Ice fishing

Evan has become quite fond of ice fishing the past few days we have been at the cabin.  He goes out with Tim every day and proceeds to chat his ear off, mess up a fishing pole, or drop something down the hole occasionally.  (today, it was a water bottle and we caught it before it sunk.)  Does Tim get frustrated?  Yes, but I can say that he truly enjoys having his little boy out there for amusement and for father-son bonding time.

This morning, we went out as a family.  While Emma doesn't get into ice fishing that much (other than the occasional - "Emma - I have a fish, want to reel it in?")  She now keeps herself occupied with her iPod touch, or visiting with the other ice fishing neighbors.

Very proud of her favorite Christmas gift!

Where is Evan?! With the camouflage shirt, snow pants and chair, it can be hard to spot the little man.

Tim putting a minnow on the hook. Something he does constantly while fishing with little kids.

Reeling in his minnow - to make sure it is still there.

Fishing with little kids takes patience.  They are never watching the bobber (or rarely are anyway) they are constantly reeling in their line to make sure they still have a minnow, they are constantly up and moving around as they get bored. Or - they feel the need to come in and out of the fish house and in doing so, step on fishing poles, drop things near the holes, or who knows what.  But, it is still fun. I remember ice fishing with my Dad when I was little and had fun.  The nice thing with the cabin, at least, is that we can come and go as we please.  We have a nice spacious fish house that comfortably seats 4-5 and that has a heater in it, so we are warm.  I try to pack snacks and bring out the movie player to keep the kids occupied, and if the fish are not biting, we go back in the house or do something else outside.

Evan was fishing with Tim on Friday afternoon (without him having a nap) and when Tim looks over at him, he notices that Evan's head has dropped and that he feel asleep while holding his fishing pole.  A few minutes later, he hears a thud and down goes the fishing pole while Evan is still sleeping!

All-in-all, we have fun fishing at the cabin and do it at least once a day. Thank goodness for a nice warm fish house!