"Drowning Worms & Killing Time"

Ma and I have talked a few times about what would be a good outdoor family activity for our little clan.  I think something we both agree on is that our girls need to be able to appreciate being outside and unplugged as much as possible in today's tech heavy society.  We've taken Monkey to the park many times, to the beach or pool to go swimming, on hikes at the lake and other places, and we even did a family 5K for Independence Day once.  We've also talked about other activities like biking, archery, camping, canoeing/boating, raising animals, and even target shooting someday.  But the one activity that Ma continually brought up that kind of surprised me was fishing.  Even when given the option to feed her desire to be like Katniss Everdeen from "Hunger Games" (I actually just had to pause and look that up to make sure I was right), she chose fishing over archery.  When I asked her why she said it just seems like a nice relaxing hobby, a way to spend time together, and because she really likes being near the water.  Unfortunately it has probably been about 30 years since the last time I went fishing in Cub Scouts.  So about a month before Christmas I bought an empty tackle box and little by little over the past few weeks I have been gathering the necessities of fishing from what I could remember and from a couple of very helpful state wildlife websites (Minnesota & Colorado).  I even texted an old buddy from high school for any tips he may have been able to share.  Then for Christmas Granny & Grandpa caught word of our plans and just happened to get some nice basic fishing rods and reels for Ma and I and a toddler sized Mickey Mouse Clubhouse version for Monkey.  I only had to buy one license since Ma said she will have to wait until "Deuce" makes her appearance to really get into it but will go with us and keep us company until then and Moneky doesn't have to get one.  So right when we were all set to finally start this fantastic new hobby, the cold of winter finally decided to show up and put the brakes on our plans.  To top it all off, it seems like I have heard the 2011 Trace Adkins song "Just Fishin" almost every single day since renewing my state parks annual pass and buying my fishing license.  A live version from the Grand Ole Opry is posted below for anyone who hasn't heard it, but the basic premise is that Daddy takes his little girl fishing and even though she is talking about everything but fish and doing everything but sitting still the little girl thinks they're just fishin' while Daddy knows there is much more to the moments they are sharing.  Every time I hear it I want to run home, load the car, corral The Ladies, and head to the lake.  I don't think they would appreciate it though since it's currently 28 degrees outside and it's been snowing all day.  I love the winter, but right now I can hardly wait for Spring to get here.