Boating with the Hubs

Andrew, I want to remember how happy you are when we spend time on the boat.  Back in July 2009, you called me at work and spoke around 100 miles per hour about how you were just browsing Craigslist and found the perfect new-to-us boat.  You spouted off at least 20 specs that left my head reeling because I had no idea what they meant, but I couldn't help but respond to your enthusiasm and agree with everything you said.  We spent a whole year in our new house listening to the boats on the lake, knowing we were less than a mile away from fun on the water.  You and I sat on the deck swing and daydreamed about being boat owners, going so far we'd have actual conversations like this:

A- "Hey Honey, let's go for a ride around the lake."
C- "Sure!  Let me grab my sunglasses."

or,

A- "Hey Babe, let's take the boat out tonight and pick up dinner from Fish 'n Pig."
C- "Yeah!  I wanna see the ducks!"

So the Sunday after you called me at work, ecstatic about founding our perfect first boat, we took a little drive over to check her out.  Sure enough, later that week she was ours.  I want to remember pulling in the driveway after work and seeing the smile on your face as you stood next to your new boat.  How you hustled me into the house to change into appropriate boating clothes.  How you checked and double checked everything like an airplane pilot. 

How you carefully drove down our street to the lake, eyes rarely wavering from the rearview mirror. 

How we jokingly exclaimed, "Man, what a drive!" when we arrived at the boat ramp 2 minutes after leaving our house. 

How you carefully and proudly backed the boat into the water. 

How we loaded ourselves into the boat and pushed away from the dock with big, goofy grins on our face.  How you turned to me and smiled as you went to crank the boat and... nothing.  (What a scare!)

It took us some trial and error, and some help from the original owner, but we got right into the swing of things with our boat.  Not surprisingly, you have mastered everything.  I love that our past daydreams are a reality now. 

I love the look on your face as you drive around the lake, so proud and happy and loving life.

I love the sunsets over the water, and how you patiently slow down so I can take 5000 pictures. 

(This is our very first sunset on our very first night on our new boat)

I love floating in our cove and keeping an eye on your four (or more) fishing poles waiting for a catch. 

I love looking at the stars and listening to music as we drift along lazily.  I love leaving work and getting a text message that reads, "Just sitting at the docks waiting on my beautiful wife."  I love packing up the picnic basket, cooler and blankets for nice night out on the middle of the water with you.  I love your excitement when we get to take our family out on the lake.  I love those hot summer days when you fling yourself off the side of the boat to cool off, and when you surface your eyes sparkle more than the sun reflecting off the water.

I want to remember this always.