Floating the Boise River

 We were probably crazy with the number of people who thought to do the same thing as us but we decided to float the Boise River on 4th of July weekend ... something we've had on our summer bucket list! We invited my mom to join us for the kid's first time and we all had a blast! I'm so glad we got there when we did (20 minutes before they opened for the day because the line was already a 45 minute wait to rent a raft). My mom and I did the car dance of dropping one off at the end so we had transportation back to the beginning while Nic waited in line with the kids. Once we were on the water it was smooth sailing. ;) 

If there is any real evidence to prove how much these two have grown in the last year it is their life jackets. haha I think Liam's was above his belly button. We definitely need to invest in new ones next year. 

Nic played the captain and steered us along most of the way. I was in charge of the important part, keeping Lyla and our bag of food from going overboard. ;) My mom and Liam manned the front together and got the best view and splashes during the rapids. 

This girl was completely obsessed with the paddles. She had a difficult time taking turns whether it was with her brother or when my mom and I needed to lend Nic a helping hand. She certainly hung on to it until we made her give it up. haha

She's pretty cute though!!

The water was freezing but the kids still wanted to swim really badly. Nic tossed them overboard a few times (holding on to their life jackets of course) and they would burst into a fit of giggles and screams from how cold it was! I'm sure the boats around us didn't appreciate the screaming but it was sure entertaining for us to witness. haha

We spotted a momma duck and her babies. Lyla even tried feeding them some of her veggie straws! We also saw quite a few adorable hummingbirds flitting above the water.

Feeling pretty proud of himself that he got to be in front! ;)

Most of the beaches were packed but we found a rocky spot to stop along the way. We got out to stretch our legs (it was good for me because this baby belly sure felt scrunched under that life jacket), ate lunch, and watched the kids make rock towers ... 

The whole float took about 2 hours and by the time we made it to the end, we were reminded how grateful we were to rent a raft instead of having to go through the hassle of deflating our own like many people were doing in the 100 degree heat. We were also so thankful to have a car at the end too and not have to ride on the hot smelly bus back to the beginning. It was such a fun summer adventure!