Fishing!

Will experienced a few "firsts" during our recent trip.  One of those was fishing!  He was able to not only fish for the first time, but catch quite a few while we were at it!  WARNING:  Picture heavy post! :)

Going out on the boat.

Pops is teaching Will the fundamentals of operating a fishing pole. :)

Touching a fish for the first time.

Reaction after said fish flapped Will in the face as it escaped cousin Kent's grip.

Cousin Simon bravely holding a fish.

Waiting...

Caught one!

Should we have it mounted?  :)

Love these pictures with Pops and Deedee.

Finally was brave enough to stick his finger in the fishes mouth after the face flapping incident.  :)

Too cool driving to smile for the camera.

Cousin Simon enjoying his turn at the wheel.  

The Sprinkler

When on vacation in Illinois, Will discovered the true joy of running through the sprinkler, thanks to his Auntie Holly.  :)  I love the expressions caught in these photos.  They make me laugh every time.  Precious moments that make precious memories.

I love the expression on his face in this one as he looks at his Auntie Holly.  He loves her so much and had so much fun with her.

Okay, these next two are my favorite!  They blindly await the sprinkler and the expressions they have when it hits them are priceless.

4th of July

This year on the 4th we actually went to view fireworks for the first time since Will was born.  Last year we could see some from our house and he was still frightened by the noise.  This year we went to a parade and the fireworks and Will enjoyed both. 

We did give him ear protection during the fireworks, which made it significantly more enjoyable for him.  :)

I also did a bit of experimenting with shooting fireworks this year, and was happy with some of the results (for my first time at least). :)

Moments Like These

It's moments like these that I know I am going to be challenged as a parent.  In moments like these I am acutely aware of my downfalls as a mother and pray for grace and wisdom.  I know I am bound to lose my patience and face frustration (for the silliest of reasons) due to my own desire to just take complete control of the situation (I am sure you other mother's do not struggle with this--at least you don't in my imagination).

However as I bite my tongue (and sometimes fail to do so), I can come to enjoy these moments, laugh, and even relax!

So what if Will eats a noodle from a batter filled with raw eggs?  It's only one, it won't kill him right?  So what if he smashes the freshly pressed noodles in a ball instead of pulling them apart like I asked him to.  :)  It can be repressed and separated, right?d

Because moments like these aren't just moments, they are memories.  

And every time I decide to create an opportunity for moments like these, though I am far from perfect, I am getting better (praise the Lord!).

And I remember why I look forward to the next moment like this.  :)

Georges Island

 Over our mini-vacation a while ago we took a day trip to Georges Island.  It is one of the Boston Harbor Islands.  We had a great time taking the ferry and playing on the island.  It was a large area for Will to run and explore and he loved it.  There is a HUGE fort on the island that you can tour, as well as a beach that we were able to explore while there.

Ft. Warren was used to detain prisoners during the Civil War.  Apparently one of the prisoners actually escaped through one of these cracks.  Here is Will trying to do the same.  :)  The prisoner had however chipped away some of the stone at the bottom of one of these enough to apparently squeeze his small body through.

This may have been Will's favorite part.  He LOVES throwing rocks in water.   :)

Daddy helping point out good throwing rocks.

 I loved this duck "family".  You can see the lineup of the largest adult ducks on the ends, goslings and the smaller adult ducks in the middle.  How amazing God has made creatures of this earth!

Daddy and Will wading.

Will and I stopped to pose for a shot at the end of the ferry ride back.  :)