I’ll start this post by apologizing if you’re not an advocate of hunting, but that’s really not what this post is about at all. It’s about the day in the life of a father and his son who had the BEST bonding experience EVER! I do hope you continue to read on.

I have two young boys, much like my father before me, and they just LOVE being outside, but you can only do so much hiking through the trails, riding your bike in the culdesac, before they start getting bored. As boys, they love exploring and I love watching them, so of course, since I grew up with my dad taking me and my brother hunting and fishing, of course I feel the need to share those experiences and expertise with my boys.

Some of the fondest memories of my childhood were when my dad took me hunting or fishing. It was not only a good time, but it got me out from behind the television and video games, and to enjoy God’s amazing creation that he painted specifically for us to enjoy and live off of. It also taught me the little patience I have, survival confidence, should I need it, a peace of life and responsibility. I’ve been talking for years, even before I had kids, of how I couldn’t wait until the first time I could take my boys fishing and/or hunting for the first time. Well, I finally got to take my boys fishing last year and not was able to take my eldest son of 5 years old, Nolan, on an early morning turkey hunt today. The goal was not to necessarily get a turkey, although that would be awesome, but was truly to get him out and enjoy nature in its finest. We walked through fields, crossed & splashed in streams, talked to turkeys, made funny videos, took great pictures and even got to harvest a beautiful Easter Turkey on our walk back to the car. IT WAS AWESOME!!! The biggest thing for me was hear that he actually had FUN this morning, and even as much as I did.

I would just encourage all dads reading this to get out with your kiddos, boy or girl, by yourself to enjoy the great outdoors and strengthen your relationship with them as their father. Whether it be hunting, fishing, climbing, hiking, etc, etc, just do it! The peace that this quality time will bring to you and your children will be invaluable and will build unforgettable memories and create a bond between the two of you that will never be broken. Although I don’t have a lot in common with my dad right now, we’ll always have stories and experiences of our countless trips we shared in the great outdoors. Now I’ll have the same with my boys!

WHAT ARE SOME SPECIAL OUTDOOR ADVENTURES THAT YOU DO WITH YOUR KIDS OR THOSE CLOSE TO YOU THAT HELP YOU STRENGTHEN YOUR BOND WITH THEM?