Fishing Qualification #1 (5.29.11)

Fishing Qualification #1: The Clinch Knot

Push line through the swivel and twist at least 5 times. Pass the end back through the loop beside the eye. Then pass the end under the final turn. Put bitter end in teeth and pull. Kids and adults alike mastered the technique...a necessary skill for what is to come.

"Hoo's Your Daddy!" Fishing Tournament (5.29.11)

After breakfast on our first morning on the boat, Lloyd presented the challenge ahead. The "Hoo's Your Daddy!" Fishing Tournament was on. We all had to familiarize ourselves with the Rules and Regulations of the competition. I'll be sharing these with you as the blog continues. Here are the first 2:

1. Open to ages 6 and older. (Each day, competitors must have parents permission to participate).

2. Qualification: Before being able to fish, each angler must be able to demonstrate to the judges 1) The "improved clinch knot"; 2) Proper use of a lever drag and a star drag; 3) Care and storage of fishing tackle.

Marsh Harbour, Bahamas (5.28.11)

We flew Memphis to Charlotte, Charlotte to Nassau, and Nassau to Marsh Harbour. Despite the long day of travel, none are tired. One of my favorite moments (of any sailing trip, for that matter) is the initial excitement of arriving at the base and letting the kids go find our cruising vessel. As you can see, the older boys volunteered to lead this quest.

Yacthing, Not Sailing (5.28.11)

You know that no trip with the Finks would be without drama. You already expected this, right?

The Moorings called about six weeks prior to our trip with the unfortunate news that the sailboat (the 4600) we were scheduled to be on... sold. The only option left in the fleet that would fit all ten of us comfortably was the top of the line PowerCat (need I say…no mast…no sails…but who could complain about top of the line??). Lloyd was disappointed initially, but, Harrison and I have always wondered what it would be like to power around the islands. So, he conceded.

With half glass full mentality, we decided that boating would have to be a close second to sailing. I'm not going to mention my (half glass empty) thoughts, but, on the positive, the boat is supposed to have a flat screen TV and DVD player on board for the kids. We can fish from the cockpit, relax on the flybridge (no diving, Andy), and our fuel will be taken care of, compliments of The Moorings. We'll have to come up with some new things for Lloyd to yell at us about, though, since there won't be any hoisting of the mainsail (this time).

Sigh…our happy crew....

Airplane Art (5.28.11)

One of the job requirements for planning a trip with four kids age 8 and under is packing supplies for their entertainment. After all, we had three flights in which we needed to occupy their time (and hands). From Memphis to Charlotte, the kids were busy. What began as a small depiction of Grayson's 3-D paradise grew into a large masterpiece when the other kids added their own touches. I'm not sure we will see volcanoes this time, but, I think our adventure will exceed their expectations.

Grayson's Song (5.27.11)

Composing music is nothing new in our family. Here's evidence that Grayson has the music writing gene. I found this on her table the night before our trip.

Verse 1:
We're going. It's gonna be so much fun. We've packed our bags and are ready to go. The taxi's here. Let's get in! I'm ready to sail.

Chorus:
We're gonna go go to the islands
We're gonna go go to the islands
It's gonna be be so much fun.

Verse 2 (or start of verse 2)
Am on my way back and had a great time.

St. Mary's Graduation (5.16.11)

A St. Mary's tradition is to pair up a graduating senior with a senior kindergartener. We were paired with Sidney Sanford and the choice could have not been better. Not only did Lloyd train with her mom (way back when), but, Sidney is musically talented and was the star of the SMS production of 42nd Street. We took Grayson to see "her senior" and she was mesmerized through the entire play. Throughout this spring the girls have had play dates to get to know each other... all leading up to the big day-- St. Mary's Graduation. The SK girls walked their senior down the isle and wore flower girl dresses to match the graduating girls choices of antiqued lace dresses in white. Sidney wore her grandmother's wedding dress. Grayson (not interested in smocking or frill) was her own sytle, beautiful, and proud to look forward to her own SMS Graduation.