The Best Day Ever

[MustangMike]

My two Grandsons spent the day with me today, so after discussing with them what we should do, we decided that I would teach them how to use the Hatchet & Knife sets that I had given them for Christmas.

I set up a chopping block in the driveway, then I made each of them demonstrate that they could hit a spot I identified with a hammer. I figured there was no use letting them swing a hatchet if they could not control a hammer, but they both did well.

So I found some fallen Black Walnut branches in the lot across the street and we brought them back, took the branches off, skinned the bark off, then stained them with home made Walnut stain, and made walking sticks out of them.

Both boys (7 & 10) worked diligently, but they also both got stuck here & there and I alternated helping each of them. Hey, it was the first time either of them used a hatchet. But both of them kept going, sometimes choosing the hatchet, sometimes the knife, and sometimes I helped a bit.

I was almost worried they would go home and complain about how hard I worked them and how their hands were sore, etc., but instead they went home and told my Daughter "We had the best day ever". I could not be more proud of them.

I also think it is a reflection that some of the more routine things that many of us take for granted are starting to disappear from the fabric of American life, including using hatchets, knives, guns, etc. I'm so glad we got to share this day!

 

[Deets066]

Cran-grape is good stain? I'll have to remember that... lol


Those things are fun Mike. Definately have way more fun when me and my boy are in the woods together

 

[MustangMike]

That ain't Cran Grape any more, but they do make good storage jugs!

The stain: Fill a 5 gallon pail half full of Walnuts (after they turn brown). Pour boiling water over them, put the cover on, shake it, and leave it for several days.

Don't get the stuff on your hands, it does not want to come off.

 

[Dub11]

I have a 10 and 7 year olds and the 7 is big in to carving so when I got him a knife for Christmas I told him if you cut yourself while miss using it its gone. He cut himself 3 time and didn't tell me. I felt so bad I let it slide but hes a tough little one!

And so nice to see kids getting out and about instead of inside.

 

[TJ the Chainsaw Mechanic]

Raising them up right man!

 

[angelo c]

My two Grandsons spent the day with me today, so after discussing with them what we should do, we decided that I would teach them how to use the Hatchet & Knife sets that I had given them for Christmas.

I set up a chopping block in the driveway, then I made each of them demonstrate that they could hit a spot I identified with a hammer. I figured there was no use letting them swing a hatchet if they could not control a hammer, but they both did well.

So I found some fallen Black Walnut branches in the lot across the street and we brought them back, took the branches off, skinned the bark off, then stained them with home made Walnut stain, and made walking sticks out of them.

Both boys (7 & 10) worked diligently, but they also both got stuck here & there and I alternated helping each of them. Hey, it was the first time either of them used a hatchet. But both of them kept going, sometimes choosing the hatchet, sometimes the knife, and sometimes I helped a bit.

I was almost worried they would go home and complain about how hard I worked them and how their hands were sore, etc., but instead they went home and told my Daughter "We had the best day ever". I could not be more proud of them.

I also think it is a reflection that some of the more routine things that many of us take for granted are starting to disappear from the fabric of American life, including using hatchets, knives, guns, etc. I'm so glad we got to share this day!

Awesome story Mike. What we are really lacking is contact and communication. You managed to keep their attention without being on "YouTube " or some electronic device....score one for the big guy. They'll never forget that day grampa took us to the woods.
How cool is that.

 

[dustinwilt68]

Very nice Mike, glad you all enjoyed the day.

 

[drf256]

I hope to do the same someday Mike.

Those boys are lucky to have the grandfather they do.

 

[Mastermind]

Thanks for sharing Mike !!!!

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

My kids (13 year old son, 9 year old daughter) LOVE whittling. I find naked sticks of various sizes all over the place at my house. Lol!

 

[czar800]

Great job they'll never forget that day!

 

[Duane(Pa)]

Good post mike! The other aspect of this is that they could just chill with their grandpa. Believe it or not, we put a lot of pressure on kids, even at this age. We want them to excel in the classroom, throw touchdowns, kick goals, play music, etc. Anyone that has ever spent any time in the bleachers at a little league game knows what I'm talking about. Best day ever? You bet, no pressure, no grade, no deadline. I'll bet mike got a good dose of chill too.

 

[P.M.P.]

Really cool I still have the estwing hatchet and knife set that I was givin as a kid from my grandpa.

 

[Khntr85]

GREAT post agree 100%.....one of my papaws passed 2-years ago....I will never forget the times we spent together and the things they both taught me!!!

In this "technology" driven world we live in the simple skills are being left behind....I know people see me with a load of wood and I can tell they think wow, why would anyone be doing that in their spare time....we have to pass these skills on, I appreciate that you are!!!

I can't even begin to count the $1000's of dollars I have saved from doing home repairs/remodeling my home.....my papaw taught me the contrasting trade and I am forever grateful....

I personally believe every man should be able to do basic plumbing, electric, and wood working type skills...

I'm rambling now, great post man!!!

 

[Stihl working Hard]

My two Grandsons spent the day with me today, so after discussing with them what we should do, we decided that I would teach them how to use the Hatchet & Knife sets that I had given them for Christmas.

I set up a chopping block in the driveway, then I made each of them demonstrate that they could hit a spot I identified with a hammer. I figured there was no use letting them swing a hatchet if they could not control a hammer, but they both did well.

So I found some fallen Black Walnut branches in the lot across the street and we brought them back, took the branches off, skinned the bark off, then stained them with home made Walnut stain, and made walking sticks out of them.

Both boys (7 & 10) worked diligently, but they also both got stuck here & there and I alternated helping each of them. Hey, it was the first time either of them used a hatchet. But both of them kept going, sometimes choosing the hatchet, sometimes the knife, and sometimes I helped a bit.

I was almost worried they would go home and complain about how hard I worked them and how their hands were sore, etc., but instead they went home and told my Daughter "We had the best day ever". I could not be more proud of them.

I also think it is a reflection that some of the more routine things that many of us take for granted are starting to disappear from the fabric of American life, including using hatchets, knives, guns, etc. I'm so glad we got to share this day!

What a great story Mike thanks for sharing,a day that will be with them forever

 

[Crzybowhntr]

My kids (13 year old son, 9 year old daughter) LOVE whittling. I find naked sticks of various sizes all over the place at my house. Lol!

Same here. The fun really begins when they try poking each other cause the other one has the knife they want....Never ending

 

[Crzybowhntr]

Poking with the whittled stick, not a knife...

 

[RI Chevy]

Nice Mike! Kids certainly do love their grandparents. I know mine do.

 

[MustangMike]

I almost forgot to share the funniest part of the day. The young girls who live diagonally across the street were on the back deck making loud Woop Woop noises, apparently trying to get the attention of my Grandsons. Every time we looked up they hid behind the house, then when we got busy again they made the noises again. Not wanting my Grandsons to be distracted from the safety advice I had given I politely told them to just ignore them.

Then the 7 year old blurts out "Were trying to get things done here, and they are just being annoying". I had all I could do to keep my composure!

 

[Redfin]

What a great story Mike thanks for sharing,a day that will be with them forever

Yep, they most likey will remember that day always.

I can always remember my Pap taking me striper fishing. My Grams would pack us a lunch and it was normally long days of trolling and not catching but I will never forget them.