Anchors and Fireworks

We were very fortunate that Tom had the whole 4th of July weekend off this year! With his crazy work schedule it is a hit or miss for holiday time off.  The family loaded up the car on Friday and made the 2 hr trek to Chula Vista to get in some sailing on Southwind.  Everyone was really looking forward to this weekend.  The plan was to get down to the marina, install some nav lights on the boat and head out to the anchorage for the day where we could play and then watch fireworks from the bay.

Things were a little more crazy than usual because we had a couple of extra little visitors with us.  We were helping out some friends and watching their two granddaughters for them, ages 18 months and 6. Wow the energy of little ones, if only we could bottle that stuff!  So sailing was going to be a little more challenging with three little ones on board.  Luckily our older girls are super helpful and I had been prepping and planning for weeks in an effort to have things run smooth.

Our visitors had never sailed but were excited about the boat!  We maintained our rules for little ones in life vests at all times, even on the dock! Safety first! The girls did great and everyone had a great (and exhausting) time. The little ones enjoyed paddling around with the big kids in the dinghy and fishing (without hooks). Zoey had fun showing her friends how we do things on the boat.

With a fleet of kids in tow we headed out on Saturday morning to the anchorage at Glorietta Bay.  It was really crowded but we found a spot and anchored without any issues.  Let the fun begin! The kids played in the water, we cooked hot dogs on the grill and then...came the fireworks! We all settled in on the bow of the boat with blankets to stay warm and cozy to watch.  The whole family agreed that this is one of our best Independence Day's yet!


It was a great time had by all.  After two nights aboard Southwind it was time to head back to Huntington Beach.  We are always bummed to have to leave but everyone needed to get back to work. After having two extra little ones on board I have to really say that I don't know how Brittney and Scott from Windtraveler manage with three under three on board full time. They are amazing parents giving their little ones an amazing life! Check out their blog here http://www.windtraveler.net  Who knows maybe we will be joining them in the big blue before long,  Zoey will have to be at least four before that happens! ;)


                              Look at this monkey!