Beautiful day in the Neighborhood

 We went to the concervation area again to go fishing.   This time we rented a boat! (for $3 mind you)

Here's heath showing off the key.  He was so proud to be the keeper of the key from the conservation center to the pond.

Heath was all business.  Daddy got him a new fishing pole last week that's for "big boys." 

Notice how Houston is so care free and recklessly standing up,  Heath was quite the opposite, very cautious and slow moving.  Very worried about everyone being safe.

Houston spent a lot of the time leaning over the edge as far as he possibly could tickling the water with his little fingers.  It's actually pretty remarkable that he didn't fall overboard.  Flat bottomed boats are pretty amazing.

 Houston looked pretty hilarious in his huge life jacket.  Next time we will bring our own... that fit a little bit better.

 That's joy on that little boy's face right there.

 After about half an hour Houston fell asleep.  I guess the quiet calm rocking of the pond had just the right touch.

I've decided I like a few things about fishing. (In no particular order)
* It teaches kids to be patient.
* It teaches them that we have to "work" for food, and where some of our food comes from.
* It teaches them that we don't always get things we want (if we don't catch anything) but we still have fun.
* It's a laid back activity that allows for quality talking and teaches kids there are times for just being quiet and enjoying your surroundings.
* We get to enjoy the beautiful Earth that we live on.
* Our boys love to fish. They love casting the line, and reeling it in.

We didn't catch anything that afternoon, but in my mind it was a success.... no one went swimming!

(that was probably my biggest fear of renting a little boat)

 We then had a picnic at the shooting range. PB&H, our favorite.

 Houston picked probably 30 flowers and brought each on over to me so excited saying, "Mommy! for woo!"  It was just as exciting the 29th time as the 1st.  He's such a cute sweet kid.

Daddy shot some arrows and got his bow sited in.  Thanks Uncle Jim for you bow help : )

and someone swiped my camera on the ride home.   I love the teeth....

That night Daddy did all the dishes in the house! He's so wonderful!