Part of preparing Andiamo and crew for departure includes mandatory survival training. Until last week, we only had one child sized immersion suit on board the boat. Tami and I had resorted to committing the one suit to the kid with the most potential (just kidding) until we found a good deal on another suit at Second Wave in Seattle. So now, both kids get an equal chance at survival and a bright future should we be forced to abandon ship.

So, today was survival suit donning and picture day. We introduced the kids to their new fashion wear and explained how to get in them. They weren't taking it seriously at first, but then we explained to them how it could save their lives and that sharks hate the taste of survival suits. That instantly changed their minds. They are true believers now! Of course it was too hot for us to try ours on, so the kids had all the fun. It was a useful and entertaining training event. Both kid's suits were in good shape and fit relatively well. All the zippers and velcro worked and the even the whistles and lights got a trial run. We all had fun and took a few pictures for historical purposes.

On a side note, last week, Tami and kids took our liferaft in to have it inspected and serviced. It was an old Avon that had been aboard the boat since we bought it. They didn't really know how old it was until the service technician inflated it for them. It smelled like World War II and I think it had a wooden floor! Nonetheless, the 28 year old artifact was condemned. The kids did get a good education out of the experience, however. The technician gave them a little class on the raft and its contents. They were even able to taste the survival rations. They got in the raft, but got out quickly because they couldn't stand the smell. So, needless to say, we had to order a new raft. We ordered a SeaSafe, offshore, self-righting, 6-man, hard-case liferaft. It should be here in a couple weeks. The kids were excited to hear that our new raft won't smell like the silent film era.

Well, back to my story....even during a serious safety seminar, Christian had the humorous wherewithall to give Abby a set of "bunny ears" with his 3-fingered glove during picture time. Those kids crack us up! More survival training pictures will follow in the album shortly. Enjoy!