Dyevochka

TL;DR: When you look back on your childhood aboard, what was the thing that made child-you the most joyful? What is the one thing that gave you that childlike giddiness that created the biggest impression?

Thanks for doing this AMA, Pikasaurus! My fiancee and I are (very slowly) repowering/refitting our 47' sailboat (Compass 47) with plans to cruise with our yet-to-be spawned children. Of course I read blogs like Bumfuzzle, s/v Totem and Zach Aboard, and there are a few cruising kids at our marina, but they are still young'ens. I've never had the opportunity to ask an adult former boat-kid what it is that stands out the most in terms of fond childhood memories. What I mean (and will be poorly explaining) is more along the lines of that one thing that stands out that gave you that amazing giddy feeling that only a kid can get. That feeling that sticks with you and makes you want to find a way to help your own kids feel that way. I grew up both on the water and on a farm (lucky Floridian), and whenever my dad would take me on one of the farm's ATVs, or when he would let me drive one of the trucks through the fields when I was well below driving age, or when he taught me to use our computerized irrigation system (it was advanced in the 80s!) I got the feeling I'm talking about. I'll never forget that feeling. When did that happen for you cruising/living aboard? Were there special traditions, jobs aboard, or moments with your parents that stand out as special? Thank you!

When you're already pressing buttons with your hands, feet, and head - as I'm sure you often do - what do you prefer to use next, in the event that you're called upon to press yet another button? Tongue? Tushy?