The two of our Grandchildren that live here in Parkersburg are still a little young to take to traditional gatherings like Comptons this past weekend......at least for now. We told them that we were going to make a trip and shoot bows with other people, Jordan (the oldest Grandson at 5 years old) said......"Papaw, will you get me a bow so that I can shoot arrows with you?" Now, how can any respectable Papaw turn down a request like that ???
My wife and I looked over the offerings in Michigan this past weekend and decided on the little Rhino longbow that is 9# @ 18" along with a half dozen ramin wood arrows. We brought it home and didn't tell them anything about it until they came over this evening. I didn't give them the bow until my wife got in from work and told them that after we ate supper that we would go out and shoot some arrows.
I've gotta tell you........it was the longest couple of hours that those two kids have had in quite some time, waiting until after supper. I strung the little bow up, and gave the safety talk. I told them that it wasn't a toy and had the ability to hurt people bad, but that anytime that they wanted to shoot it when they were over, we would.
I also picked up one of the octagon shaped Rhinehart targets up at Compton and pinned the balloon to it out in the yard. They both took turns trying to burst the balloon. I instructed them on how to hold the bow and how to place their fingers on the string. It came with some of the no-glove rubber pieces on the string and it suited them very well. Below are the results of their very first shooting session, and to say that I am proud would be the understatement of the century.
Winterhawk1960
The dreaded balloon monster pinned to the target
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1050532.jpg)
Jordan's first shot ever with a real bow
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1050526.jpg)
After the shot........follow through
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1050527.jpg)
He's gonna get that dreaded balloon monster yet !
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1050530.jpg)
I'm gonna get him this time....Papaw !!!
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1050533.jpg)
Dang !!!! Barely missed !!!!
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1050534.jpg)
That's great Don, I bet he had a blast and will remember these times with you for his entire life.
Terry
......and now for the REST of the story.
Not a bad group for a 5 year old.
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1050567.jpg)
Little sister Aaralyn wants to give it a try. It's still a bit much for her, but she'll grow into it.
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1050551.jpg)
Papaw helping the little man "aim" a little. If you look real close you can see the arrow in flight.
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1050595.jpg)
I'm gonna get it......this time !!!
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1050603.jpg)
Grandma....you better watch this shot.
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1050602.jpg)
No more balloon !!!!!!! I did it Papaw.....I did it !!!!!!
(http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff351/Winterhawk1960/P1050604.jpg)
I can only hope that his interest in shooting with his Papaw grows.....he's my pride and joy, and so isn't his sister.
When the other two Grandchildren get a little older, this bow will be in waiting for them. Hopefully in the future I will have PLENTY of shooting partners and someone to pass my bows along to. Jordan picked out the one that he wants several months ago. I am truly blessed, and am thankful beyond words.
Winterhawk1960
Great pix and a great bonding experience. I also purchased a Rhino youth bow at Compton for my two grandsons who will be visiting from Atlanta in a week. I'm really looking forward to doing some archery and bluegill fishing with them and my son. Tom
I think those kids have a great papaw. I'll bet that was a lot of fun flinging arrows with the grandchildren. Looks like they were having a great time. Thanks for sharing the pics.
Congrats to all involved!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
They have got a good man to learn from. I am so glad to see our passion getting handed down to the next generation.
Thank you for sharing. :archer:
Those are some great pics, i plan on getting a pink Black Rhino bow for my little girl next year when shes 3, she (along with my help) shot at a few of the targets at Compton with her plastic dollar general bow, wish i would have had my girlfriend take some pics of that. Thanks for sharing those pics Don. :thumbsup:
Good for you. I've taught 4 out of my 5 grandchildren to shoot but the 4 yo girl is still not interested. She just wants to be a fairy princess. We had her for 4 days last week and I took her to see Shrek 4.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Good Stuff! Thanks for sharing the pictures!
You have created memories that will last a lifetime with those kids. The best kind in fact, because they will lead from adventure to adventure.
Note to self: Buy balloons for this weekend!