Check that off the bucket list

One of the things I have always wanted to do was to cruse on a riverboat.  I'm not sure why, I just wanted that experience.  There aren't too many riverboats in Idaho, so this goal wasn't likely to be achieved until we moved.  Yesterday we celebrated Memorial Day with a sightseeing cruise up and down the Missouri River.

We traveled on the River City Star.  It looks like a steamboat of old, but is really jet engine powered.

We got up close to this old railroad bridge.

Saw a different view of the downtown skyline.

All along the river you can see evidence of last year's flooding.  It is amazing to see how much higher the water level was compared to where it is currently.

 This statue became one of the measurements for the flooding.  The standing figures are about 8 feet tall.  At the highest point, the figure on the left had only the hammer sticking up out of the water.

You can see the devastation along the river's edge.  Who knew there was so much sand that traveled downriver?  It was unreal to see the areas that have turned into beaches rather than inlets.

And then it was back to port and we were on dry land once again.

Now I can check a riverboat cruise off my bucket list.  I'd say that was a good day. :)

A bit of my creativity

I don't consider myself much of an artist.  I dreaded the art education class I took in college.  We had to have a line drawing based on an assigned topic each week.  I managed, but I was definitely not going to win any contests with my representations.  I can create sketches that are useful for playing Pictionary, but my drawing skills aren't anything I brag about.

I recently completed a 6-day Woodbadge leadership training course for Boy Scouts of America.  I was assigned to the Beaver patrol and as we were discussing ideas for our patrol name, I did a quick sketch of  the following idea:

We all liked our little jack-hammering construction beaver.  There was some disagreement as to whether he is using a jack hammer or his tail, but I figure that determination can be left up to the individual.  I figure this isn't bad for someone without drawing talent.  Sometimes my creativity surprises me!

The craziest (cardboard) boat you've ever seen

Our elementary school drama club recently did a production based on The City of Ember.  Little Miss Sunshine starred as Poppy and The Author and The Artist both volunteered behind the scenes.  One of their responsibilities was to design the boat.  A large cardboard box labeled "BOAT" did the job, but it wasn't very interesting.  So, they embellished the inside:

Any geek-related show or movie was probably referenced in some way.  They even threw in a "Volunteer as Tribute" button and a "Silence Will Fall" quote.  How many sources can you identify?

I kind of like The Artist's chibi-style Yoda.

Doesn't Little Miss Sunshine make a cute Poppy?

We inherited the boat after the play was over.  If only I had a clue what to do with it.  For now, it's happily residing in our basement.

I'm a slacker

Lately I've been a real slacker as a blogger.  There aren't really any good excuses, just life.  So, here are some completely random photos from the past few weeks:

 Bugaboo hard at work with one of his favorite pasttimes -- Angry Birds

 Little Miss Sunshine and Mr. Adventure all dressed up for Crazy Day.

 Our "It's everyone's birthday" cake (that chocolate chip glaze is the BEST!)

Someone around here turned 40, and it wasn't me. :)