Fishing with Theo

Today was Tee's turn to spend with Baby Boy. He wanted to fishing for the first time, too. It was so fun to do some "firsts" with the kiddos. I actually got to see him crawl for the first time -- he happened to do it while I was babysitting and I was lucky enough to catch it on video so his mom and dad could see. Anyway...Baby Girl, momMA and I went to a trout pond in Renton. Today, there was one much closer in Woodinville. I liked being able to experience both. The Renton experience was more rustic and redneck (not complaining...I'm a Yooper...can't get much more redneck than that) while the Woodinville location was catering more to Yuppies, I think, who wanted their kids to have a fun experience in a more "refined" environment.

Theo was quite excited to get started. He grabbed his pole with enthusiasm and didn't seem quite as uneasy about the flopping fish as Little Girl was. We worked well as a team. I taught him how to throw in his line and I held the net. When he'd get a bite, I'd say, "Okay, Bubba, walk backwards." He'd walk backwards until I could reach the fish with the net and we did this twice, very quickly. He caught two rainbow trout about 13" each! I'd gone with the intention of catching three...enough for his family and me to have a little sample. After catching his second one, he decided he was done. One of the trout in the bucket jumped too loud for him. He baited the hook instead and watched Tee bring in the third one. It was so much fun to be with him and watch him experience bringing in his first fish!

We drove back to his house in time for lunch and when Megan asked him what he wanted, he said, "Fish, please." I taught Megan how to fry them (also a first) and we snacked on the fish while waiting for Tim and Baby Girl to get home.

When I got back to D&MA's I started to cry. I know I'll get to spend time with my babies again but it won't be as frequent and I love being their Tee. I'll miss the more frequent contact with my adopted kiddos and doing special things with each of them. I am blessed to have been a part of their toddler years and early development. Thanks Tim and Megan! I love you guys.

Tee's handsome little man

Holding the pole like a pro

His catch...a 14", 13" and 12"

Mom frying up her boy's first trout he caught all by himself

Getting ready to try his first bite ever

"Mmm...Mama, I like this fish!" (Music to Tee's ears)

Trout Fishing with MJ and momMA

So, apparently, Baby Girl told her mom she wanted to go fishing. Everyone knows that's Tee's territory. I wanted to make sure to take her somewhere she would definitely catch a fish, since it was her first time. I looked  online and found a place that stocked their ponds with rainbow trout. There were three ponds with trout dispersed according to size. Small, 8 to 10", medium = 11 to 13", and large = anything 14" and above.

Baby Girl caught an 8 incher her very first cast. She was excited and scared at the same  time. She didn't like how the fish flopped around while we were bringing it in and she didn't want to get too close to the bucket in case one jumped out and bit her. After a few more casts (and dropping the pole whenever she got a bite) she decided she preferred holding the bait and pinching  pieces off for momMA and me. The bait was a combination of fish food, flour and water. The trout farm supplied it.

You paid by the size and they cleaned the trout for you. It wasn't exactly a true fishing experience but, for her first outing, it was just right. When she is older, she'll have to come with me to the  U.P. and I'll introduce her to the Fox river and how to catch Brook trout in the streams.

MomMA,  WA dad and I enjoyed a delicious trout dinner. I fried  them up just like Mom taught me and we had fried potatoes, green beans and sliced cucumbers to go with them. I saved one for MJ to try. Maybe she'll share it with Bubba.

More Sunsets and a Baseball Game with the WA Parents

   

Summer Fun with the Babies

PLAYING

TIME FOR A PICNIC

THE KIDS PICKED THE BERRIES ALL BY THEMSELVES

 CAN'T FORGET THE PUPPIES

Fresh Seafood Dinner on a Summer Night

Alyssa and her husband, Vince, brought freshly caught Dungeness crab and a bucket full of clams over last night. I have never had more delicious seafood in my entire life. It was fun watching the girls prepare the meal and a relaxing way to spend the evening. We had mixed berries over angel food cake with whipped cream for dessert and topped off the night playing a game of Canasta. My team won...of course!

Woodland Park Zoo with the Babies

Sunset at Shilshole