In my Michigan post from a couple days ago, I mentioned that we watched my dad race boats during our trip. It's considered the toughest race in the world for that type of boat race. Something to brag about I suppose. As a young girl, I grew up looking forward to the race that occurred at the end of summer each year. It brought people from around the world to our small town, and I loved the energy that came with it. One year my dad met some racers and offered them a place to stay in our yard. We had quite the yard full of racers each year, and it's a tradition that's been carried on for over 20 years. Now my dad, who worked in carpentry for quite a number of years, builds and races the very boats we watched race for all those years. It's pretty fun to see these things come full circle! We're quite proud of my dad (grandpa).
checking out the boats
enjoying the noise of engines revving
trying out grandpa's boat
hanging out before the race
giving grandpa's boat a good luck tap
obligatory family shot
beautiful Burt Lake
the starting line
watching from dad's shoulders
watching grandpa cross the finish line on day 2
I don't remember exactly, but my dad ended up in about 6th place overall. Not too shabby for an older guy in a class of 30-something boats. Some day he just might build our little one a boat. We have to carry on the tradition, right? We hope to keep watching my dad race for at least a little longer. If not, I'm sure we'll find another reason to visit Michigan in the summertime!
Chase is such a doll! Owen loved watching the races. Hope you are doing well in AZ!
ReplyDeleteThanks Leah! Oh, the races are perfect for little boys... so much noise and excitement. :-) We're enjoying Arizona, but we are ready for fall to make a visit. Hope you guys are well.
DeleteThat's so cool that your dad races boats!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tiara! He got a late start when it comes to racing, but he really enjoys it... and we love watching him race.
DeleteAw, he is the cutest little boy ever! Looks like a great day at the races. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stephanie! Your little guy is just adorable too... and growing like crazy. We had so much fun at the races. Hope you've had a great week.
DeleteMichigan looks beautiful!! And SO FUN with the boat race :) How neat!! Added to my list for sure! Do you think if we bring Flo that your dad will let us join the racers and camp out in the yard?! 6th place?! Way to go dad/ Grandpa! Happy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteThe boat races were always something I looked forward to growing up. Love it! I am sure that you would be welcome to camp there. It can get a little rowdy and noisy around boat race time. If you don't stay out at our place, there's always Burt Lake State Park right in town that is awesome too! :-) I love that your dad surfs!! Never grow old, right?!
DeleteThis is so fun! Your little boy has gotten so big and is absolutely adorable. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gentri! We had so much fun in Michigan... as always. He is growing like a weed. :-P
Delete