"You want one of those?"

Hey everyone, I just got back from the Florida visit with my parents. I had a good time while I was there and Sedona is very happy to see that I came back. (Warning: I'm not Sarah. I don't have fancy photos or scrapbooking in my posts!)

Yesterday we decided it would be fun to end the visit on a fun trip to the beach. We went to a very nice beach near Tampa, slathered on the sunscreen and went for a swim in the warm salty waters of the bay.

My niece was overjoyed to show off her new swimming moves to anyone who would watch. On one occasion I lifted her up on my shoulders to get a better view. She promptly started telling me "Go THAT way Uncle Kevin! THAT way!" I asked her what had her so worked up and she said, "Fish! Don't you see the fish?" I looked and I could barely see the little brown fish lazily swimming near the surface. My niece then started yelling, "Go get it.... Faster! Faster! Get the fish!" I tried to wade to the fish but he was much faster in the water than I was. She had a mixed emotion of disappointment and wonder. She really wanted me to catch a fish for her.

We got out of the water and went to a concession stand to get a little lunch and while we were eating the weather changed and it was just about ready to rain. We decided it was time to go home before the rain soaked our beach.

My niece wasn't pleased in the slightest. She was bound and determined that she was going to go for another swim and started a little commotion. She cried for Grandma and told her Mommy that Grandma would let her swim. I could see the embarrassment in my Sister's face as she took my niece by the hand and promptly started to escort the unhappy girl back to the car.

At this point my younger brother's girlfriend looked at me and joked "You want one of those?"

Yes, I do.

The good the bad and the ugly. Bring it on. Parenting won't always be roses, but I know I'll get my share of "Daddy! Catch that fish!" moments that will make it worth enduring the "I don't want too!" moments.