Sunday we took our kids, and Shen and Gong up to Aitkin to visit Rocky’s parents.  We were very nervous about the weather as it was rainy and cold.  Rocky wanted to try anyway, since Sunday was the only day that it would be possible to do waterskiing.  The rain continued for the whole two hour drive and showed no sign of lessening.

  Rocky’s Dad taught them how to shoot an air rifle.  They were very interested in that, and did very well.  I don’t think they would have appreciated lessons that much if it have been a more powerful (and loud) weapon, though.  We wondered if the teachers would be unhappy if they shot guns, but they said that the teachers encouraged them to be adventurous.

     Shen seemed to take to it right away, and even shot equally well on both sides.  Gong required more instruction, but was soon plinking away tin cans with reliable regularity.  They both learned remarkably fast.

     The weather cleared about the time that shooting was becoming old hat to them, and we got into our swimsuits and headed down to the lake.  Rocky’s parents live on a beautiful little lake called Rabbit Lake.  We got the boat out and my father-in-law took Shen and Gong for a short ride around the lake.  They really enjoyed that.  Then, Adventure Boy got into the water and put on water skis.  Rocky drove the boat, and when Adventure Boy popped up out of the water, speeding along on the skis behind the boat, Shen and Gong went absolutely wild with enthusiasm.

     We asked if they would like to try it, and I was surprised at how positive they were, and didn’t seem the least bit trepidatious.

     Shen tried first, with Adventure Boy coaching.  His first attempt was disastrous, as he failed to get up on the skis, but also death-gripped the rope (instead of letting go), and was pulled under the water.  Water was forced down his nose and he panicked.  I yelled as soon as I saw him go down, and Rocky stopped the boat.  Shen’s life-preserver popped him up above the water, but he was stunned, and appeared to be in trouble.  My Father-in-Law leaped into the water fully-clothed and pulled him to shore to re-assure him.

     He was very subdued, and didn’t seem to want to talk or be social after that.  He was even more subdued when Gong tried and popped right up on his first attempt.  Gong went quite a ways before tipping over.  I asked him how he liked it, and he said “Fun!  Too exciting!  It’s too exciting!”

     Naturally, Shen could not allow himself to go without trying again.  My father-in-law seemed to  very much respect his willingness to try again.  Shen popped right up on his second try and managed to ski quite a distance before falling.  He was very happy after that.

     Anyone who has ever done waterskiing will know how difficult it is to get started.  I think it is very impressive that they learned so quickly.

     The Chinese boys were not accustomed to the cold, spring-fed water of Rabbit Lake, and while it had become sunny, it was not a very warm day.  They were chilled at this point so I walked them up to the house where they changed into clothes.  Rocky’s dad built a fire and they sat by the fire, watching as Adventure Boy and Rocky took turns trying to do various tricks and stunts on the skis.

     Naturally, we used the fire to make s’mores.  I think Shen and Gong like s’mores OK, but they don’t seem to be used to anything even remotely as sweet as that.

     We went back up to the house and had dinner, and then the boys played basketball in the driveway while I cleaned up the kitchen and Rocky caught up with his parents a little.

      All of the kids fell asleep on the drive home.  As did I.