the 4th

Sometimes we're not the best planners. Well, maybe most times.

We almost decided to go and visit my brother over the fourth of July holiday but decided against it because we didn't plan enough in advance. Yeah. So the night before the 4th we decided we'd like to go fishing. Terry's dad came along and we went to Terry's childhood lake in the hills and tried our luck.

If you'll notice, Evie is wearing no shoes. It's not because she prefers the feel of grass on her feet, it's because she forgot her shoes at home. I had enough to worry about packing without having to remember her shoes. So she went without and did pretty good, aside from us having to carry her over the hot concrete and some of the rougher gravel.

Samuel did not do so hot. He's got a temper issue. Temper tantrum? Rage? Toddlerhood? I don't know. After this day I decided that more severe and consistent discipline was in order. His tantrums began when I took some raw corn away from him and he just would not stop screaming. Doesn't he look happy? Some Coke did help... It always helps Daddy as well.

Looks so idyllic doesn't it? It was, overall, pretty enjoyable. Though next time, Samuel is not coming.

We only caught two fish. This is the first - a suckerfish of some kind.

Here's the only keeper, a Rainbow Trout. Both fish were caught with Evie's pole with worms. No one else at the lake caught anything while we were there so that made us feel better. We joked that this fish was committing suicide because he was so lonely. Or that he was a scout to see what the heck the racket was about. We actually ate this fish that night at my folks. It was delish! It was a good lesson for our kids about where food comes from - "That's the fish that was swimming in the lake?!"

After a couple hours of continued whining to go over to the beach, we caved. Grampa stayed behind to continue fishing without any luck.

Samuel's mood did get a little better when there was more to do.

The kids quite enjoyed the dirty water and beach. I, however, did not venture in. I left that to Terry.

Noah and Evie enjoyed splashing each other and running in and out of the water.

Noah is apologizing to Samuel after splashing him. The poor little guy was asleep moments after getting strapped into his car seat. He was so tired.

Spunky little girl squirrel.