On Friday it was mostly errands that needed to be done. We took Dillon for his final check-up before we migrate North. Atticus and Dad played in front of the clinic on a mechanical train. Atti has never ridden on a ride like that before and refused to get off. I believe he suckered his Grandpa into at least 10 or 12 rides!

 

And just as an extra point of interest; Atticus is forever climbing into Dillon's bed. Dill will usually sleep a bit longer than the rest of us, and when he does wake up he's happy to just lay and kick for 20 minutes or so. But Atticus just can not resist jumping in bed with him.

This morning we met Vin's dad at the 'marina' to go for Dad's first ride on a sailboat. It was really hot and sunny out, a bit too hot and sunny for wee Dillon, but a beautiful day just the same. The boat is docked on the river right now so we didn't have to worry about waves (or seasickness). Interestingly, along the river is a tall incinerator...with an elevator up the side that goes up to a revolving restaurant at the top. Why waste a view, right? 

  

  

After our lovely sail we drove along the Northern coast to a place that we could paraglide. Vin had given me this as a Christmas gift in 2004 so we thought it was about time he paid up. We all ended up getting airborne and loved it! Dad's 'guy' told him to keep running until he told him otherwise, so even when he was off the ground and sailing thru the air his skinny white legs were still frantically running. So sad Vin didn't get THAT on video!

Here's Dad...

  

Here's me...as I was lifting off I had to holler down at Vin to go get the kids that he left behind at the registration table. You'll also note; there are pictures of both Dad and Vin landing, but none of me. This is because I landed on the side of the mountain in the trees. About 5 seconds before we landed my 'guy' told me we were landing and then 'CRASH' into the trees. Wasn't so bad, but no pictures to show for it.

  

Here's Vin...Vincent was the last of us 3 to go up. Dad and I were up at the same time so we got to sort of fly together (didn't take a camera up, though). The guy that took Vin up asked if he was a paratrooper (he was when he was in the army) so he flew him much further away on a much wilder ride (why didn't they ask me [or Dad!] if I was a paratrooper ).

  

Apparently Atticus could've gone as well, but they said kids under 3 would likely get bored and want to come down. Next time, Atti!

  

After our fantastic adventure in the air (and no food ALL day) we went home to clean up for dinner at my most favorite buffet. The only way we could keep Atticus happy in his high chair was to wheel him with us as we went back (again and again and again) for food. He had a rather small piece of pizza, but vostly stuck to the candied tomato (same stuff as a candy apple). Good thing kids are free.

  

So it was a big day of 'firsts' for dear old Dad. How can tomorrow compete with that?