Gone Fishing

In the spirit of trying to do better with my blog - I've decided to commit myself once again so not being so wordy, to not proof-reading and over-thinking my posts to the point that one post takes 3 hours to write.

This last weekend, it was the Father/Daughter Outing in our ward.  I grew up LOVING father/daughter ward outings and so I was very excited that Ryan got to be part of helping to make this fun weekend possible for our girlies (well, the older girlies...next year Leta and Annie will get a chance).  Lucy and Elsa enjoyed playing with ward friends (they got to know some knew friends too), playing the games that Ryan took up, and going to the creek and fish hatchery.  I'm so glad I'm married to someone I trust and who actually likes doing things like this with our girls, not just because it is his duty.   

I would post pictures, but our card reader doesn't like Ryan's work camera that he took.

On Saturday, my dad came to pick me and Leta and Annie up to meet Ryan and the girls that afternoon and go fishing at Willow Springs.  We also met up with Katie and her family, who were already up there for a family outing.  It was a beautiful day.  I asked Ryan, "Remind me why we don't do this more often?"  The girls loved playing by the lake, the weather was perfect.  I got to sit and relax a little and watch my girls enjoy family and nature.  Every so often they would take their turn coming and sitting on my lap and relaxing with me.  I loved the one and one attention I could give them.  It was wonderful.

Lucy, Annie and Leta each caught a fish.  Well, Leta reeled hers in most of the way, but I was too busy taking pictures to grab the net and so it got away once she got it almost to shore.  I think this was Leta and Annie's first official fish.  Elsa was sad she didn't get a fish, but I'm sure she will next time.  And believe me, there will be a next time soon. 

On the way up, my dad, the girls and I stopped at KFC.  Leta had fun just hanging out on grandpa's lap drinking her sprite.  I tried to get a cute picture, but caught my dad's grumpy old man face.  Glad he is a better fisherman than a model.    

Ryan you can thank me later for not capturing your exposed back side.

They each had fun poking at the hanging fish.  Yep, it was a small fish, but a fish nonetheless.

Leta and Annie could have sat and thrown rocks in the lake for hours.  It was a little crazy to think that almost exactly 3 years ago we were in the same spot, pretty much doing the same thing with Lucy and Elsa at the same age.

Elsa 

 Lucy

Annie was just so happy that she was finally outside again.  We haven't had a good long outside time since July when we were in Snowflake and Utah.

I am proud to say that I have raised beautiful girls who are not above getting a little dirty and having some fun in nature.  I think it is a good skill to have.  

 Hi 5's.

 Aunt Katie's treats were a hit as always.  This is Annie with Parker.

 The crew hanging out in the shade.

Raiden's fish.  Logan was the netter.  Lucy is watching and ready to take notes on her notepad (Lucy LOVES notebooks)

 Lucy hanging out on my lap.

Leta hanging out on my lap.

 Leta crying for more Pringles.

 The happy couple.

On the way home we discovered our new go to place for dining:  Basha's in Payson.  We paid $8 for a fresh wood fire pizza and then $7 for produce and drinks.  Healthier and better tasting than other fast food.  Besides, the little deli area was a quiet place to eat.  Can't say it was the cleanest, but we are adding the Basha's number to our cell phones so next fishing trip we can just call ahead and it'll be ready when we arrive.

We drove home with Leta screaming most of the way and then got into a crazy storm that was much needed in our dry Arizona desert.  It made for a great ending to a nice day (except for the Leta screaming part).  

Thanks pops for being the master fisher and driving me and my babies up there.   

Seriously, fishing with my pops is great.  He sets up about 8 poles (we all have permits thanks to my mom and dad's ingenious Christmas present) and keeps watch over the poles.  When there is a bite, he calls for a reeler and a netter.  The kids get to do their action and catch a fish, take their proud moment picture, and then he baits it again and casts it back into the lake to wait for another bite while the kids go off and play again or poke at their catch.  For young kids, this set up is perfect.  I'm sure when they are older, they will have more patience in holding the pole and will learn how to bait their own hook and cast, but for now, they get to enjoy the best part of fishing thanks to grandpa.