Fishing

"A man's gotta believe in something... I believe I'll go fishing."

I can't tell you how many times I have heard this saying in my life.

My grandpa.

My brothers.

Growing up in a family of all boys

and living down the street from your fisherman grandfather,

you have more that a few chances to go fishing.

I am glad to see these (cute) girls coming out with the boys just like I did.

Let me tell you a secret.

I like fishing.

Here's why:

• The landscape is so beautiful (a new appreciation, not something I noticed as a kid)
• I got to spend time with my brothers and grandpa (and learned that drinking soda that has been boiling in the cab of a hot pick-up all day is a really bad idea.)
• I felt competent. I can bait my own hook and take a fish off the line.
• I finally just felt like one of the boys. Fishing is an equalizing sport. Young. Old. Girl. Boy.Anyone can fish. Even a little sister.
• I was part of "their world". the world of boys. of brothers. and I wanted to be terribly.
• Now that world still the "world of boys". It has grown to include a husband and sons. I am so glad I already know my way in and can be a part of it again.

To me, fishing is family.

I have never fished with anyone other than family.

Chris and I even went fishing a few times just us before we had kids.

He would bait my hook and remove my fish like a true gentleman.

I would let him.

(I said I could do those things, not that I liked to do those things).

This particular night in June was the night before the Ott Family Coon Feed (Family Reunion). There is always a fish fry and all of the cousins look forward to fishing the night before at one of Grandpa's (now Uncle Ben's) secret fishing holes to provide the fish.

While helping Andy, I took over his pole and we caught a fish.

I was 10 years old again.

and I loved it.

Family Reunion

For the last 10+ years the Ott Family Coon Feed has been hosted by my mom. For this reason, I make it a priority to attend (sadly, not sure if I would otherwise). Ott is my mom's maiden name. I believe the reason it's called a Coon Feed is because my mom's dad and his brother's hunted coon. I have heard rumors that my grandpa put his kids through college by selling coon skins. Either way, my grandpa was a big hunter. They keep tradition and always have bbq coon burgers (which I hear tastes just like chicken;) and a fish fry.

This was the first year since my grandpa passed away. The baton has successfully been passed.

The Otts are incredibly close-knit. Mom mom's siblings travel all over to attend every mission farewell and every wedding. We gather for baby blessings, baptisms, graduations, birthdays. Growing up we spent our spring breaks and summer vacations traveling to visit family. I spent a month every summer with my cousin Anne Marie. I attended EFY more than once with 3 cousins: Wendy, Jessie and Anne Marie. All 4 of us went to college together in Provo. I could do a whole post on my girl cousins (and the wives of my boy cousins).

They are some of my dearest friends.

This did not happen by chance.

Our parents sacrificed a lot to make sure we had those bonds.

We have learned through their example that family is the most important thing in life.

"small group" this year. Missing most of my cousins

***

Now we are the parents.

And it's our turn to replicate that magical childhood for our children and their cousins.

To strengthen them.

To support them.

To encourage them.

To enliven them.

I think it's working.

This is Andee.

She's my new BFF.

And such an inspiration to me.

(yes, that's frosting)

p.s. I was so glad this guy could be here this year, after missing last year.

p.p.s. This is exactly what it looks like.

New Love

Just found this today.

http://www.howsweeteats.com

I can't wait to make these with the boys

http://www.howsweeteats.com/2010/12/cake-batter-chocolate-bark/

http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/05/whole-wheat-chocolate-chip-cookie-bowls/http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/06/homemade-funfetti-cupcakes/http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/05/crunchy-asiago-chicken-nuggets/

hmmm.. can you tell I am in the mood for a chocolate fix?

We are going to Iowa for the weekend for a family reunion. I get to spend a few days with some of my favorite people! I am not sure if I will post again before we leave.

Car to clean.

bags to pack.

Road mix to burn.

Have a good weekend!