Water Boy

We were excited for our recent trip to Charleston because this was the first chance we have had to try out his new life jacket. We had one for him as a baby but he hated it. It went up and around his neck, and he tried to pull it off anytime you put it on him. If he couldn't pull it off, he was crying that it was on. Now that he is bigger, he is able to fit in one that is a jacket. We figured he would be more likely to keep this one on since it doesn't go up and around his neck like the other. Every time I would show Callen the life jacket, I would prep him that he has to wear it on the dock at Nana and Oupa's house and at the lake. Over and over he would hear 'every time you walk on the dock, you HAVE to wear your life jacket.' Surprisingly, he did really well wearing it. He knew that if he wanted to join us on the dock, it had to go on. There were a few times he wanted to go on the dock, but didn't want to wear the life jacket, so he had to stay behind in the yard.

Because he did so well wearing the jacket, we were able to take him for a boat ride as well as spend time fishing and hanging out on the dock. We had one very interested little man during these activities. 

The boys took Cal out to the end of the dock to get the mud minnow trap ready. Each time we walked by the trap, we had to look down to see if anything was in it. We finally caught enough mud minnows to do some fishing off the dock. Ken caught a nice trout, but Callen had nothing to do with it. He did not want to see or go anywhere near the fish! He finally came around and helped me to fish. He helped hold the rod and reel in the line several times. One time a fish caught on the end of the line, but I wasn't able to hook it...Cal caught his first fish, which I am sure he was glad did not make it out of the water!

Walking with my Uncle Dave

Checking on the mud minnow trap

Look at all the fish...just don't make me touch them!

No Oupa, you put them in the bucket

Making sure the door is closed tight!

Working on my fishing technique with dad

On our boat ride, Cal just stared in amazement at the Wando terminal port happenings. He couldn't have been happier...trucks, boats, and cranes all in one place! He watched intently as to what was going on with the loading of the containers onto the ships. Any time the boat would drift and he could no longer see what was happening, he quickly let us know so the boat could be repositioned! Had bad weather not started moving in, I am sure we could have sat there for an hour or more looking at the action.

Enjoying a 'nack' on the boat

Watching the trucks move the containers

Constant pointing to the action

Cal waved to the guys on the tugboat, and they tooted their horn at him!

I have a feeling we will be going on just a few boat rides this summer. Cal was a huge fan of hanging out on the boat and enjoying the surroundings.

Touch a Truck

I've mentioned before how much Callen enjoys watching trucks and construction equipment. There are many afternoons that we walk or ride our bike around the neighborhood in search of a house project where there will be lots of trucks gathered. In the car, he is constantly pointing out any type of truck he sees. Often times I will drive around in search of large construction projects so that Callen can sit and watch the heavy pieces of equipment do their work. He is always mesmerized!

I have been looking forward to this summer when the Downtown Farmer's Market has their Touch a Truck event. I have heard the crowds are large, so get there as early as possible to avoid the masses. But, that event is at least 2 months away. I was so excited when I learned that downtown Greer was having their own Touch a Truck last week...in the evening no less, so Doug could join us. (I try and keep Cal busy during the week and take him to neat events and activities, but Doug misses pretty much everything because he is working). Doug was excited to be able to share in Callen's excitement for this event.

The event was great. There were utility trucks, city vehicles, a military tank, and several pieces of construction equipment all on display. We took Cal straight to the school bus and sat on it for a second (literally) before he had had enough and was ready to get off! He was ready to see all the big trucks! We had to stand in line for most trucks Callen wanted to sit in. Usually I would stand in line while Doug and Cal walked around. At first Cal was a little weary of touching or sitting on the trucks by himself, but he quickly got over his fear and wanted to sit on every truck he came to. Eventually he started jumping to the front of the line and try to climb up on his own.

Walking on the school bus

Wow! That's a big truck!

Not so sure about these trucks to start with

Hanging out on the tractor tire

Riding in the Bobcat

Trying out the fire truck

Finally getting the hang of riding in one on his own

Pure joy!

I hope this is the one and only time we see this scenario!

Running wild on the back of the truck!

I am so glad we were able to go (and the rainy weather held off for most of the event) and let Cal explore the trucks. He was so excited to see so many trucks all in one place. By the end of the evening, he was all smiles!