July 4th Weekend

During the July 4th weekend we went to visit Vic's sister in Nixa, MO (just a few miles north of Branson, MO). We had a fabulous time. The highlight of the weekend was the canoe trip in Arkansas. It was an 1 day float trip.

We arrived at the canoeing outfitters around 9:00 AM. They take you and your coolers by bus upstream. Then you float/paddle/splash your way down to the outfitters again. It takes about 6 Hours.

We purchased a one-time-use waterproof camera before we got on the bus. So although we got plenty of pictures there aren't any of us, oh well, maybe next time! The group included

Kate, & Rob (Vic's sister and brother-in-law)

Krisan, Shane, & Ryan (Vic's niece, nephew-in-law, and their son)

Mark, Glenda, & Cody (Vic's nephew, his girl friend, and his son)

Matt (Vic's nephew) and of course us.

There was lots of great scenery, and plenty of sunshine. There was also lots of fun, due to the on-going water battles. Rob had a giant water cannon and during most of the trip Matt, Mark, Ryan and Cody were ruthless in their pursuit of victims. Vic and I finally got tipped by Matt and Mark (they went down too!)

Matt was generally more wet that dry. Here Matt and Ryan swamp their canoe (on purpose)
Ramming Speed! Matt, Ryan and Cody paddle to the next battle
The battle has been joined. Note Rob's water cannon spray, Matt, Ryan, and Cody are about to ram Shane and Mark.
Matt & Ryan and Rob, "Captian Cody" riding the cooler and Kate. Cody was like a little frog the whole trip, hopping from one canoe to another. Particularly at the first sign of trouble, he'd abandon ship for a better ride.