SAW 6....no, just Hacksaw 1

I was heading home from Orlando on Thursday and got a call from Jen....somewhat more distressed than usual. It was also 3:30, when she should have been sleeping, so I was a bit concerned.

The boys have a Little Tykes workbench with a small hole in the bench that holds a lantern hook. The hole is, of course just a fraction smaller than Brayden's index finger. You've probably figured out where this is going. Brayden stuck his finger through and couldn't get it out. The plastic was too thick to do much and the fire station was the next option, but we thought a shot with the hack saw might get through.

I've never seen Brayden quite so concerned. As a parent of a child who at the age of 7 is often one step ahead of you, his concern was a nice reminder that as a parent your kids still need you and have to trust you. A quick strafe of my hand with the saw and Brayden was on board.

I made a couple cuts, it relieved the tension and out popped the finger. Yey...

While I never would have guessed that using a hacksaw to free my kid's finger would be one of the coolest things I've done as a Dad, I have to admit, I'm riding a pretty solid Dad high right now and trying not to feel to guilty about it.

Indian River Paddle Classic

We did it! Last weekend we ran the first catch, photo and release "paddle only" fishing tournament in Brevard County. It was a huge success with 47 paddlers, $6,500 in prizes and raffles, catering by a local restaurant and the awards ceremony at the Zoo. We were able to raise 100% of the operating funds from outside donations, so approximately $4,500 or 100% of the registration fees, raffle ticket money and money collected for beverage sales during the event is going to go directly to charitable causes the support youth involvement in the Indian River Lagoon. What an exciting weekend and event. Special thanks to our long distance fisherman! Brent flew in from Mass and Jeff from Virginia to help out for the first year. Brent took home a new fishing rod and hat to boot. I'm already looking forward to next year.

IronMan Mike

For those that have not met my brother in law, he comes from pretty competitive family and never passes up a challenge. (enter funny comment about Lauren here). This past weekend he competed in his first full length Ironman! Yes folks, that's 2.4 miles of swimming, a 112 mile bike and little 26.2 mile run. We're all pretty proud of your efforts and wanted to tell you that being a dad should be a piece of cake after that....hah!. Jennifer, Alex, Brayden and I enjoyed following your progress all day yesterday and raised a glass in your honor when you finished.