a day on the lake

I had a real weekend this past week... Saturday AND Sunday off!  That hasn't happened too many times in the past year.  I originally requested it because Jen, in a moment of insanity, planned to go camping Friday through Sunday with her parents, who were camped on a waterfront site at a local state park.  Remembering the effort of packing for a family of six and camping with Benny (at the same park) this time last year, her better judgement returned, and she decided to just make it a day trip on Saturday.

Lily took her bike, which she recently learned to ride without training wheels, and Grandpa helped her with some fishing.  Zachary took his bike and his fishing gear.  Dylan took his fishing gear and a favorite book.  The four adults took turns keeping Benny out of the water... and the road... and the neighbor's campsites... you get the picture!

The state park had canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals... hourly or daily.  The boys had asked me to rent a pedal boat on other occasions, and (being the cheapskate that I am) I had never rented one.  At Jen's suggestion, I went to the concession to price the rentals... $10 per hour or $40 per day.  I asked if I could exchange boats throughout the day if I paid for the daily rental, and they agreed, so (at the suggestion of my wife) I splurged and paid for the daily rental.  The boy's excitement was priceless... sometimes it's the simple things.

I have wanted a kayak for a while, but I have other priorities.  Do you see a theme here... (being the cheapskate that I am)?  I had never actually used a kayak, so I started out the day with a single person.  It wasn't exactly the style of kayak that I want, but it was good enough to get the idea. 

I paddled around for a while, then let the kids try it out.  I hooked a rope to it at first (training wheels for a kayak), making sure they would be able to maneuver it a little way from the shore and back to me, before turning them loose to go a little further into the inlet.  Dylan and Zachary passed the test and I let them paddle independently (but close to the campsite).

Jen tried it out, and liked it... which is a plus if I ever actually decide to purchase a kayak, or two.  Of course, I would need to sell my canoe first, and apply that to the purchase of a kayak.

I asked Lily if she wanted to try.  Of course, she, who never backs down from a challenge, enthusiastically said yes.  I didn't let her off the rope, but she handled it pretty impressively for her size.

Jen's parents

Dylan's perfect day... fishing and reading.

After we had our fun with the kayak, I exchanged it for a five person pedal boat.  The boys were so excited.  I'm not sure how many miles they pedaled on the lake that day, but they were in that boat almost the whole day.  I'd say they got my money's worth.

We cruised the lake

The Farmer's Insurance blimp flew over the lake

They used it as their bass boat

more fishing

more cruising

The boys taking the ladies for an evening cruise

The two skippers loving "their" boat

Lily caught several fish with Grandpa's help.  I think she might be "hooked" on fishing.  Sunday afternoon she was telling me, "Daddy, I need a tackle box... and a jar to put worms in."  She can be a girlie girl, but she's not afraid to keep up with a house full of boys!  I guess I need to be learning how to fish.