Then there was fishing

We received an email, thanks to cub scouts, about an opportunity to participate in a fishing derby. It was for kids 5-12 (not sure on the 12, but I think that was it). You had to sign up ahead of time & it cost $6 per child, but they got a free t-shirt & a fishing rod/reel of their own to bring home. It was put on by local fishing clubs and a ton of sponsors.

Nate sporting his free t-shirt.

The extensive list of sponsors....

They were going to be stocking a netted off area of a local lake with fishery rainbow trout. I asked the kids if they wanted to do it & they were so excited they about jumped out of their skin. Let me say before this the only fishing my kids had done is 2 times of catch & release with my parents when we go to visit them. This tidbit of information will come in handy in a bit.

We signed up late & got the last time slot of the day, but we were going & they were excited. I tried to set the expectation that they might not catch any fish since it was the last time of the day to go fishing & only the fish smart enough to not get caught by the other kids would be left. They would have to be extra good to catch these smart fish.

 Fishing with Dad.

By the time all was said & done they both had caught their "limit" of 2 fish each. They "cleaned" (cut off the head & cleaned out the guts) the fish onsite, and sent them home in a plastic bag.

We had the most wonderful man helping us - he had to be in his 80s I'm guessing - he had been on his feet helping kids fish since 9am and we were there at 2 & he was as patient as ever. I wish I knew how to contact them to say a special thanks to this gentleman. He made our good day even better!

Abbie was ON FIRE - she was great about waiting patiently, and snagging the fish at the first "vibration" and getting them landed - it was so fun to watch her - she was so excited. She would have fished all day if they would have let her. She was so proud of her fish she called my parents on the way to the car to share her news and ask Papa if he would take her fishing again when she came to visit.

Yea I'm fishing - so what?!

 This is diva fishing with attitude - check out her "stance"! LOVE IT

 Can you hear "I GOT ONE I GOT ONE!"

Fishy #1 - Proud Girl

 Landing #2

Happy girl with 2 fish in a bag. Success!

Nate was a different story - he wanted to put his fish back (which was not an option). When he found out what was going on at the cleaning station he had a total meltdown - that big marshmallow heart of his kicked in. I'm pretty sure I had the only kid who cried about killing his fish. We promised him that he could go fishing with Papa and Papa could teach him how to fish so it was ok to let the fish go at the end. This appeased him for the day.

 "Moooom just let me fish by myself"

 Super caster

 "I think I've got one"

 Reeling it in

 Cheesy Fishy Grin

 Here comes #2

This one was a little feisty - check out the bend in the rod.

The little girls hung out on the beach & in the stroller. They did great considering there wasn't really anything there for them. Nate & Abbie both had a great time & want to do again next year.

I may have said it before, but I am soooo glad we live in an area where there are so many great opportunities for our children to participate in as they grow. Experiences that will help mold who they are and help them discover who they want to become. We are truly blessed!