Bear Hunting & Ice Hockey

Last night was magic. Pure magic. My wife took a well deserved (WELL) deserved break from the kids, and I got to spend some time with them. My daughter, who is sooooooo creative decided we should play bears, which led to looking for bears; and ultimately Bear hunting. Just for point of reference, bears are indigenous to North Carolina, but not my living room.

So here's how it works. All you need is clothes basket, a jump rope, a bear (preferably small and teddy-like) and some kite string. You can also use these items to spice up your love life later simply keep said items and change Teddy bear to Teddy. Or keep the bear if that's your thing, to each his own. First you have to build a bear trap, which any good trapper knows requires a laundry basket. Attaching a jump rope to the laundry basket, and setting the basket on edge such that it could fall on any unsuspecting bears meandering through your home. Next, attach a kite string to your bear, such as to assist with the meandering.

So picture if you will, a room barely lit as dusk sets in on a home void of light (turned off). Two small children crouched down quietly peeking and shushing each other as my little girl holds tightly to the lever that triggers the ferocious bear trap (jump rope handle). Two little flashlights bobbing off and on "shhhhhhhhh, you'll scare the bear". Giggles abound when suddenly SILENCE. Something moved. If you listen closely you can hear the sound of a bear stealthily slinking across the floor, drawn to the scent of a small plastic plate of honey. You can feel the tension as the beast eases quietly cautiously in, almost knowing that something isn't right. Its as if the laundry basket just didn't seem to belong in this part of the woods.

More giggling as the bear draws closer still (its hard to operate a stealthy bear with kite string). The tension continues to mount. The bear. Stops stands up on his hind legs sniffing the air for children, and dirty laundry. All clear the bear lowers his head and drinks. WHAM!!!!!!! The traps slams shut, and the great bear is captured. Two Indian braves jump and clamor and laugh and cheer as they run to their quarry. Success. I'm so proud of my two little predators. And they are equally adorned to their "cute " little GRIZZLY bear. They pet him and stroke him. And I know I have done well because between the clamors and the laughter I hear the sound the magic words that tell parents they have done well. AGAIN!!! AGAIN!!!

Its 11:37, I limp into the house. I have had about 30 pucks bounced off of me, 5 of which found there way to the back of the net. We lost. Again. I peek into my little girls room, and sleeping soundly holding tightly a silky white teddy bear under her arms I behold my very reason for being. In an instant I am reminded what is truly important in life, and am transformed. I trod down the hall towards the end of my day. I am blessed.