Yes, they waded into the river, in a snowstorm.
Yes, that's a football the boy is carrying (you never know when you'll need to play).
Yes, the eleven year old boy was a shutterbug like his mama (several of these shots are his).
Yes, Nellie was sure that if she dug fast enough, she'd catch what she was digging for.
Yes, bald & golden eagles.
Yes, eight in one tree.
Yes, we hiked further than we'd ever been before.
Yes, a decrepit canoe in the middle of a field - the broken bones of a flood story.
Yes, two of those boys had the grand idea to ford the river and head out cross-country toward home by a different route.*
Yes, their mama was a little nervous.
Yes, their daddy said sure, go ahead, we'll see you at home.
Yes, they beat us back.
Yes, their feet were wet.
Yes, they were a few inches taller because of it.
Yes.
*This is where their education by, experience with, and respect for the river becomes invaluable. They know to never attempt this in dangerous places, during flood stage, or over ice.
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