Last weekend was the 80th annual Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo or "the rodeo" as the cool kids call it! It also just happened to be Mr. Barrett's first rodeo. The first day we arrived we started the trip out by going to the Estuarium on the island.
The first time I went to the estuarium was my very first rodeo ten years ago when Sonny and I had recently started dating. We walked in and somehow managed not to have to pay. I was completely obsessed with the sun fish this trip.
My second trip was when the girls were little. I was so obsessed with learning about the light houses this trip.
This particular trip to the estuarium was so much fun. We took Barrett to the zoo several months ago and enjoyed it but he was only kinda interested in most of the animals so we really didn't know what to expect. We never could have guess just how much he would love it! We started out looking at the smaller fish and turtles. I'm pretty sure he would have crawled into the tank if Sonny would have let him. Once he saw the larger fish it was over. He could have careless about the smaller fish at this point. He talked to them and reached for them and spent a good hour looking at the two larger tanks. Anyone who knows Sonny or if you have read about him you know how obsessed he is with fishing! He loved every second of the experience with his "little buddy." I included a ton of estuarium pictures it was just so much fun!
Look at that sweet reflection and proud dada
I feel like I should clarify that is my shirt and not my bra strap
The little one is standing now
He is as big as a snapper
Shark!
Boat captain
He grabbed the rod and bowed up like he knew just what to do
The poor touch tank will never be the same after Barrett
Our little diver
The following day Amy and Emma Grace joined us for Barrett's first trip to the beach. He has been to the beach probably ten times this year but has spent all of his time by the pool. This was the first time he actually went on the beach. It was very windy and he was very unsure at first. This picture of him screaming makes me laugh!
It probably took him fifteen minutes but he warmed up to the beach and LOVED IT!
The following day Whitney joined the fishing team so Erica and Brenley joined us for Brenley's first beach day! We seriously took some of the most adorable pictures of them on the beach.
The beach wore them out and they both napped by the pool!
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| Getting some Aunt Erica loving |
His Aunt Michelle bought him this outfit specifically for the rodeo! It was so cute on him with his little hat but he had already tossed it aside! (this picture looks nothing like him to me and he looks huge!)
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| DADA loving at the weigh in |
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| He wasn't feeling the family photo |
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| The rodeo crew! It was so much fun can't wait until next year |
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| He was breaking it down to pontoon |
Barrett got his first Billfish foundation T-shirt which should fit him in two to three years but its cute! His first rodeo t-shirt which will probably fit him about age ten! We also got him a souvenir Christmas ornament at the estuarium! Overall, we had a fantastic rodeo/mimi vaca! Can't wait for Destin in a few weeks!
