Skiing Bode

When we lived in Colorado, a "Skiing Bode" post would have referred to a trip to the mountains.  Today, this last day of summer before Bode heads back to school, Ashley brought Bode out to this water-ski school in Walton county.  Apparently, the instructors are world-class--the guy that drove the boat holds several world-records in ski-tricks.  He also was a fantastic instructor and quickly got Bode up on some skis.  First, here's a picture of Bode in his vest.

Next, here he is getting on the boat.  The other kids were phenomenal skiers--they came down for a week of lessons from Pennsylvania.  One of them was doing flips and all sorts of things.

Bode used a tow-bar to get up.  He first used the bar, and then he used the rope attached to the bar.  Next time we bring him out for a lesson, he'll use a rope behind the boat.  Here are some good movies.

Next, here's one of Bode starting from in the water.

He then switched over to the tow rope.  On this first one, he had some problems.

Finally, here's a good one of Bode popping right up.

As I said before, today is the last day of summer vacation.  We met Bode's teacher on Friday--Mr Welch, and he seems like a very nice man.  I started back to work last Wednesday at the University of West Florida--I don't think my picture is up on the faculty profile page, but at some point, my info should be able to be seen here.

What an incredible summer--we are very grateful to have made the transition to Florida without any major mishaps.  We said before we moved that as long as the three of us, and the two dogs made it, we could adapt to anything else.  Bode also wanted his fish (Barry) to make, which he did.  For about three weeks, we thought Cisco (the snail) was no more, but just recently, he reappeared in the tank (we've no idea where he was hiding).  Here's hoping for a great start to the school year.