Gone fishin'

My brother-in-law was nice enough to get his boat ready and took Mel, Myself and Zach fishing in Tampa Bay. It was a georgous day on the water. Mel was really excited to go fishing, she has not been since she lived in Louisiana. We had a great time. We saw pelicans, a dolphin, went swimming off the boat and actually caught fish. I caught two fish, one we think was a mackeral and the other was what Michael called a ladyfish. Mel caught a couple as well but she lost them off her line they were so jumpy. It was fun.



One of my favorite pics of Zach and Michael




And the only pic I got of a caught fish with my phone.




After our day on the water we heading back to my Sister's house for some burgers and hot dogs.
Hanging with Zach and Trev was amusing as ever.
Zach referss to Trevor as, "My Asian Brother." Trevor's response, "You are just as Asian as me bro." Then we are sitting around eating dinner and out of the blue Zach asked, "What is a Rabbi?". WTF?

After dinner we decided to play games. But first was Zach's summer haircut.




First game up was clue. We had to improvise because there were some missing pieces.
Anytime we had to use the Lead Pipe or Wrench, which were written on pieces of paper. Trevor put the words "ghettoized" in front of them. e.g."I say it is mr. Green in the Library with the 'ghettoized' wrench," It was pretty funny and Zach could not stop laughing when we saw a clue and said, "interesting." The erasers represent, Ms. Scarlett, Prof. Plum and Col. Mustard.


Next up was a marathon game of Uno. Of course Zach had to sit right next to Melanie.




We had one marathon hand of Uno that Zach finally one. I used the word 'penalized' once and both boys broke out into the giggles.
We headed back to Mom's after that, it was hard to say goodbye to Sis, Mike, Zach and Trevor, they were so fun to hang out with and I wish we all lived closer. Next time it will not be too long between visits.

When we got back to Mom's place Mel, Myself and Mom talked for three hours until we were too tired to stay up any longer.

This is one of Mel's favorite pics from the trip.
I think this is a good representation of Zach's personality. He kept us on our toes and laughing.




-- Post From My iPhone

Day three-Finally

Got to the beach. We got some more gems from Zach, that kid is gonna be smarter than all of us, though he keeps calling me man/woman just to be a nudge. Mel, Myself, Zach and Trevor went to the beach today. I have never swam in The Gulf before, it was spectacular. Warm and clear. We saw lots of fish. We did not plan too well though, we brought nothing for the kids to do. Zach wanted to pack up and leave half hour after we got there. Trevor and I went to the surf shop and got some goggles, a pail/shovel and a football. The football was the only thing we played with. The best part was just sitting with Trevor and talking. I did not get the sullen teenager I was being told about. He has been engaging, funny and just fun to be around. And he has the best hair out of all of us.




Another fun day with family included:
- Beautiful day at beach
- Mini putt putt with live Alligators Mini putt after hanging at beach today.



- Trevor got a hole in one on last hole



- Slurpies on way home




- Fried Turkey- Michael is a master




-Family Monopoly, Jennie wiped us all out without cheating.



-Surprise birthday cake, with a big 40 on it



- Bought a fishing license for tomorrow.
Another good day in store I think.

-- Post From My iPhone

Day two-Best day ever

Because my 6 year old nephew used air quotes and he used them correctly. It was awesome.

Also:
- Realizing Zach may in fact be the next Tim Tebow. Holy crap what an arm.
- Bowling with Trevor and Zach



- I think Trevor broke the texting record


- Almost forgetting what a great invention bowling bumpers are
- Zach saying to Melanie, "I don't have a good feeling about you." then promptly getting a crush
- Mom's Chicken Cutlets
- Guess Who? Extreme


- Porch time with Jennie as she promptly started bossing me around.




-Zach insisting he sit in front with Mel



-Taz the cuddielist cocker-poo




A good day all around!!

-- Post From My iPhone

Tampa day 1

We made it to Tampa and drove to my mom's in clearwater. We had dinner, argue about Glee and Politics. After dinner my Mom told says "turn on the game I want to see how my boys are doing." Next to TV there is a notebook of all the games so far, she keeps track of each game the score and winning pitcher.


Notice the scheduled pitchers for the upcoming games. Dedicated or crazy?

Mom was really excited to introduce me to her friends so we head down to the pool. As we walk out into the hallway we met Gloria, Annie and Sully. All older then my Mom by about 10-20 years and all have heard about me. It was walking into a hallway of Grandmothers I never had. We got the requisite questions about our flight and none of them bat an eye when Mel is introduced as my girlfriend, and we are all holding noodles for the pool.
Appearently the space station is in our atmosphere and you can see it, so we are all in the pool area with about 8-10 senior citizens looking up at the sky. There are lots of "hahs?", "what did you say?", "is that it, nope, that is a star". To quote my Mom "This is like a scene from Cacoon". I could not have said it better myself. THEN this gem walked into pool area.




This is Marie with her cat Vincent, who clearly did not want to be on a leash, he was shedding up a storm, but according to Marie, he needs exercise as she was dragging him around. It was surreal and Mom's friend Gloria who is 84 years young was married for 66 years, and hilarious, agreed. Also, Marie mistook Melanie for my daughter.



More adventures to come I am sure.

-- Post From My iPhone