It was a beautiful weekend to take the boat out with my boys. There was a soft wind coming from the east. The sky was blue. And the rays of the sun blanketed the earth. I wanted to play under its cover.
The boat hardly needed any prep, and she was quickly ready to get underway. All I had to do was start her engine and spray down the inside to rid all the dirt that accumulated inside her. After she passed my inspection, I had to hunt my boys down and prepare them for the voyage.
This should be easy- I thought to myself as I walked into the house through the front door.
I surveyed the land, looking for them, knowing they couldn't wait to get on that floating vessel.
"Nico! Christopher!" I shout.
Ahhh, back room- I thought.
"Nico, Christopher!"
Silence.
I didn't hear their giggling voices, but I did hear their battery-powered 4-wheelers being driven in the backyard.
I walked out the rear door and saw them having a blast as they drove their cars around the yard. They have loved those devices since the day they got them for Christmas. And for now, I was happy they loved them. Although the grass in my backyard would tell you that it wasn't too fond of those vehicles being driven on its once lush top.
I had to admire my boy's youth and sense of adventure, but it was time to get on the boat, and I knew they couldn't wait!
"Okay, boys!" I shouted while I clapped my hands in unison, "It's boat time!"
"NOOOO!" they shout over their laughter and inability to steer and laugh simultaneously.
Haha- I laughed, staring at them.
"Cute guys. But seriously, it's time to get on that boat. I know you can't wait."
They drove past me as I stood motionless front and center of the yard.
"Dudes, let's go. Really."
They circle around me on their 4-wheelers, like sharks in the ocean circling their prey. I could only stand there and wait until one of them got close enough so I could grab him.
"Gotcha!"
"No! Dad, no!" Nico shouted as his battery-powered car rode off a short distance until it stopped.
"Trust me, you want to go. It's the boat. The boat"- Trying to convince my kids.
Nico flails his legs like a fish, swiping his tail. He can't escape my wide grasp, and like a net, I bring him into the house and immediately douse him in sunblock and dress him for the excitement of the boat!
After securing him in his car seat, I ventured into the house to search for the other catch of the day. I see him peeking around the corner. We make eye contact. My youngest son wastes no time sticking around, and I get lost in his wake.
"Is this a game!" I announce out loud. "It's the boat!"
I'm feeling ocean blue because I am beginning to think they aren't quite into boating today. After I hooked my hands onto Christopher, I finally prepared him for our voyage.
Once he is secure, we drive off to the boat docks for our fishing extravaganza.
"Okay, boys, I just gotta get gas for the boat. Will be on the water in no time."
I pull up to the gas station with about 40 feet of truck and boat trailer. I wind up taking up the space of 2 gas pumps, to the displeasure of other drivers wanting gas.
"One minute, boys. Be right back going to get some fuel," I say with a beaming smile. The kids sit quietly.
I approach the gas pump and reach for my wallet, resting in my back pocket. Hmm, not here. It must be in the boat. I climb into the boat and search for the center console. No wallet. I then go to the truck cab and search the cubby holes made for storage. Still, I need to find my wallet.
I pause and stare into space, "Where is my wallet?" I say out loud.
Giggles - from the backseat.
685 words
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