On a [mostly] sunny and warm day at the lake, we celebrated Father's Day with Eric.
After the rather torpid boys woke up from sleeping in on a quiet Sunday morning, we started our celebration day with Eric opening his cards and many presents.
We gave him some of his favorite foods to grill (steaks, brats, and short ribs) and also a bottle of Knob Creek.
Connor had purchased a model P-51 Mustang and then built it for him. He picked it out especially for Eric, knowing the Mustang is his favorite WWII-Era airplane!
Before the boys went fishing for the afternoon, Ramsey entertained us a bit in his jumper, bouncing like a Wildman!
Connor and Eric fished off the dock for most of the afternoon. Ramsey and I joined them for a little while, then went to prepare supper; grilled ribeye with fried mushrooms and onions, brats, plus fresh asparagus.
After supper, it was back out to the dock for more fishing. There wasn't a lot of boat traffic, so the water was quite tranquil. It was such a wonderful evening; the temperature was tepid and the mosquitoes weren't biting!
The boys caught quite a few fish throughout the day and evening; mostly bluegill (they're spawning right now), a few white bass, some crappies, a handful of perch, and small walleye (that were thrown back). The goal was to catch enough fish to have enough for three batches of fish patties (one of the boys' favorite meals).
As a fisherman in training, Ramsey sat on Daddy's lap and helped cast a few jigs.
Rather than the fish they were reeling in, he seemed more interested in tasting the cork rod handle!
After the sun went down, it was time for the first campfire of the year. Connor lit his first fire here and the boys really got the fire blazing!
Ramsey was entranced by the fire and couldn't take his eyes off of it. This was the first time Ramsey had ever
seen fire.
And... what's a campfire without roasted marshmallows and S'mores? Yum!
To Eric, we love you so much and are exceptionally grateful to have you in our lives. You're our special Daddy, companion, best friend, and more.
Footprints
~Unknown
"Walk a little slower Daddy,"
said a little child so small.
I'm following your footsteps
and I don't want to fall.
Sometimes your steps are very fast
sometimes they are hard to see,
so walk a little slower Daddy,
For you are leading me.
Someday when I'm all grown up
you are what I want to be,
then I will have a little child
who will want to follow me.
I would want to lead just right
and know that I was true,
so walk a little slower daddy,
For I must follow you!
“My Dad and I”
~ Phyllis C. Michael
"My Dad and I-we think alike,
He knows just what I mean
Before I even say a word
He reads, well, in between.
My Dad and I-we like to fish
Or build a model plane,
Or fix a broken chair or two
Or just a windowpane.
My Dad and I-we know the score
Of every single game;
Sometimes he's really busy, too
But he takes me just the same.
My Dad and I-we go swimming too,
Each year and sometimes twice
My Dad and I-we do everything;
My Dad-he's really nice."
