We had the whole family over this weekend, four kids (but only one spouse could make it), 5 grandkids and me and the beauty. When you have all the grandkids over together it actually works out better because they tend to play together outside, which makes the house a lot quieter. Of course, you also have the potential for far more whinning, crying, hurt feelings, tattling and fussing, but that's considered part of the territory and is expected when one has children. All in all, the kids had a great time and we did too. And I only got aggravated once or twice.

We all went fishing on Saturday evening, with the grandkids trying to help and wanting in on the action too. Even the 2 year old was able to reel in line a little which produced a huge smile on his face. Chase got snagged by a hook which brought screams and tears for far longer than it was worth, but he wasn't hurt much. Unfortunately, we didn't catch much. I think we only got like 2 snags and only one made it to shore. Taylor, five, snagged one, started crying and wouldn't reel it in, so it got away.

It didn't matter though. We all had fun and I stayed busy unsnagging line and fixing hooks. When you have that many girls and children someone has to spend their time making sure everyone is doing things effeciently.

We celebrated my wife's birthday and I gave her a new rod and reel, which she loved. It's hard buying for her because I can't buy her clothes (don't know how) and she doesn't wear much jewelry, so the fishing gear made good sense to me. It's something she's always wanting to do and we've only got old cheap rod and reels. The rest of her present will be dropping everything in the evenings and taking her to the lake (on our street). It's loaded with bass and we've got a canoe, so it's just a matter of setting aside time and doing it (something I'm not good at).

Family is one of my favorite things and it makes for a great, fulfilling weekend.