In addition to living within walking distance of the beach, Rebecca and her boyfriend Eric (like many VAB residents) live in a house that backs up to the city’s network of canals. How cool is that? Eric parks his fishing boat in the back yard, and they sit around their fire pit watching boats go by. It’s pretty much the life.
Eric and Rebecca really wanted to take us out on their boat at least a couple of times during our visit, and obviously we were totally into it! Eric had a kids-sized life jacket handy for small guests.
Peanut makes PFDs look good, y’all.
And Nugget was rocking the puddle-jumper, which is a legal PFD! His balance was a little off, but he didn’t let it get him down.
Peanut busied herself with collecting pine needles and throwing them overboard, with the result being that she is invited onto Uncle Eric’s boat anytime! Nugget enjoyed rocketing around the deck and occasionally being scooped up for auntie kisses.
We cruised slowly down the canal, checking out the houses and getting the tour from Uncle Eric, who knows VAB like the back of his hand after years of living in the area. (So lucky!)
Our destination was Chick’s, an easygoing oyster shack right on the water. Yum! Local James River oysters, get in mah belleh!
Steve and I had an easy night of it, because Uncle Eric and Aunt Rebecca wanted to get in as much kid time as they could. Aunt Rebecca officiated coloring…
While Nugget perched on Uncle Eric’s lap. Seriously, I’ve never seen Nugget so calm or so contented in a restaurant. He’s usually a hot mess. Eric is the baby whisperer and we spent all week trying to convince him to come home with us.
After dinner, Nugget got a special treat – the chance to drive the boat! (Or, “Uncle Eric’s Water Truck,” as we called it all week.)
We cruised along for over an hour, checking out the sights. Construction equipment!
And an osprey!
Before we knew it, the sun was setting and the clouds were putting on a stunning show for us.
What a perfect night…
We had so much fun on the boat! So jealous that Rebecca and Eric can hop in the boat from the backyard and cruise out for dinner and drinks whenever they want. We decided that it was our mission for the rest of the week to get out at least one more time…
Until next week!
covered in flour 
Any restaurant with a roll of paper towels on each table is on my to-do list.
It was delish!