Fishing and Flying Day

Today was the annual Kid's Fishing Derby at the local dam. Since Kevin was in charge of opening the gym for men's basketball this morning, I felt obligated (and thought it would be fun) to take the kids. The kids were supposed to do their own casting (as much as possible) and reel in their own fish, which we didn't need to worry about. I soon became very familiar with everyone to either side of us while retrieving errant casts

by Simon. Tavin couldn't believe that a fish would bite her lure without her seeing it, so she was only letting it sit for 30 seconds or so before reeling it back in. Lucy, well, Lucy was not impressed with ANY of it. The derby started at 9, we were there at 8:30 to register and borrow 1 pole, and it was to end at noon. I was sure we'd been there for 3 hours between the line criss-crosses, the screaming, the whining, and watching everyone else all around us catch fish, but it turns out we were done after only 29 minutes!! The only thing I have to say about that is: Never Again. I just couldn't handle it any more and told the kids that I was sure dad would take them back after he was done playing ball, which he did. The kids and I piddled around a couple of garage sales, and then when Kevin got home he did take them back to the derby.

I gave them a good 1/2 hour, then drove back there with Lucy to get a picture of the fish they had caught....here they are!

Invisible fish. Hogged by all of the other anglers around us....the smiles on the faces of my children were now concentrated scowls, and the whining was a little more high pitched. We finished the derby and all was forgotten by taking them to McDonald's.

Little Eagle's Day at the airport was a very busy event, just like it was last year. Unfortunately for Simon, you have to be 8 to get a free ride in the airplanes, but he still enjoys going. Tavin managed to be called with a couple of girls (twins) from her school and past basketball team.

Kevin says she got to fly in "the best airplane there", a Cessna 185. I see she's wearing her black flip flops, one of which she had to retrieve out of the muck and mud at the fishing derby, as she snuck them by her father when he took them back....mean old mom made them wear socks and shoes. :)
Tavin got to sit in the front seat and said she "talked to the pilots". Here they are getting ready for take off.