Minnesota with Bates Family 2011

Reese was so upset that the hot tub was empty that I bet her tears could fill it up again. Ok so it wasn't really that bad. This isn't Alice in Wonderland folks. But she was pretty sad about it. I told you. This girl loves herself some water. But I guess it could be a lot worse.

If you were wondering where Mike gets it from look no further than his Dad Steve. I've known Steve Bates as long as I've known Mike and he is one of the nicest, most genuine people in the world. While I'm at it I'll just say I love all of Mike's family and I'm so happy they decided to include me in their plans and let me tag along. This was such a great weekend, but like every other time, it was too short.

I wish that things could be like the good old days when Mike still lived in Wisconsin and we could hang out more than 4 times a year. But that's the way it goes man. He had to go where the job was so he could support his family. I'm sure it was a tough decision but that's what kind of guy Mike is - a great father and loving husband. I only hope I can be as great as he is someday. He's such a good friend.

The Bates Family lives so far away, so I figured as long as I was able to see them I would bring Mason a couple of presents. I got him this soccer ball that makes music and noises when you toss it around and this ABC's of Brewers book. I'm sure that he'll get some instant satisfaction from the ball because babies love things that make noise, but reading may have to wait a little bit. But I decided to start him out young with some baseball terminology. I is for infield. B is for Bernie Brewer. C is for Counsell. It is my duty as Godfather to make sure that he grows up knowing all of the important things in life. Like when the infield fly rule is in effect and which Brewers player (Bill Hall) wins games. Stuff like that.

You couldn't keep Reese out of the water. I wouldn't be surprised if her doctor found out that she was half fish. This whole weekend she begged and pleaded to go in there and when we tried to take her out she threw a fit. Kids. The Steve and Bernie Bates wagon was getting ready to head back to Milwaukee and I wanted to say goodbye to Reese but she was too busy dumping water out of the pool. But It's not like she remembered who I was anyway. I don't get little Reese Bates. To her I'm just a stranger who hangs out with her parents. And she'll probably always be right.

Mason has some pretty sweet Godparents. I say that because I know of them (albeit one better than the other) and I can vouch that they will teach him some cool stuff along the way. It's too bad they live so far away from the little bugger. Long distance teaching is tough.