"Just Me and My Dad"

 Back in August, Tom and I were wondering what to give Kohler for his 17th Birthday.  He didn't ask for anything material---no shoes, clothes, music, etc.  The only thing he asked for was for a lunch with our good friend who is a very successful real estate broker.  Kohler has a passion for business and wanted to learn all he could from our friend Steve.  So, Tom set up the lunch and off they went. He loved it---but I was concerned that Kohler has his sights so set in the future with his dreams and goals, that he sometimes forgets to have FUN in the now!  That's when the kayak trip came to my mind.  For years now, Tom has been wanting to take me on an ocean kayaking trip through the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State.  It's just been one of those things where we always think about it but never do it.  So, when we got to talking about Kohler's birthday, I said to Tom, "Just do it---take him on that kayaking trip and make some incredible memories with him!"  That was all it took----the next day, Tom had the trip booked and they were SO excited!  

 Yesterday, as they were packing, Tom said, "Hey Kohler, let's bring a Book of Mormon and some Vemma drinks (another business Kohler is involved in) to give away!"  Kohler LOVED that idea!  So, last night they took a flight into Seattle and off they went!

 This is Kohler on the ferry this morning headed out to Friday Harbor.  That is where they will meet the rest of their group (I think there are 10 people total) and they will pack up their gear and get out on the ocean.

 The weather forecast calls for sunshine, mild weather and no rain.  Well, we've lived in the northwest for 7 years and we know better that it can ALWAYS rain---even if it isn't in the forecast.  So Tom packed rain pants and rain jackets, just in case!

Their guide told them to expect to see harbor seals, porpoises, and even killer whales in pods as they kayak around the islands.  How cool is that?  I can just picture a huge whale coming along side Tom and Kohler then swimming under their kayak and freaking them out!  ha ha!

All through our marriage, Tom and I have had strong feelings about taking our kids on "one on one" trips and creating those strong bonds with them.  You get them away from their phones, from their friends, and take time to listen and talk to them.  There is nothing quite like it.  Kelsey and I go on a mommy/daughter trip every December to Utah.  Tom and Kohler have done backpacking through Yosemite and a service trip to Africa.  From the look on Kohler's face this morning, he is excited to have another great adventure with just the two of them . . . "Just Me and My Dad!"