The Cardboard Boat Regatta...

I have to say that this past Saturday was one of the best days of summer so far.

My mom and Eric decided to enter the cardboard boat regatta sponsored by the local VFW. Well, somehow the little boat project turned into a big boat project and Kurt got involved. So, working each evening on the boat all last week the three boat builders built this...

"THE GENERAL LEE"
(did you really expect anything else from Eric??)

It is made totally out of cardboard, duck tape, packing tape, and paint.

The day of the event came and the boat was put in the water along with the other entry. Kurt and Eric climbed in and The General Lee immediately began to take on water in it's left pontoon. Technically Kurt was supposed the peddle the boat and Eric was supposed to steer, but once they started to take on water and sink plans changed... Those of you who know Kurt know that he will not quit and was not going to be defeated so being the super dad he is he jumped out of the boat and kicked his way to the finish line. (there is no rule against this - it only states you can have an electric/gas powered motor) Nick was standing with me on the shore and ran into the trailer, stripped down and changed into his swim suit and swam out to help. Eric stayed in the boat and enjoyed the ride!!

By this time the other boat couldn't steer very well and they were going in circles and our boat was sinking. It was so funny that I had tears in my eyes.

After a long swim the boys crossed the finish line for 1st place. They also won the "titanic" award.

I have to say that the VFW really put on a great day for the kids. The entire event was catered to the kids. Along with the boat race they had games, smores, hot dog roasting, a pinata, ice cream bars, and so much more. I huge thank you to this organization for hosting another fun family activity in Ely. We can't wait until next year!!