One thing about dads…we can be a bit stubborn. We get ideas in our heads about something that looks fun (at least to us) to do with our kids. About the time weʼre leaving, moms will usually interject with a list of supplies and safety rules needed to complete the task. So we reload and head out, determined to see things through…and then return home, reluctantly admitting that mom was probably right all along.

Or maybe itʼs just me who does that.

So I was determined to make nine holes of golf on a Friday afternoon with both kids in tow. I knew going in that it was not going to be a “serious” golf outing, but I wanted to do it anyway. Plus, Mom was headed out with the girls and we three needed out of the house.

We got to the course Friday evening and loaded up the cart with Cheetos, peanuts, root beers, colored golf balls and tees. Basically, we bought one of everything in the pro shop that might entertain a three and five year old. Fortunately, the course was wide open so we were not bothering any “real” golfers.

Chaos ensued.

Hole #1…We ran into our first squabble when Peyton realized that there was only one set of kidʼs golf clubs. This was especially troubling to her because the bag and clubs are blue and not pink.

Hole #2…After hitting a few old balls into the dry creek, we made it to the green. My baby girl sunk a crazy eight foot putt. Alas, my dreams of her being a prodigy were smashed when I noticed she was holding the putter sideways and watching a horse trailer roll by. Plus, she really didnʼt care.

Hole #3…The kids took this one off to finish snacks and root beer.

Hole #4…Parker hit his best tee shot of the day into the only water puddle on the course. Both kids went to retrieve the shot from the mud and dirty laundry was made.

Hole #5…We teed off and headed directly to the pro shop for a potty break and a fresh set of snacks.

Hole #6… Step one was splashing a few balls into the river for fun. Then, on possibly the longest hole on the course, my son played every single shot, almost. He must have teed up twenty times and was determined to make it to the green. Eventually, Peyton and I just tagged along in the golf cart and watched. His determination made me proud.

We finally reached the seventh tee and the kids would not get out of the cart. The snacks were gone and their whispering indicated a plan was being formulated. The elder spoke first, “Dad, weʼre tired of golf. Can we go to the seafood house and get catfish?”

That sounded good to me. Until next week, keep smiling.

-Please send comments to Drs. Parrish at www.ParrishDental.com