Justin Boots, people who know a thing or two about family tradition, writes, “Amidst dozens of sensationalist, staged drama “reality” shows on TV, we’re happily switching channels to the more authentic - and more inspiring - Aaron’s Outdoors.
Produced and sponsored by lease-to-own retailer Aaron’s, Inc., Aaron’s Outdoors follows the Brannen family and their guests on hunting and fishing expeditions outdoor adventure programming at its best, but with a little something extra. We get to see the Brannen family interact, not as a bickering, bitter spectacle, but as a caring and supportive example. As we watch Jarrod and Leanne’s four boys and little girl learn the ins and outs of trout fishing and duck hunting, we also see them mature and grow, and come into their own.
“Being together outdoors is the best way Jarrod and I have found to develop patience and perseverance in our children,” Leanne says. “It is very hard for even adults to wait for things in this world of immediate gratification.”
Each child’s unique personality shines through in the way they interact with each other, with their parents, and with the great outdoors. Cole, the oldest at 13, is the leader of the pack, full of ideas for adventures with his siblings, and a healthy ambition to one-up himself in everything he does. Toxey is the quiet one, but he’ll catch you off-guard with his quick wit. His twin, Hatch, who holds to a life philosophy that one should never waste time sleeping, is a crack shot with a gun. The youngest boy, Grey, is the daredevil; you’ll never see him without a grin on his face, a lizard in his hand and maybe a few firecrackers in his pockets. The curly-headed Mary Blake has four fierce bodyguards in her older brothers, but from the way she aims her hot-pink daisy BB gun with a baby doll tucked under one arm we’re not sure she needs them.
More than that, they’re all good kids with big hearts. And it’s not just the show’s viewers who enjoy watching the kids grow up, but the Brannen parents as well. Jarrod explains, “Whether we’re together in the woods, in a duck blind out in the freezing cold, or fishing in the Atlantic with our kids, there are these moments when you see that look on their faces the pride, the fun and the joyful smiles. That’s what it’s all about for Leanne and me. There is nothing better.”
Pat Doyle, the show’s producer, also points out Aaron’s Outdoors’ commitment to the environment and conservation, to always leave a place better than they found it. We at Justin Boots certainly always feel better for having watched Aaron’s Outdoors.
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