Hey Piker,
I deserved some of what you dished out, no offense taken, at all. I should have been more specific and less general in my characterization.
You are the type of individual that knows the risks and as such, hopes for the best but is prepared for the worst (nothing wrong with that). If you do get wet, the worst that could happen is a little bit of an unexpected cold bath is all. After drying things up, you and the gear are as good as new, no harm, no foul.
And I hear ya', it's one for an adult to risk falling in, but to bring kids on those type of conditions, where they both do not know the dangers or how to react, well, we see things exactly the same there.
As far as your catch, congrats! I'll be honest, one time I pushed being on the ice too late up north (in late March), in MN (the ice was fine but a strong wind came up (40-50 mph) and moved the sheet 30-40 feet off of shore. I had brought my neoprene waders just in case and carried about 20 people or so to shore in about 4 feet of water. So, I guess one could say I'm living in a glass house and throwing stones. But I prefer to see it as living and learning. Again, you're also prepared so, good luck and take care. Happy Holidays!