Couldn't ask for a better ending

Last week we headed up to the Laughlin/Needles area for a few days at the river. This is our second year making a similar trip and I truly hope it continues to be a tradition. Sure we go to the river multiple times during the warmer months but we usually make day trips to areas south of Parker. Actually staying overnight at the river gives us much more time on the water and makes for a much more relaxed attitude about everything involved with getting a boat out on the water.

We decided to stay at one of the casino hotels in Laughlin, in short to give us the convenience of more eating choices. We also thought that when we arrived Sunday afternoon, the kids could enjoy the hotel pool. That turned out to be an epic fail. I couldn't believe how crowded the pool was! The kids still swam for awhile but it was far from ideal.

 We were joined on this trip by Grand Bob and Granny Annie, Bob's cousin Joe and his wife Mary and our friends Cruz and Tara. We launched the boats, beached for awhile, drove through Topock Gorge (so breathtakingly beautiful, one of my FAVORITE spots along the river).

And the kids in all our years of going to the river finally got a chance to try this:

TUBING! Jadyn, our little thrillseeker didn't particularly like it. When we asked her how she goes on all these crazy roller coasters but doesn't like being towed on the tube, she explained that the roller coaster has a seat belt and the tube doesn't. Makes sense. Next year I definitely want to see if either of the kids want to try water skiing.

That day we stayed on the water until 7 p.m. It was an insanely great day at the river. And what better way to finish it off and make staying in Laughlin 100% worthwhile than dinner at In-N-Out?

Day two on the water we again drove the boat through the gorge and went all the way to the top of Havasu. I may be the only person in the world who has never actually been to Lake Havasu. This is where all the spring break and holiday weekend craziness happens and it can be a little less than family friendly. We have always had our little sandbar when we go to Big River but this trip we stopped at THE Sandbar - a spot famous for getting crowded and wild. Since we were there on a random Tuesday, I only spotted one girl in a thong and pasties and luckily the kids were oblivious because I didn't really want to get into a discussion with them about that.

Here is our obligatory family picture from this trip:

I know I sound like a broken record but this summer has truly been the best summer ever. I think the kids are at ages where they can do a lot more, do a lot more on their own and I just really, really enjoy all the adventures the summer allowed. It makes me want to be able to freeze these moments in time. I have never wanted them to stop growing up so fast more than right now. But then I think to the future and all that it holds and I just can't help but smile. It won't always be easy but in the end I know it is worth it. On the days I am stressed out or having issues with the kids, I am just going to close my eyes and remember floating on a raft with the gorge as my backdrop, listening to the kids giggle as they splash in the water and all will be right with the world.