A Day On A Boat

Yesterday we picked up my Mom and went to spend the day at Newport on my brother, David's boat. David and Glenda were already down there waiting for us.
My Dad always had a boat.  David and Dad were the ones who shared the love of the sea.  And they had a love of deep sea fishing.  We always got to spend a lot of time on the boats my Dad had, and he was always more than happy to take us cruising around the harbor, or to Catalina, or whatever.  We had more fun on those boats!  So many great memories.  Just before my Dad passed away, he had purchased a brand new boat.  He didn't even get to enjoy time on that boat, as his illness was so quick.  For a long time, it was bittersweet to be down there.   Eventually, Mom sold the boat.  David purchased his own a couple of years ago.  It is exactly like the second boat my Dad had, I think.  So again, spending time on it, brings back so many memories for all of us.  Yesterday was a bit overcast, but warm in the sun, and the perfect day to be on the water.   Here is my brother, Captain Dave.

David loves the ocean and fishing and boating, like our Dad.  It amazes me to see SO much of our Dad in him.  Although, I don't know why?  He is just so like him.
We set all of our snacks and goodies out, and just nibbled and visited.  David and Glenda's son Chad arrived.  Then later Drew and Christine came down.  Shortly after they arrived, we left the dock for a harbor cruise.

It was a beautiful day to be out and about.  Lots of other boaters.  Paddle boarders, and people enjoying this pretty Southern California early Spring day.

We cruised the harbor looking at all of the pretty houses and boats.  I loved this house with the pretty windows and window boxes.

 And this group of houses, each with the American Flag waving proud.

We pulled up to the dock in front of the Bluewater Grill.  A favorite eatery of ours for many years.  It will forever remind me of my Dad.  They have wonderful food, and if you are in Newport Beach, you should try it.  They bring a loaf of freshly baked sourdough bread and softened butter to your table as soon as you sit down, and it is heaven!

Erika and Noah had been to a birthday party nearby, so they joined us for lunch and the boat ride back to Newport Bay.  We just drove her to her car when we left for home.  I got lots of great shots on the ride back in.  I loved this one of my son Drew, nephew Chad, Mom, daughter Erika and grandson Noah.

And this one of Drew's girlfriend Christine, Drew, Chad and Eri.

Mom and kids.

Drew and his beautiful Christine.

When Chad was a little boy, he would love to delight us in his ability to play music using nothing but his hands, and arm pits. He was so proud of himself, and would show anyone, at any time.  I recall one summer at Bass Lake where that was all we heard, in fact!  Little Chad with his big smile, and arms flapping like a bird.  He was such a character!  Well.....guess who has learned the same trick?

 Look at that concentration!

When he showed me his new trick, he said to me, "Grandma, can you believe that a human being can make such a sound?"

No sweet boy, I cannot believe it!  I have a feeling we will be hearing this new "boy sound" for some time to come!
He was very excited to show his Mama's cousin Chad what he could do.  They even gave us a short duet.

Glenda and David's dog Rosie seemed to enjoy it too!
There was a game of charades going on for awhile.  Noah was in charge of that game.  Here he is telling Chad what he had to act out.

Noah is quite the engaging conversationalist.  Here, he had my Mom, Glenda and Rosie captive for one of his stories.

Greg and Captain David were pretty busy with driving the boat all day.  I took this from below to them on the flybridge.

It was a fantastic day!  Watching all of the activity on the ocean.  Birds, people, parties, etc.  Here is a large boat going by where there was what appeared to be a quincinero going on.  ( sorry if I spelled that wrong)

And a boat passed us with a dog just like our Dusty at the helm.  They said her name was Lucy.

When we got back to the slip, we tidied up and headed for home.  I took this photo of David's boat as we were leaving.  My Dad's first boat was named The Lady Di.  After my Mom, Diane.  The second boat was Another Lady 2 Di 4.  Then I think there was, Another Lady Di...etc....
My brother so thoughtfully chose this name to honor our Mom, and all of those years we spent boating with our Dad.  It gives me chills, even still.

Thanks Brother.  We had a great time yesterday!!  Just as we always do when we are on a boat.
Love you!!
XO  Kris