A Florida Fish Tale

We just returned from a FABULOUS week in Florida with friends/family.  The week was jam packed with fun, but I think one of the highlights was fishing with Nouno and Coici D on their boat.  My little land lubbers took to the sea like fish to water (pun intended).

As his typical of his nature, Alex eased into the whole boat experience with a little trepidation, but excitement soon overcame any fears.

 Nouno has been fishing since he was four years old, and now it was time to pass his wisdom on to his two godsons.  One look at the bait (shrimp), and the boys were hooked (again...pun intended). Mommy, however, was not too thrilled at the prospect of sticking these live little crustaceans on giant hooks....fortunately Coici D, Coici and Nouno had my back!

 I am not sure what was more stunning:  The fact that NOAH was so calm, focused and serious about fishing....

 ...or the fact that....

 ...he caught THIS as his first fish....a lovely Spanish Makerel!  A fishermam is born!

 Next it was Alex's turn to reel in "the big one."

 Unlike his brother, Alex was NOT into getting close to his catch ...also a Spanish Makerel.  Still he posed long enough to get this shot....

 Meanwhile, Noah "Fish Boy" Geppert kept 'em coming....

 And, yes, that is a shark....reeled in by the seasoned Coici D!!!  The boys were so excited because they got to pet this "little guy" and he was NOT at the zoo!  After flopping around the boat for a little bit, we let him go as well.

 A fishing lesson is not complete without a lesson on how to drive the boat.  Could he be any happier??

 Our days boating in the Gulf were amazingly filled with much wildlife, including this pod of dolphins that played in the wake of our boat.  In addition we saw a HUGE school of sting rays, several sharks, gorgeous birds, and countless fish. 

 By the end of the second day, Alex's fishing gene kicked in, and he was no longer squeamish.  He had to pet every fish that was pulled out of the water that day (and there were a LOT!).  Here is a partial list of what was caught that day:  Makerel, Lady Fish (by me!!), pin fish, blue runners, shark, blowfish, zebra fish, and  some flying fish.

As you can see, both boys truly enjoyed their time in the Gulf.  These days were a blessing that we will never forget!!!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

It's 6:00 am on a Saturday and the alarm clock is ringing. It's 38 degrees outside.  Why am I awake?  Game Day!  First Little League game--a true milestone in our house.  Alex has been wanting to play "on a real field" since he was three.  So, despite the early hour and the less-than-optimal weather, we headed out to the ballpark. 

As I watched him take the field, I felt the fingertips of time tapping my shoulder reminding me of its ever-present passing.  My little boy is growing up.

My Blazin' Blueberry

While Alex chose baseball, Noah opted for soccer this spring.  I am proud of him for pursuing something he enjoys instead of just doing what Alex is doing.  Soccer, at this age, is better for Noah since it is constant action.  He fits right in with this goofy group of kiddos!!!  His first game is this weekend--we can hardly wait!!



 Listening to Coach!

 Big kick!

 Hangin' with the dudes of the Blazin Blueberries:

Lining up the shot?  Nah...just trying to figure out if he can balance the ball on his nose.

Baseball 2012

It's baseball time here in The Middle once again!  Oh how we wish we could play all year round!!  However, it is such a great feeling to pull out those gloves, balls and bats and know that spring is here, and longer days of playing outdoors are right around the corner.  Alex will be in Little League for the first time this year--he is vibrating with excitement.  So far, his coaches seem wonderful, and Alex is loving learning new aspects of the game.

Despite the rain, the Opening Day parade for Little League was held this past weekend.  Alex's team is the Rockies, and here they are proudly marching together on the field!

Hats off for The National Anthem

 Little man did not have a game that day (which is FINE since it started POURING rain shortly after these picutres were taken), but he humored his Mom and let me take some pics of him on the field.

Alex and Noah got a pitching machine and a net from their Godparents for Easter--you can be sure they will getting lots of use this summer!!!  PLAY BALL!!!

Easter 2012

Despite the fact that the weather was cold (ok...so it was less than 80 degrees), we had a great Easter.  The boys enjoyed doing an egg hunt at Alex's school, which was suprisingly well organized!  

 The hunt at home: Where did these two little MEN come from??!!!

 The "Easter Bunny" must have been on crack this year, because he brough Alex a set of football pads.  Oh well, I guess he knew that Alex is going to play football in the fall, and his Mama wants as much padding around him as possible. 

Wordless Wednesday: Fun with Oma and Opa