Curt, great story, and great pics. Reminds me of when my oldest son was your boys age. We did the same thing with a ladder stand/treestand setup. I miss those days, he's 19 now,he and I are still hunting buds, but the excitement of the young-un's can never be replaced. My youngest son is almost 13, but hes not interested in bowhunting. He loves coming to camp, likes to hang out, love to eat vension, but hes just not comfortable with the killing deer part. I respect his decision, and the fact hes man enough to say so instead of doing it becuase someone else may want him to.
AS for my oldest, he and I have shared a lot of hunts together. Treasure every moment of it when Cade is but a sprout. Those are great times, and those kids grow up before you know it.
Thanks for sharing your adventure.