The first Christmas present of the year happened.  Jake was all smiles with his sled and box heading to the ice

Headed off with his sled to find the perfect spot.  

While he was finding his spot, Troy and Grant tried flooding the rink again.  We had a lot of air bubbles from the pump that w tried to break up and flood again.  It is gong down to 25 tonight.  Not sure if it will freeze by morning but worth a try

Meanwhile the search went on for the best spot

Mack trying to help

Hmm think this is it?

The drilling starts.  It did not take long to get through the ice.  It is about 6 inches thick.  It has Mack’s approval but I am still happy to stay closer to shore

Grant toting  the minnows out

Putting up the shanty.  How does this go together?

A little brotherly bonding while they channel their Grandpa Gibson’s comments on why and how to ice fish.  There were lots of good memories the boys had with Troy’s dad out on the ice.  Time to do it themselves

We got it!

Grandpa Gibson is cracking a beer somewhere and toasting his grandson’s carrying on the ice fishing tradition

Ice fishing is for the views and the peace and quiet regardless of what is biting.  That is something they will both say they learned from Grandpa