Life's Decisions

[OldSchoolBoats]

One week away from leaving for Havasu and the Howard Regatta and get notified YESTERDAY that pictures for our Pony Baseball team, which both of my boys are on and I co-coach, are on Saturday the 19th. Total bummer because it is my littlest boys first year playing Pony Ball so there is no way he can miss team pictures. On top of that, we expected our first game to be this Saturday (9/12), but instead the first game is on the 19th!!! I am beyond bummed that I might not be there for my youngest boys first game and it is crushing me right now. The decision would be simple if I hadn't already paid for the Regatta and on top of that, the rate we got at The Nautical for a beach suite is awesome (we never stay there because it is too expensive). I have been day dreaming about this trip for weeks now!! Got less than 24 hours to cancel reservation at Nautical to get refund of my deposit.

So the choices are:

1.) Leave both boys home with in laws so they can get to pictures / game. Go to Regatta with wife, daughter and 4 month old.
2.) Leave both boys home with mom & baby. Take daughter by myself to the Regatta.
3.) Stay home and take boys to game / pictures myself. Cancel Regatta trip and probably end our season on that note.

:grumble:

 

[Deja_Vu]

I would go with Option #1 FTW

Life is always full of surprises.

 

[scouter]

There will always be another river trip.

First year, first game only happens once.....

 

[Advantage 1]

Tough one, Joe. We stayed back from the Damn Dam Run when Robin's surgery was pushed up. We were exactly a week away from leaving. We were both bummed, but watched the pics and videos you all posted. Not at all the same as being there, I know.

Boating is always going to be there. And there is next year.

You are a great family guy... you'll do the right thing.

 

[HavasuHank]

There will always be another river trip.

First year, first game only happens once.....

This is how I feel.

 

[Big B Hova]

4. Put gopros on kids so you dont miss any precious moments, have the inlaws do a live youtube stream of the game so you can check in and see the game, and enjoy the regatta with the wife! Face time the kids before and after the game to support them / congratulate them. Technology fixes everything!

 

[Ziggy]

There are many wrenches thrown into our spokes of life, no matter how well you pre-plan.
Plan 1 hits all the marks except witnessing the the boys' milestone.
Plan 2 turns you into a clown puncher.
Plan 3 is disheartening but honestly the best for all.

 

[Jefftowz]

There will always be another river trip.

First year, first game only happens once.....

Unfortunately this is your best choice....Its the right thing to do.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Option 3 is probably the best. But, have you talked to your boys about it? Do they have an opinion?

 

[shintoooo]

Having had my boys in baseball for so many years, I say F it and go to the lake.

There will be so many opportunities for pictures and games you'll get sick of it. I bet your kids will have more fun at the lake as well.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

There will always be another river trip.

First year, first game only happens once.....

This is how I feel.

4. Put gopros on kids so you dont miss any precious moments, have the inlaws do a live youtube stream of the game so you can check in and see the game, and enjoy the regatta with the wife! Face time the kids before and after the game to support them / congratulate them. Technology fixes everything!

There are many wrenches thrown into our spokes of life, no matter how well you pre-plan.
Plan 1 hits all the marks except witnessing the the boys' milestone.
Plan 2 turns you into a clown puncher.
Plan 3 is disheartening but honestly the best for all.

Unfortunately this is your best choice....Its the right thing to do.

Yeah.......That is how I feel too, but let me throw another wrench into it. I have friends from Valencia (and fellow Howard Owners) that I haven't seen in years, who decided to go the regatta because my family and I are going. Now I call and tell them we are not going...??? GRRRRRRR..........I know what I have to do, but geeze.......starting to like Big B Hova's idea.

 

[BHC Vic]

I like #2

 

[Wadernation]

At that age my folks sat me down and asked my sister and me, "do you want to play sports on weekends or do you want to ride dirt bikes and go to the river instead?" I know that doesnt help much but maybe they would rather skip the first game to be with dad out on the boat. If not..#3 may have to do... good luck!

 

[yard dog]

I would go with option 3 , Make the right choice "Because that why your boys call you DAD" :thumbup:

 

[Deja_Vu]

I would ask the son who's first game you would miss and ask how he feels.

You never know, he may just say, Hey it's cool Dad.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Option 3 is probably the best. But, have you talked to your boys about it? Do they have an opinion?

Yeah.....talked to both of them last night and my youngest seemed most excited about his grandpa taking him to his pictures and game.......couldn't give a crap about what I was doing....

Having had my boys in baseball for so many years, I say F it and go to the lake.

There will be so many opportunities for pictures and games you'll get sick of it. I bet your kids will have more fun at the lake as well.

Boys are definitely staying back, can't let them miss pictures with the team. Plus I took them to the lake for a weekend by myself so now it is my daughter and wife's turn.

 

[Cole Trickle]

Call and see if they have a make up date for pictures. No great way to deal with the team shot though.

Were in the same boat....My son loves soccer and is starting his second year of AYSO.

I'm assistant coaching and reffing for the team and basically won't be able to get to the river (best time of the year) until November.

Basically it blows but you gotta do what you gotta do as a parent:cool

 

[shintoooo]

Boys are definitely staying back, can't let them miss pictures with the team. Plus I took them to the lake for a weekend by myself so now it is my daughter and wife's turn.

Yes, let the boys stay. They can take the pictures and you'll have the memories because of the pictures so it's perfect.

Also, you have your buddy who is going because of you so I wouldn't bail on him now.

Have fun. :thumbup:

 

[BHC Vic]

I know my parents have tons of pictures and pins and visors and who knows what else. I wonder where all that stuff went? I know there's boxes and boxes of trophies in the garage my mom wants me to take but I'll probably throw them all away and keep my cif ones.

 

[lbhsbz]

Head out to Havasu after the game and stay through Tuesday.

 

[UHHH SUCKA]

This is how I feel.

Same here.....There will always be another Regatta and the River is not going anywhere.......I hope. They are only little once and enjoy every second of it because it goes by in the blink of an eye.

I can honestly say when we were out there this past Weekend for 3 days, I was missing my little ones, (7 & 10 years olds) on the 2nd day. Just to hear their voices on the phone and not having them there with me playing in the Channel and them arguing with each other made it worse knowing how much they like to be there. Good Luck with your decision.....

 

[HavasuHank]

Back when we were younger, my dad missed out on a lot of stuff we did because he worked shift work ... the exact same thing that I am doing now.

This past Sunday we were talking about our BMX racing days. He said he regretted not being there due to having to work weekends sometimes. My mom was taking us to the races. If a race was on a weekend he had off, then of course he would be there.

I won't do that to my kids if I can help it. There was no way I was going to miss my sons first day of school. I will not miss my daughters first day of school either.

My point is it's your boys first game. There will be more games in the future, but not another "first " this young.

The river will always be there.

But thats just me and my own humble opinion.

 

[TBulger]

Do as Shintoooo says, he's a great dad and wouldn't take his advice lightly.

 

[UHHH SUCKA]

Head out to Havasu after the game and stay through Tuesday.

I was thinking the same thing if its early enough in the day on Saturday.

 

[RVRKID]

After years and years of my parents giving up weekends for my select soccer and baseball games I think you deserve the weekend, like Shintoo said there are many MANY games to come!

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Head out to Havasu after the game and stay through Tuesday.

Yeah......thought about that, but that puts us in a bigger predicament with my daughters cheer team as we are fined for missing practices right now since they are in choreography. Also, doesn't help the fact that we made plans with friends to go to the regatta.

Shintooo convinced me........I am going with #1 and leaving my go pro with FIL. Now just have to ask the in laws.....:yikes

 

[Oso Viejo]

There will always be another river trip.

First year, first game only happens once.....

1. Go to the ball game.

2. Study your season schedule and pick an off-saturday.

3. Take the family out for a Fall river run. Best time o year.

 

[MissB]

I"m kinda with SHintoo on this one. Mom and dad need time off as well. It's Pony ball, let them get into Mustang and start taking it serious. I just went through a tub (big tub) of baseball, soccer, and birthday pics..... the ones I stopped and stared at where from family vacations. The boys will be fine, take mom, daughter and baby. Enjoy your new boat. Or just sell the kids.... cause they get older and the decision never get easier. :grumble: :missb:

 

[was thatguy]

IMO, the fact that you are asking for help making this decision means your decision might already be made...and it is validation you seek?

Well, look no further! Like V, I have boxes of trophies and crap from all kinds of sports growing up. No one cares now.

Just how excited are your boys about the whole baseball deal? I know that at about my 7th or 8th year of football and baseball I was SICK of missing everything my friends were doing...motocross, camping, fishing etc. I HATED going to practice when I could be fishing on the Kenai instead.

Face it, with all due respect, If it was REALLY such a priority, would you be asking what to do on the internet?

Go to the regatta is my vote, FWIW.:thumbup:

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

IMO, the fact that you are asking for help making this decision means your decision might already be made...and it is validation you seek?

Well, look no further! Like V, I have boxes of trophies and crap from all kinds of sports growing up. No one cares now.

Just how excited are your boys about the whole baseball deal? I know that at about my 7th or 8th year of football and baseball I was SICK of missing everything my friends were doing...motocross, camping, fishing etc. I HATED going to practice when I could be fishing on the Kenai instead.

Face it, with all due respect, If it was REALLY such a priority, would you be asking what to do on the internet?

Go to the regatta is my vote, FWIW.:thumbup:

Doesn't everybody come to the internet for validation?

 

[Mr. C]

Having had my boys in baseball for so many years, I say F it and go to the lake.

There will be so many opportunities for pictures and games you'll get sick of it. I bet your kids will have more fun at the lake as well.

LOL so true though.

Have you never heard of photochop:rolleyes.


After saying this though, I never(that I can remember) missed a kids game. Even after wrecking my car a being told to stay in bed for a week I was driving the next day to a game. FYI, That was not very smart, but would more then likely do it again.

 

[was thatguy]

Doesn't everybody come to the internet for validation?

Maybe! I'll start a poll and we'll find out!!

 

[rivermobster]

Back when we were younger, my dad missed out on a lot of stuff we did because he worked shift work ... the exact same thing that I am doing now.

This past Sunday we were talking about our BMX racing days. He said he regretted not being there due to having to work weekends sometimes. My mom was taking us to the races. If a race was on a weekend he had off, then of course he would be there.

I won't do that to my kids if I can help it. There was no way I was going to miss my sons first day of school. I will not miss my daughters first day of school either.

My point is it's your boys first game. There will be more games in the future, but not another "first " this young.

The river will always be there.

But thats just me and my own humble opinion.

x1000

Do you think when your laying on your death bed you will say...

I wish I woulda spent more time at the river (with my friends who arent here right now)

or....

I wish I woulda spent more time with my kids? (who will most likely be holding your hand)

Chose wisely.



P.S. My best friend spent over 30 days at the river this summer, mostly mid week. both of his kids are moved out and have their own lives.

 

[getreal]

Take the whole team with you.

 

[sirbob]

I love boating - but I love my kids more.

My wife and I have been sitting at home the last couple of weeks wondering how the house could be so quite. Both of our kids went to college at the same time and it got very lonely around here really quickly.

I wish I had a practice to watch or a game to drive to about now...

The good news is I can go boating when ever I want now - doesn't seem like that long ago I was giving up boating for games.

 

[She's Mine]

Gotta stay home and go to pictures/ game.

If you don't, your boys will always remember that dad wasn't there for pics and your son's 1st game.

Boating will always be there and it never takes place of family. It is meant to enhance family time and create good memories, don't let it create a bad memory that will last forever!

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

It's just Fall Ball.....go the river. Commit to Spring Ball. Then again, you're the Coach...you'd be letting the whole team down. You guys do pics during Winter ball?

 

[nrbr]

Leave them all at home and go by yourself!! Don't have to work around anybodies schedule other then your own. Baseball sucks anyways.

 

[BHC Vic]

As much as I love my family some of the best times I've had have been alone on the water [emoji4]

 

[shintoooo]

As much as I love my family some of the best times I've had have been alone on the water [emoji4]

I wonder if they say the same thing when you're alone on the water

 

[BHC Vic]

I wonder if they say the same thing when you're alone on the water

Might b hard to believe but my family see's me a lot different than rdp [emoji2]

 

[shintoooo]

Might b hard to believe but my family see's me a lot different than rdp [emoji2]

Not hard to believe at all Vic :thumbup:

 

[rmarion]

I raised the sons....coached every team and sport they played from soccer to HS hockey as well as 5 years of tournament hockey...... all sports came first, then we boated in between all activities. ......if a weekend was opened I'd race MX myself...... 15 years I did all that. ....and I'd do it all over again

 

[McRib]

fuck all that!! take the entire family to the regatta!

you planed the trip based on tentative info and it's non refundable (is what you tell them) u and your boys can miss the first game of the season. when you get back from the regatta put their uniforms on and take them to the local park and take individual pictures of them. u can do some thing totally Kustom like an actual baseball card. it's pee wee base ball. missing the first game isn't going to hinder their chance and becoming a pro player. lol.

that's what I would do. people have lives and organizations like little league, AYSO, and the like thereof know this. it's just a game. hope it not one of those everyone gets a trophy leagues. :skull

 

[PhyrMnGil]

Can be a tough decision..I needed to make the same decisions... Had a boat and trailer in Parker. Had 3 girls loved the river. Girls became involved in softball, so did Dad and Mom....Travel ball coach, Rec league president. River was tough to give up but the kids wanted to play sports. Went all in. Sold river place, kept the boat. missed very few games over the course of the next 9-10 years or so. Didn't travel to river but traveled many places playing softball, playing in nationals, winning a CIF Championship. Dont remember having to hear about the big hit, great catch, great play that they made on the phone, because i was there.. My choice... It all worked out. We still love the river. They are now adults with children. We make at least 1 family trip every year. They have their early memories, and are now creating new with their own children.. Makes it even sweeter.... Just my story......

 

[RiverDave]

Take the boys with you to the river.. Pay Pink Taco a small fee to get some crazy nice family photos.. Pictures solved, regatta solved..

RD

 

[TCHB]

I would go to the baseball game with the family!!!

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

It's just Fall Ball.....go the river. Commit to Spring Ball. Then again, you're the Coach...you'd be letting the whole team down. You guys do pics during Winter ball?

Exactly!

I have a co coach that I work with (3rd year doing this with him) and we have 2 other parents that help........we are fine. This is just Shetland (6U) and being fall, it is completely developmental. Spring is what matters!! Boys will stay back and if not then whatever, we will get pics for Spring ball. I work my butt off to pay for cheer, baseball and everything else, so I am going to enjoy one last trip to the river. I get what a lot of you are saying, but I got 3 boys (5,4 and 4 months)........there will be PLENTY more games, memories, hits, catches....etc.

Now we know not to sign up for fall ball anymore if we want to enjoy the real boating season.

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

As much as I love my family some of the best times I've had have been alone on the water [emoji4]

That's because you and yourself have a good time even though Irene is not with you.

 

[HOOTER SLED-]

Exactly!

I have a co coach that I work with (3rd year doing this with him) and we have 2 other parents that help........we are fine. This is just Shetland (6U) and being fall, it is completely developmental. Spring is what matters!! Boys will stay back and if not then whatever, we will get pics for Spring ball. I work my butt off to pay for cheer, baseball and everything else, so I am going to enjoy one last trip to the river. I get what a lot of you are saying, but I got 3 boys (5,4 and 4 months)........there will be PLENTY more games, memories, hits, catches....etc.

Now we know not to sign up for fall ball anymore if we want to enjoy the real boating season.

Dude....it's Shetland...lol...you'll be fine. Ain't gonna hurt to miss a game. As they get older, the commitment will get bigger. Just wait till you decide that you wanna do travel ball with them......life over. I'm just about done myself. I paid my dues.