Wonderful "almost" final run of the year!
 

I had the pleasure of taking my four and a half year old son out on the lake today for a little father and son time. We had a nice ride from West Alton to Patrician shores where we anchored for lunch. We spent the afternoon cleaning the boat and playing frisbee. Finally we took a ride under the Black Cat Island bridge and made our way back to West Alton. I am truly amazed at how time has flown and how much he has grown since his first boat ride (at 4 months). Now he is proud to show me that he can put his life jacked on by himself (no need for dads help anymore). He is also very interested in the care of the boat, which at the tender age of four touches me. I think back to a picture frame that my wife gave me for fathers day two years ago. The picture in it is of my now 4 and a half year old, and the message on the frame simply says "Daddy's Little Helper". He has become just that. I am truly blessed to be able to spend my free time at a place I love and to be able to share it with my family. I only hope that both of my sons develop the deep connection that I have with Winni. After spending the day with my oldest, I have the feeling it's in his blood.

What a great story! Hopefully you and both of your sons will enjoy many more wonderful years together at the lake.

I'll bet someday ...
 

I'll bet someday your oldest will be posting about your boat ride today. He'll put the post in the thread about "Favorite Lake Winni Memories". Sounds like you're off to a great start of building wonderful childhood memories for your boys!

That story gave me goose bumps and a smile. Soon you will have to start him with his own toolbox. Boys love their own real tools. You are going to be blown away at how fast these years are going to pass. It is nice to hear that you are enjoying it so much. When they are a bit older, maybe you can build a boat together. That made some very special memories here.

At boatersworld.com you can buy hats that say "FirstMate" on the front.
I know my 6 year old and 4 year old cherish them. It makes them feel part of the crew.
I know exactly how you feel.
Great story :)

Doing time
 

Rinkerfam and all, remember the best part is the time, not what you do with the youngsers. Yes, on Winni is great (and one of my favorite places) but do the time with family every chance you can. You do not get rebates or coupons to get more time.

Great story Rink. As the father of a 26 year old , leave me tell you , cherish every moment. Your four year old will be 24 before you know it :(. It may not feel that way , but when you look back , you wonder where the time went :confused:
I feels like it was only yesterday when I was wiping his nose , oh wait a minute...it was :laugh: :laugh: (Some things never change)

Rinker, grate story. Spending quality time on the lake with your kids is one of the most memorable times of our life’s, I now know how my dad felt when he woke us up first thing in the morning to go fishing.
My boy J- is now 3 and he is getting to know the lake pretty good, he points out the islands to me as we go by, look dad its snake island (that’s where they keep the snakes you know) and there’s moose island dad (one of his favorite animals) he still thinks that sleepers is treasure but he will learn in time. He also fights for his seat with his sister on the engine cover so he can he can feel the wind in his hair and ride the boat like a wild bronco. They love that place and I love spending it with them.
Ps. I’m getting married on the mount in two weeks with my fiancé of 14 years hope the weather and the foliage will hold out till then. Lord knows I’ve put off the M word as long as possible.

Congratulations!
 

...and many more happy years together!

Congratulations Smith Point! Can you post some photos? A mount wedding sounds just perfect.
Your story of the little ones is heartwarming.
I wish you all the best of luck for great weather, excellent foliage and a happy day.

Congratulations!
 

Congratulations! I wish you many many many more years of happiness together and with your children on the lake, and wherever you find yourselves! :)

Smith Point,
Congrats!! I hope your day is perfect. I'll be celebrating my 10 year anniversary this Oct. 15th. It's a beautiful time of year at the lake.
Enjoy!!

Congrats Smith Point,but how did you get away with having a fiance' for 14 years! SS

Congrats Smith Point. In the early 90's I attended a July wedding on the MW and it was a great time so I know it will be for you and your fiance' too.
ALL THE BEST! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/11/11_3_3v.gif

PS: I got married last year (Oct 11) and it is a wonderful time of year to get married.

Same way I've gotten away with it for 19 1/2 years. Congrats Smith Point -- PLEASE send us pictures, we'd love to see them.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/11/11_3_4v.gif http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/11/11_3_5v.gif

God bless you Outlaw! SS

You mean I could have avoided all the agonizing I'm doing trying to figure out what to do for our 20th next Wednesday?!!!!!!

:laugh:

thanks
 

I want to thank everybody for there support in this long awaited marriage my mother included. thanks Mc Dude, RG, Photos are inevitable Ill post them for you,” If I can figure out how to do it” did you want wedding day pictures or wedding night pictures? Dr Pepper, Kids & water = spice of life. Rinker, did you get married on the lake? Taz, I’m a procrastinator. Just –old, I love this time of year too, every body I know that gets hooked in the fall lives to be old & happy. Bronco, 19 ½ years holy moley that’s a long time I thought I had the record. Once again thanks for your support. Smith Point.