I'm looking forward to this Christmas more than any other that I can remember. The reason is, I'll be giving my 5yr old son his first REAL longbow (wonderfully made by Mike @ Maddog), skinned with Texas Bullsnake limbsations (awesome product from Onestringer), a leather back quiver (beautifully made by Mike @ Mike's Archery Leather) and a dozen arrows with field tips. Until now, he's shot a toy suction-cup bow alongside of me, so I'm very excited to present him with the REAL THING! I know he'll love the bow because all he talks about is getting a "real one" like daddy as well as constant requests for a back quiver like "Robin Hood". :)
Here they are...
(http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/deplus3/Gavinschristmas03.jpg)
In addition, I took an hour or so this afternoon and set up an indoor range in our unfinished basement for him. The onset of winter has already been harsh here in the northeast, and I figure this'll give him a chance to have some fun with his new gifts before spring rolls around...
(http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/deplus3/Gavinschristmas01.jpg)
My wife told me with a wink that I'm "such a hillbilly"...and maybe so! We all know that deep inside every woman longs for a hillbilly man anyway, right?! :D Either way, I figure that the old rug might help save some arrows, and maybe more importantly, a previously exposed pvc sewer pipe! I have 3 painted lines that arent pictured. One at 10ft, one at 20ft, and the last at 30ft (10yds). Thats all that my basement allows for as far as distance, but I think it'll be ample space for him...for now anyway.
In addition, Mr. LaClair was kind enough to send a photo along with a personal letter addressed to him! (My son just loves watching Ron's videos online). I've been holding on to this for a few months (Gavin's already seen it, but doesnt quite know its actually for him yet)in order to give it along with his new equipment. Thanks again Ron, this really means a lot!
(http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff513/deplus3/Gavinschristmas4.jpg)
Hopefully all of this will contribute to "hooking him hard" on traditional archery. :)
I was so excited about all of this that I just had to share it with my TradGang brothers and sisters! Merry Christmas everyone! May God bless you all deeply this Christmas and in the coming new year!
Lucky boy, lucky Dad! Looks like the start of some more memories! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thats awesome!! I bet this will be a Christmas he'll remember!
Wish I could see his face when opens it. :thumbsup:
Your gonna have a blast together.Dont forget to video it so you have that first moment forever.
..you'll be spendin' alot of time in the basement soon ! Lol !! But that time will be priceless !!! :archer2:
All smiles here...and on Christmas morning there will be even more smiles! :thumbsup: :archer2:
Don't forget to take some photos and post them on here. Enjoy the day.
Your son will not forget this year I guarantee it!
:archer:
Nicely done!! A Christmas you both will remember for all time...
That is all too cool. This one will last forever....
Excellent legacy about to be passed on! My son started shooting a bow at 5 years old. He was the Indiana state Champion (barebow) at age 8 (12 and under). Now, at age 31 he is my best hunting partner and chief deer dragger! I bought him a Predator Custom Classic for his 31st birthday.
He's sick that he is Right Eye dominant and I shoot lefty.
By the way, his son, my grandson shot in his first tournament (with some help) at 3 years old. My son, he, and I will hit the 3-D trail together this spring.
Thanks very much everyone! I'll be sure to post pics after Christmas.
Bowwild, if my/our "journey" ends up HALF as good as yours has, I'll be the happiest man on the planet!
How cool is this? Way!! I'm saying...
I know it will be a very special Christmas at your house next Saturday.
God bless,Mudd
That is some excellent gear! The little fella is going to be one happy boy Christmas morning. Well done. Can't wait to see the pics. Merry Christmas! :clapper:
I don't know how you can keep from giving it to him early. I would be so excited to see his face I probably wouldn't wait.
Nice job!!
Make sure you have a camera ready to catch hat expression on his face when he opens it.
Heres the important part: give the camera to your wife as his expression shouldn't be missed by you as that will be a gift to yourself. (she might get your expression too ;) )
Your a great dad....Phil
Thats great you will remember this christmas for a longtime
:clapper: That's going to be one happy young Archer.
Thank you all very much for your kind words and shared excitement!
Lucky kid!
Real lucky kid ! Thats a real awsome looking bow . What a dad.
Way to go dad :clapper: :archer2:
There gonna be one happy little fella on Christmas morning! :thumbsup: Jason
What a Christmas for him! Got the same thing going on this year with Santa and my daughter....awesome feeling. Weather man says Christmas day will be Sunny mid-60's.....guess what we'll be doin'?
That's special. You guys are gonna have one great Christmas!
Wow, very nice!
Someone is going to have a great Christmas!
Any one got a hanky. God I love this kinda stuff.
Awesome job! Hope I can do it just like that someday....til then I got my bro's little man....he's 2. Already got a 20# "little Bear" for him. It'll still be a while tho. His dad and I will take good care of him!
You've done something magical!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
nice!
Good stuff!!
Santa is bring your kid some very good stuff. Have fun.
Scott
Good job with the skins on that one.
-Mike
Looks awesome! Man are you going to have one excited little man! I like the skins. My little girl(4) said she thinks she is going to have to have skins on her "pink" bow that she says she is getting for her B-day:) Guess I need to call Mike about a pink bow for July!
I saw an interview recently on MLB network with the recently deceased baseball pitching great Bob Feller.When asked about his father he said,"My dad gave me time not money."I can see you understand the importance of giving your time.A lesson we all need to take to heart.
now that is AWESOME!!!!! would love to see his face on christmas morn when he opens that one. :thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper:
Thanks again everyone...very much. You've made the whole thing even more enjoyable already.
Mike, your bow is beautiful and certainly didnt need anything added to it, (I personally loved the contrast between the bocote and black glass), but my son is in LOVE with snakes and anything having to do with them, so I thought he'd think the "skins" were cool.
Scott & Mindy, the limbsations worked out perfectly...thanks!
Merry Christmas once again everyone!
that's the best Chrissy present he will ever get mate not only will it be a great surprise for him on the day and hrs of fun, but the memories that you will have together practicing and hunting will last forever. great to see farther and son bonding it really does bring a tier to the eye.
:thumbsup: One lucky boy! Good job!