With spring almost upon us, my thoughts turn to spending weekends at my grandmother's lake house. In fact, this year we intend to spend an entire week of vacation there. Some of my best childhood memories come from this lake. There's nothing better than being king of the pier (or at least I though when I was little). We did a lot of swimming and exploring but for me fishing was the best.

I can remember going around the lake for what seemed like hours with my dad trying to catch the ever elusive bass. I don't recall how many fish I caught but I will never forget the time I was able to spend with my dad. He taught me everything I know about fishing. Now that I have kids of my own I am trying to pass down the same lessons to them. One thing I have discovered is that I am far more excited when they catch fish then when I do. It is a great feeling when I see the look on their face when they catch a particularly large fish. I also realize how frustrated my dad must have been when I got tangled up in a tree for the thousandth time, but I wouldn't trade these memories for the world.

I know my kids enjoy spending time at the lake. The funny thing is that these are the least expensive trips we take yet, for me, they are the most enjoyable. We've been to Disney World three times since 1998 and while those trips were fun, they are not half as memorable as trips to the lake. Maybe it's because the lake is so relaxing. There are no time demands, no waiting in line, and no gift shops. I know I sleep better here than anywhere else.

Create some memories, take your kids fishing.