Hayden Storm's First Paddle
When I put Hayden in his kayak this morning, his face immediately lit up. His eyes grew as big as saucers when I grabbed the bow and bounced him through some “rapids”… by the time we had finished “dropping into some big waves” and “dropping onto the face of a 20-footer” he was grinning like a Cheshire Cat. I knew he was ready for a trip to the lake for his very first on-the-water paddle!
First, he warmed up with some Hand Surfing with Papa.
Then, he tested the water temperature with Mama.
And, finally, he climbed in his kayak. After a few minutes of checking out the craftsmanship of his kayak, then feeling the water roll beneath him, the summer breeze blowing, and the warm sun on his face… 
he squeezed his eyes shut and set-up for his first Eskimo Roll! Papa convinced him to wait until he could hold a paddle! 
He was OK with that, and just enjoyed relaxing in his kayak on a beautiful summer day on Lake Whatcom. 
After his float, we hauled his kayak onto the grass and he got a good look at his boat next to Mom’s surfski!
The scowl on his face said “I want one of THOSE!!!” 
Watch out Papa… Mom may have a new race partner!
~In the Spirit of Compassion and Adventure!
Heather, Brandon and Hayden