We've been attending the annual Kern River Festival for some time now. I have participated in the slalom race almost every time we've been. There's always lots of paddling and good friends.
Now that we've had babies, things are a bit different. We didn't even attempt to go to the Festival last year, and this year we were graciously invited to stay at our friends cabin. Until now we have declined. Our friend is, lets just say, particular. He is really wonderful, but we have had many a "discussion" on how things should be done. Things like oh, how to properly scramble and egg, or how to wipe down a table cloth, or fold up folding chairs, or where to get gas on the way to Kernville. He's just particular. Because of his nature, we've felt that imposing hurricane Ostrem on him might just make his head explode.
Our friends Philip, Meredith and Tobin have stayed with our friend, and so have our friends, Paul, Katherine, and their two children, Naomi and Ian. Hmmm. No gray matter sightings, so, now that our footprint is smaller, maybe we could try this?
Really last year would have just been insane. We had 6 bottles a day per baby, I was still pumping 6 times a day, so there were all of those bottles, and breast shields, plus my pump, Evan's nebulizer, etc., etc., etc.
This year, we can travel a lot more compactly. For a weekend, we only need about a ton of gear. (compared to last years two tons) Evan doesn't throw up nearly as often, and wrangling the boys is just easier. (in some ways, in others, like their lightning quick feet that have them dashing in different directions, not so much)
This is our second trip to the Kern this season. The first with Nana and Boppie (we are still waiting for those pictures to document that occasion) a couple of weeks ago. Scott and I both got some great uninterrupted river time. This weekend, Scott and his brother Jon were going to get some bro bonding time, and Mommy was going to go it alone. (with help from the other mommies and daddies not on the river)
It went really well. The boys were very well behaved and for the most part it was easy. Granted my stress level was red lining as there was the river on one side and the street on the other, and in between, lots of people two little boys could get lost in. But they were really good about holding my hand, they weren't so good about "freezing" but I keep reminding myself they are two, and we have a long way to go.
Our friends house was crazy with kids. Tobin and Ian are both about 14 months old. Naomi is 4 and a half. Ryan and Evan are two. That's a lot of kids, especially for a particular kind of person.
It was really funny to see all of the kids, running, playing, dashing up the stairs, playing hide and seek in our friends closet. There were moments of absolute chaos, but our friend handled it with an amazing amount of calm. He almost embraced the chaos. Okay, that was pushing it, he did handle not being in control of every movement very well. I was pleasantly surprised.
It was really a neat experience being at the river with other paddling families. Next time, Scott and I are BOTH getting on the river.
The boys in a K-2
Naomi hiding
Stair guarding
Ian and Tobin see openings, but Tobin has to pause to brush his teeth
Evan and Ryan have fun with Uncle Jonny
Tobin and Evan plotting. Tobin, still brushing
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