Keith had been lamenting all summer about whether he should get a paddle board. He was convinced it would be easier, and more fun, getting on/off the paddle board than in/out of the kayak. So after listening to him whine for the past 3 months, I bit the bullet and ordered an inflatable standup paddleboard (SUP) and had our friends bring it up with them. Eric and Cherie had unpacked it from the box and had it all stored in its backpack carrying case.

We unloaded all their items on to the boat and Keith was so curious about what was in the giant backpack. He thought Eric had brought a tent and was getting frustrated that “no one” knew what it was. Eric was such a gem and played along. The next morning, Eric tells Keith he wants to show him this cool thing he got. He starts unpacking it and the anticipation was palpable.

At first, Keith couldn’t tell if Eric had brought his own SUP but quickly realizes if it was for him. It was such a great surprise and great fun…. like a kid at Christmas with a new toy … just what he always wanted. He couldn’t wait to put it together.

So, the day before, in the very little grocery store, Keith found a pizza slice floaty, with pepperoni and olives. Since he didn’t have a paddle board, he wanted something he could just lay on in the water. I couldn’t say anything for fear of spoiling the surprise … so we bought a pizza floaty and all got good use out of it. (Note: If you buy 6 of them, you tie them all together and it becomes a whole pizza).