. Cassie and I circled back and instructed the kids to back up to the calm area and we would come and get them. We did. All the while the men were down stream insuring if a child did get past us; they wouldn't get past them.

And then the final adventure. One more tip. This time in Steve's canoe. Isaac was dumped over and went flying down the river. He got hung up on a tree limb and Steve couldn't get to him because he was upstream and the current was too strong. So Steve tells Isaac he's just going to have to trust him and let go of the tree branch and float. Dad promised he would catch him a little ways down the river. It took a lot of courage on Isaac's part. He let go of the branch and floated right into his Daddy's arms.

It was awesome. It was wild; but we had Steve. And somehow that made it okay. He took care of us and kept us safe. And now I have memories that will last a lifetime along with bumps and bruises that will last a while too!