Happy Halloween

Its been a great month for us here in Lincoln. The leaves have changed, and the nights have gotten much colder. One bad note, the Cornhuskers suck. Who loses to Iowa St. at home? Anyway here are some pictures of the last month.

We must get some quality time outdoors everyday now thanks to Teagan.

Her first snow suit.

J.J. got married

Now for Teagan's Halloween outfits

One last photo of the post party from J.J.'s wedding

Congratulations J.J.

Congratulations little sis. You guys are going to the State Tournament. Last night J.J.'s Westside team won a hard fought battle against East High, the number 1 seeded team in their district. East had beaten them in their first game of the season back in November. A good game plan and a few determined girls were not going to let that happen again. They came back from a 7 point deficit at halftime, and made their free throws at the end to earn a great victory. Job well done. Good Luck next week. We'll be there cheering you all on. Love ya.

Back To Florida

Wednesday was by far my favorite day. I woke up early grabbed my fishing gear, and headed to Bocca Chica Key. It was only a few short miles north of Key West. I was told to find the old U.S. Highway 1 and fish along the coast. It was a beautiful morning, I watched the sun rise as I put the old fly rod together. I love watching the sun come up over the ocean, its was truly a wonderful sight. I spent the next few hours wading the coast in search of anything that had some fins and a tail. Truth be told I didn't find much, but the experience was awesome all the same.

That afternoon we made plans to take a boat ride off the coast of Key West to some mangrove islands to do some kayaking and snorkeling. I was a little worried going on this excursion with a 5 month old, but was reassured if anything did happen we would race back to shore. As we left the key we were accompanied by a couple of dolphins, a rare sight from my understanding, Karli loved it. The first part of the trip was a guided kayak tour around a mangrove island. I stayed on board and feed Teagan while everyone else went on the tour. From what I was told it was a very interesting trip. The water is only 6 maybe 8 feet deep at its deepest, so you can see everything. They saw everything from nurse sharks to live conchs. After that we went snorkeling through a protected reef. The water was pretty chilly, but we swam around for 45-50 minutes. It was amazing. So many different species of fish to find as well as one nurse shark, an eel, huge lobsters, a couple of stingrays, and a disgusting sea cucumber. As the sun started to set we packed up and sailed for home. What a day, watched the sun rise on the flats and watched it set on the deck of a sailboat, what a beautiful day.

Thursday was yet another lazy relaxing day. We drove about an hour north to one of the few beaches in the keys. The beach was in the Bahia Honda State Park. This was Teagan's first time in the ocean, and she didn't like it at all. It was a great beach, but there was one small problem with it. There were Portuguese Man of War all over. I even got stung once taking Karli and Teagan's picture. Fortunately most of them were dead on the shore. After that we headed home, and then went out for diner.

Friday after the cold front came in and the rains left, we headed out to do some more sightseeing. Karli and I had not seen the southern most point yet so we had to do that first. It was nice, now I can say I've been there. Only 90 miles from Cuba. Then it was off to Hemingway's house. That guy had the life. Up every morning at 6 write until lunch or 600 words whatever came first. Then out to fish until sunset. Then out to his favorite watering hole. When he would eventually stumble home by way of the lighthouse located across the street from his house. This lighthouse was the main reason for purchasing his lovely home. I guess came in handy on a few occasions. The property was home to,if memory serves 43 cats. They are all descendants of a cat one of Hemingway's sons brought home, Snowball. Snowball had 6 toes. A 6 toed cat was good luck on a ship, so Hemingway kept and bread him. The new owners of the house have kept the tradition going, producing a few 6 toed cats on the way. The next day was spent traveling, and flying home. Another spectacular performance by Teagan. Can't wait to go back, just as long as there is more fishing involved.

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What A Great Week!

Last week Karli, Teagan, and I spent a wonderful week in Florida with Karli's family. We left Saturday morning from Lincoln, and after a stop in Denver landed in Miami that evening. Teagan, by the way did great on her first plane ride. But our journey for the day was not over yet, we piled into a mini-van and drove another three hours to Key West. Ahh, what a nice warm (almost hot), beautiful, relaxing week.

Our first full day, Sunday, was spent touring this old town. We walked down to Mallory Square, that's where all the action is. It is also the main port for cruise ships, and home to some of the oldest buildings in town. And, I might add, home to great Cuban restaurant. You wouldn't believe it, but this little island (4 miles x 2 miles) has been through a lot. Did you know that Truman spent over 170 days of his presidency in Key West. Or the fact that Pan Am made its first flight, and the United States first international flight, from Key West to Cuba.

Monday and Tuesday were our two laziest days. Monday we sat at the pool all day long. Tell you the truth I am not sure I have ever sat in a pool area for as long as we did. Unfortunately, for my tan most of my day was spent in the shade with Teagan. But mama got some good color, and she didn't get burnt this year. While soaking up the afternoon sun a reptilian friend decided to join us. There are iguanas all over the place down here. Tuesday was spent doing more sightseeing, and after talking a nice gentleman at the local fly shop, finding my fishing spot for Wednesday. That is all I have time for! Add more soon!!!!

Here She Is

Seven weeks and three days ago my beautiful wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Her name is Teagan Kathleen, and we love her to death. I'd like to tell you that we have been so busy, and just haven't had time to write a new post. But that would be a lie. We've been pretty lazy. Just hanging with our little T.K.

She weighed in at 6lbs. and 10 ounces, and at a month she weighed as much as the new Rawlings baby, 8lbs. and 1 ounce. She is slowly gaining, before we know it she'll be walking and talking. We are both so happy that she is with us, and love every waking minute with her. Sorry this is not a long post, but at least its a post. We promise to keep you all up to date with all of our new adventures. Lots of love Zach and Karli. Here are a few pictures from the past couple of weeks.

This was her Labor Day outfit

Can you believe how tiny she was. This was at four weeks old.

These three onesies were hand made by Aunt JJ. Anyone want one?

37 weeks down!!

Wow! I can't believe we are at this point already. It seems like yesterday that Karli came running down the stair, with the biggest smile, to tell me the news. We are both very excited, and can't hardly wait for the next few weeks to come so we can meet our new baby girl. Karli has been great through the entire pregnancy, and I know she will be an excellent mother. She's so loving and caring I don't know how she couldn't be a great mom, and if I do say so myself a pretty cute mother to be. Don't you think so. The first picture is of her on week 34, and the second is on week 36. It's crazy what a difference two weeks makes.

Love ya babe, you look great.

Happy Birthday Zach

Last weekend we celebrated Zach's 33rd (wow) birthday! Zach picked our activities for the day and we had a great time. He went fishing in the morning with his good friend and our new pediatrician Bart and caught his first walleye on a flyrod! While fishing I was making Zach's one and only request for the day, his traditional birthday cake, Kim's delicious Red Velvet Cake! We then decided to go to the Dark Knight which was a little long, but incredible. I suggest everyone should go see it. After that we headed to Misty's (Lincoln's premiere steakhouse) with my parents and brother. Zach had never been there before so we decided it was time for him to try it out. MMMM MMMM! We then headed back to our place for a little cake and ice cream. It was pretty good for my second attempt. It was a long, but very enjoyable day. Zach is such a wonderful husband and person and he deserves the best so I hope he had a fun day! Love You.