Read me a story

We went to Kristin & Dan's Sunday for our monthly dinner. After dessert James went and relaxed on the recliner. Carly climbed in the chair with him and it wasn't long before Nicolas joined them. Of course they wanted him to read them a book which he happily did - several times.

Lights

Over the weekend we installed 2 new lights on the garage and changed the light on the front of the house. Our driveway is now fully lit at night.

More softball

Katlyn started her last game and we finally have some pictures of her batting. She only was up to the plate once and was walked. Her team won the game 6-5.

Katlyn and softball 1

Unfortunately we don't have too many pictures of Katlyn playing. The first few games of the season she played quite a bit. But that didn't last long. Now if they put her in it is for the last inning to inning and a half. And she usually is only up to bat once if that. This was one of the rare days that she played and we had the camera on us.

The JV team started the year off with 3 wins in a row - in fact they mercied the other teams. Then it went downhill from there. They have 1 game left which is tomorrow (5/23) and they have only won 2 games in their district. But Katlyn isn't done with softball when the high school season is over. She then goes straight into the summer league. Hopefully we will have more pictures of her playing then.

Katlyn and softball 2

The pitcher was struggling and getting frustrated so they called a time out and had an infield huddle to settle her down.

Tyler and Baseball 1

We are so glad we got the digital camera. We just love the great close ups we get of their facial expressions.

Just what every ball player needs in order to play a great ball game - sunflower seeds.

Team meeting after the hard fought 1-0 win. And of course they all are listening to every word patiently waiting for their treat tickets to the concession stand.

The Marlins record is 6-3 and they have 9 games left.

Tyler and Baseball 2

Dave figured he would try a few black and white images. I told him I like those kind because you can't see all the gray hairs. This is the only good picture he has of Tyler in the outfield.

Look closely at his mouth - click on it to enlarge the picture if necessary. He takes after his sister.

"Was that the ball?"

"I'm going to hit it this time - I hope."

Tyler and baseball 3

Tyler's facial expression shows he is determined he will make contact with the ball and send it out of the park. Well he hasn't yet but he seems to be the good luck charm for his team. His team has 5 home runs so far this season and 4 of those Tyler was next in the lineup.

James and Baseball 1

Here are pictures from opening day. Unfortunately his team lost the game - they gave up a 9-2 lead to lose 13-9. Even at this age it all comes down to pitching.

What do you want me to do Coach?

Oh that's right - hit the ball. James has dramatically improved his hitting this year.

James had no desire to play ball this year. I asked him the other day if he was enjoying this year and he actually smiled and said yes. I don't know if it is because he has improved with his hitting, if it is the team and coach, going to a pitching coach, or the combination of them all.

James and Baseball 2

Here are a few pictures of James pitching. For his first time pitching at this level he did a pretty decent job. He struck out a few and I think he only walked 1. Unfortunately they lost this game 6-5.
Make sure you look closely at his facial expression (click on the picture so you can get a close up).

Here's Mr. Terradactyl Man getting ready for flight.

Mother's Day

For mother's day the kids gave me a bird bath and some flowers to plant out front. We got out this weekend and planted the flowers. They seem so small right now but hopefully once they fully bloom they will fill in the space better. FYI - the kids picked the flowers out themselves and they actually helped plant them as well as place the bricks around the gravel.