Fishing, Scalloping, and ICEing!

We had an impromptu trip to the coast this past weekend! One of my favorite things about Steinhatchee is Scallop season! I got to experience it for the first time last year, and fell in love with "Scropin'" as we like to call it!

Since the oil is coming (don't even get me started!), the Governor of Florida opened scallop season early! This was the only weekend we would be able to get down there, so we packed up and headed to Florida last Thursday afternoon!

On Friday, we went fishing! Check out our catch!

Clay's Grouper

The boys with their cigars!

My snapper! (Oh and don't mind my attire, we only road in through a lightning/thunderstorm that last 12 miles in from offshore.)

My 28 inch Grouper! Yes, the biggest catch of the day! I'm still sore from reeling this guy in!

The biggest grouper and the biggest snapper of the day!

They made me hold both of my catches like this...Yes, my fingers are in their eyeballs. I'm grossed out. And they're really heavy.

Me and the boys and all our fish!

On Saturday, we went Scalloping!

Check out ALL our Scallops... and ICE. Shhh!

Bart got ICED! And took it like a Man!

Oh, and speaking of ICED.... did I mention that someone else got ICED the weekend before?

Planting the ICE.

And you thought I wouldn't blog about it, TP....

Memorial Day 2010

Wow, it's been over a week since my last blog! Can you tell we've been a little bit busy? Don't worry, this Young Harris resident ain't compainin'!

I last left off at us leaving for Memorial Weekend in Steinhatchee, FL... Our new favorite getaway for fun, family time, and relaxation!

I LOVE Memorial Day Weekend! It marks the beginning of summer.... water, boating, grilling out, slicing up a watermelon....oh how I love it all! Growing up, it represented school being out.....In College, it represented the inaugural party weekend to start summer school (aka Summer '05)....and as a working adult it's personally been dubbed as a special weekend each passing year.

MDW '08 - The first time I spent a long weekend (out of town) with Clayton and the entire Wells family in Destin, FL! Leading up to that weekend, I was a nervous wreck (I hope they like me)! I left Destin LOVING the entire Wells clan!

MDW '09 - The weekend that Clayton asked for my Dad's blessing to propose to me. And yes, he waited to do it Monday morning while they were cleaning the boats!

MDW '10 - Here we are, our first MDW as a married couple celebrating with BOTH of our immediate families! We're blessed that we all get along so well, and look forward to many more holidays that we can all spend together!

My 22 inch trout!

Bart and I caught the biggest ones of the weekend!

My second catch was a 23 1/2 incher!

Are you proud Vern?

Mom, Bart, and Becky on the pontoon boat!

Someone lost their Kate Spade sunglasses in the water! (Croakies, my friend.)

Fearless boys to help with the rescue!

Beautiful morning on the water!

Early birds: Carson & Clayton.

Sunrise.

It was worth getting up early....my first Redfish!! 26 inches!! (The credit goes to the boys who hooked it, but let me reel it in.)

Afternoon nap...

Cap't Lizzie!

Wastin' Away Again in Margaritaville.

The best in-laws ever.

All our fish! Dinner time....fried sea trout and blackened red fish!

Afternoon Boat Ride.

Cornhole! Dad is still the champion....darn!

Mamas & Daughters!

Sweet Father-in-Law.

Mamas & Pups.

Happy Memorial Day!

If you need us this weekend, we'll be here!

We're headed down to Steinhatchee today with both of our families for boating, fishing, and 'laxing! I want to wish everyone an early Happy Memorial Day! I'm so excited for summertime!

Before I go, here's a great little Memorial Day recipe that goes great with anything you put on the grill! I made Paula Deen's Tomato Pie when we went to Blue Ridge last weekend, and it was fantastic! (Pretty much anything Paula Deen makes is, right?!)

I didn't take pictures of me making it, but here's Paula's Pic and Recipe! Enjoy!

Tomato Pie Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 tomatoes, peeled and sliced
• 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 1 (9-inch) prebaked deep dish pie shell
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• 1 cup grated cheddar
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the tomatoes in a colander in the sink in 1 layer. Sprinkle with salt and allow to drain for 10 minutes.

Layer the tomato slices, basil, and onion in pie shell. Season with salt and pepper. Combine the grated cheeses and mayonnaise together. Spread mixture on top of the tomatoes and bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

To serve, cut into slices and serve warm.

P.S. My blog got a little summer make-over....you like?