Crusing on Kaneohe Bay

Snacking
Originally uploaded by the golbys.

On Sunday afternoon we joined friends for an "only-on-Oahu" adventure -- we took a pontoon boat out on Kaneohe Bay. I'd been more than a little nervous about taking Kathleen out on a boat, but the afternoon was an enormous success. We had so much fun!

We met up with our friends on the Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe, loaded all the people, the two toddlers, and Great Dane onto the boat, and headed out! Per regulations (and good sense, probably), Kathleen had to wear a life vest while the boat was moving. She didn't much like the vest, since it restricted her movement a little, but between the water, the dog (picture her signing furiously, excited about both those things), and the movement of the boat, she was pretty distracted.

Playing in the Water
Originally uploaded by the golbys.

We cruised through the gorgeous bay, got amazing views of the Ko'olau mountains, and eventually anchored the boat in very shallow, very aqua-colored water. There were lots of boats anchored out there, on the sandbar that keeps the water so shallow. People were swimming and walking around in the water, listening to music, and enjoying the day. We ate lunch and hung out on the boat for a bit, and Kathleen got a big kick out of seeing the dog go swimming.

Eventually we decided to test out the water ourselves. That's how we spent the rest of the afternoon -- in the water. Our friends lent us a Kathleen-sized raft that their son had used when he was Kathleen's age. It enabled Kathleen to float around and play in the water. She splashed, she threw a ball around, she watched everyone else playing.

Tuckered Out by the Day
Originally uploaded by the golbys.

She could even walk where the water was that shallow! She absolutely loved it. And I got to hang out in the water, watching Kathleen and talking to friends. Honestly, it was one of the most relaxing afternoons in recent history!

After a full afternoon we decided to pack it up and head back in. Kathleen was so tired she took a bottle as we cruised back, and she was asleep by the time we were driving off the base. What a great day! Thanks, everybody!