Yesterday, my second oldest daughter got invited to a friend's house for a play date. With all of her might, our oldest daughter pleaded to have a friend over to our house. Ya know, to be even? A couple of calls around town revealed that all friends were busy, or not home. I was working in the yard, and she, upset, came out to see what I was up to. She said everyone was busy and she couldn't have a friend over. Without making any eye contact, I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Well, we could go fishing..."All signs of sorrow instantly vanished, and our preparations for the outing began. We tied the canoe to the jeep, loaded the paddle and life jackets, dug for some worms, loaded the poles and headed out.
We had a great time. I paddled the entire length of Little York Lake from the boat launch by the theater all the way to the dam at the south end. We didn't catch any fish, but we tried. The day was beautiful. Sunny with a slight breeze. Her worries of not having a friend over had long since melted away.
Today, the entire family packed up lunches and headed to Meyer's Point in Lansing. The weather was hot and humid, but once in the water, it all seemed to be cooler and more tolerable. The ladies all piled in the van, and I followed in the jeep with life jackets, towels, canoe, and paddle. Once at the park we all jumped into the lake. It was entirely refreshing.
Next on the schedule was canoe rides up the inlet under the train trestle, and to the second bridge. First up was my second oldest daughter because, of course, she'd heard of the oldest daughter's trip the day before, and this would, well, ya know, make it even. When we returned, I took the twins up the inlet. They didn't sit still, but were so light, they had minimal "rock the boat" value as they moved around leaning over one side and then the other putting their hands in the water and pulling on the bow line as if they were riding a horse!
It was a beautiful couple of days. 
Secondly because of the optimal weather conditions, and first because I was blessed with angel time. I love you sweetheart, and I love our four angels.
