Wakeboarding, ear aches and speed

We all had a fantastic time in Kelowna. The weather was hot (even though it was smoky from all the forest fires), the company was good and there were lots of activities to keep everybody interested.

The not-so-anymore 'boys' getting ready to race at Malibu.

There are other go-karts at Malibu that you can drive, if you have a driver's license. Only problem is that in Russia, to get a license you have to be 18. So poor Nikita had to cram himself into a small kart that really didn't go all that fast. Maybe next time he can try the faster ones...

Matvey had no problem fitting in and actually found it quite fast. So fast, that he did a lap in less time than the posted sign and received...

...a coupon for 100 points! He was so excited to have gone so fast and to have finished faster than his big brother:)

Sophia enjoyed the ice cream.

Unfortunately, due to all the swimming that we did (and probably from a previous ear infection that didn't quite heal), Max ended up with some serious ear issues. While he made it through he was in a bit of pain for the second half of our time in Kelowna. The pharmacist recommended using some heat to help soothe the ear. Creative Max, took my little magic bag and Sophia's pipe-cleaners and voila, a hot pack for the ear without holding on. I think it helped a little bit but the look sure won style points!

Boating around Rattlesnake Island. There are shelves below the water's surface which is rumored to be where Ogopogo lives. It is also the deepest part of the lake.

Most of out time on the boat was spent wakeboarding or tubing. The guys (and myself), were all up for giving it a try. It took a couple of days but everyone managed to get up and do quite well. Nikita probably had the easiest time and wasn't afraid to show-boat it!

Oops, the falls are the most entertaining for the viewers!

Matvey on his first time up. He was so excited that they drove by the beach where Sveta, Sophia and I were playing and he was yelling at us to watch him! It was pretty cool.

Almost air under that board...if only we had a few more days I am sure both of them would have been trying many more tricks.

Even Denis had a go and did well. Anybody notice the tongue hanging out? It is another family trait that the tongues hang out when concentrating. A family game of Jenga is something to see!!!