Male Bonding

In an effort to do, see, and go to all of the places we love in Arizona before the big move rolls around, we have created a bucket list of sorts.  Number one on Gary's list was to visit the place he describes as one of his favorite places on earth, the Black River on the eastern side of the state.  Up until this point, this has been a man only fishing trip, one that he mostly did with Justin, one of his favorite friends.  Gary is pretty much a "hobbyist"... he has lots of hobbies, just not all at the same time.  But fishing?  Fishing never ever ever leaves his list of favorite pastimes.  Gary wanted to make sure to take Noah on a camping and fishing trip to the Black River before we left, and Father's Day weekend seemed like a fitting time to do it.

Gary put so much work into making this a really good first camping experience for Noah.  Noah was beyond thrilled.  Anything involving getting dirty, being outside, alone time with dad, and beef jerky, is a winning combination in Noah's book.

 I have just about two pictures from the last three months of Noah by himself.  He tells me he doesn't like having his picture taken anymore, and runs from the camera.  But give him a prop in the outdoors, and suddenly he's a ham again.  I knew he was faking it.

 I've heard no less than twenty stories from the 30 hours they were gone.  In addition to the fishing,  they spotted three bears, some bats, crayfish, lots of cool bugs, and a mockingbird.  I tried calling it a "mockingjay" but neither guy had any idea what the heck I was talking about.  

 I'm blogging this vicariously for Gary, as I am the designated writer in the family... but it is easy to see why he loves this place so much!

I'm so thankful for a husband who is a good dad.  And so thankful Gary and Noah could check this adventure off their list.