Take me to the River

Life is amazing, right? It wasn't until recently that I realized how much I want and need my family. I mean, really realized what its all about. I have always been a very family oriented person, but this time it was different. I realized that I have to let my kids be kids, get dirty and make a mess, get dirt under their nails, on their face and clothes and everywhere else that was once clean. I think its funny how I dread going into work because Michael is home with the kids and I want so badly to spend the day with them. I want to go to the park, I want to play basketball, I want to ride scooters around the neighborhood, I want to play with chalk in the backyard. Sounds selfish right? Not really. I just want to be there for the times that eventually will be no more. Darren is so big. I mean really big. The conversations we have leave me in awe sometimes. For both of the kids, I sit and think about how much I will miss each day with them as young kids. But the more I think about it, the more I look forward to the "real" conversations and times that I can spend with them. I cant wait to see Darren playing sports. I cant wait to be the loudest mom with the best posters in the stands cheering him along. He wants to play EVERYTHING! and I am okay with that! I am really looking forward to all the times that I will get to share with the kids in the future.

So, what got me started on this whole post anyway? I normally am not the biggest fan of fishing. I am more of the let Michael catch them and I will get the fish in the net. The last time just Michael and I took the boat out, it was just the two of us. We planned an overnight and bought a whole bunch of snacks and magazines and tanning oil for me. TMI, but a side note to those of you that don't have a ladder on your boat: don't jump in the water nakie unless you are sure that you have a enough upper body strength to pull yourself up, or you are SURE that your husband does! hahaha But it was great! Michael caught some whoppers worth writing home about and I brought them into the boat. It was a blast! One essential was missing. The kids. So, our goal this summer? Do a whole lot more of that! But with the kids.

Darren asked Michael if we could go to Sun splash last night on our way to softball. He loves that place. We have really been focusing more on family than anything right now. After all that has happened in the last couple months we are realizing that all the stuff we have can come and go, but we will always have each other, and value that. A family that plays together, stays together right?

So here are some pics of our first real family fishing trip together. I let loose a little and let the kids play in the mud/dirt and dig till there was dirt packed under their little nails. Gross, but fun haha. Even Jaycee caught 2 fish and reeled them in all by her self. When it came to holding her prize, she ran. Darren also caught 2 fish and you can see the determination in his face! Check out the bend in the pole too! He is so awesome! You can see how proud Michael is by the smile on his face! I tried my luck with Darren's sponge bob pole and what do you know? I caught 2 also. Michael takes the cake in the catch department bringing in 4-5 fish. All in all, it was an awesome afternoon. I cant wait for the next family outing, coming this weekend as a trip to Payson. We are headed north to take my cousins senior pictures and found it as an excuse to bring the whole family and make a trip of it.