Few outdoor activities are more fun to do as a family than beating the heat in the water. A facility as simple as a community pool can offer fun for all ages, including wading, diving, and lap swimming. As summer gets underway, consider making plans to try more complex aquatic sports as a family. Here are four exciting options that will inspire the whole family to take the plunge. STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING This sport originated among Hawaiian surfers and began gaining momentum nationwide about a decade ago. Participants stand upright on a flat, buoyant board and propel themselves over lakes, rivers, and oceans with a single paddle. Paddleboards are bigger than surfboards and are stable enough to hold a picnic in a waterproof bag! SNORKELING Snorkeling is a great family activity for all ages if you’re vacationing near an ocean. Flippers, watertight goggles, and snorkels are easy to rent or buy. Exploring the wonders beneath the waves is as easy as floating on the surface and paddling your flippers. While any clear ocean waters can be fun to explore, consider trekking to Hawaii or Cozumel to see spectacular schools of fish and rock formations. Make a Splash!
Water Fun for the Whole Family
CANOEING AND KAYAKING Few aquatic activities offer more opportunities for reflection and quiet conversation than paddling a canoe or kayak. These watercraft are usually available to rent near lakes and rivers, and, barring rough weather, navigating with them is relatively safe and easy. Pack a picnic, explore, and see what you can find along a river or lakeshore. WATERSKIING While this sport requires access to a speedboat and a skilled operator, arranging to try it can offer unforgettable thrills. Nothing can compare to the exhilaration as you first rise above the waves and stand on your skis; participants also get a full-body workout! Waterskiing poses a challenge for beginners when crossing the wake and keeping their legs beneath them, but the rewards are worth the effort! This summer, consider vacationing near a body of water to explore these aquatic activities or others, such as sailing or bodyboarding. You will create lasting memories and may ignite passions your kids will enjoy for years!
Learn From the Legends Celebrities Who Showed Us What Not to Do in Estate Planning
When it comes to estate planning, even the rich and famous can make costly mistakes. From Prince’s missing will to Aretha Franklin’s handwritten notes, celebrity estate blunders are more than juicy headlines — they are cautionary tales that prove why proper planning can make all the difference. Let’s peek past the velvet ropes at three of the most high-profile estate missteps so you can avoid them. PRINCE When iconic musician Prince unexpectedly passed away, he left behind an estate worth around $200 million. But he didn’t have a will or clear instructions on what would happen with his money, recordings, or unreleased music. Based on intestate laws, his six surviving family members would be his heirs, but it turned into a
lengthy legal battle. The case dragged on for over five years, and other issues, like heavy tax obligations, came up. Eventually, the court divided the assets and handed his music rights to a professional music company. It’s an important reminder that an estate plan can quell ugly battles between siblings and help your family avoid a lengthy legal process. ARETHA FRANKLIN Legendary singer Aretha Franklin died in 2018. She had four surviving sons but didn’t have an estate plan to divvy up her assets. The situation got even more complicated when her family discovered two handwritten wills in her home. Both wills had very different instructions, leading to a long court process and many family disputes about which document to use. Ultimately, the
court chose the most mutually agreeable will. The Queen of Soul’s story highlights why a properly executed will can save a lot of heartache and time. PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN Actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman had a will when he passed away, but hadn’t updated it to include all his children. Because the will only mentioned one of his three children and his girlfriend, it created uncertainties about asset division. This oversight is a stark reminder of the importance of keeping your estate planning documents up to date to ensure your loved ones are cared for as you wish. If you want to play a starring role in your estate planning to protect your family and legacy after you’re gone, contact Douglass & Runger for a consultation.
2 • DouglassRunger.com
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