Summer Time!

This is the first year that both Ford and Jake have a summer vacation from school.  Last year every day was a vacation for Ford and Jake had only been in school for a few months.  Even though they are only in school 1/2 days, it is a huge difference having them home with me in the mornings.  Of course, I started a new part time job (from home) the week they got out, so it took us a little bit to get a summer schedule established.  We have TBall for the month of June and we have swimming lessons, storytimes, playdates, etc. planned.  We also started a behavior and chore reward system to help encourage good behavior and helping out around the house. 


We had Blake's 1st Communion, Clay and I got a picture with Blake, but need to get it from his Mom.  It feels like his baptism was just the other day!

Yummy Lunch to Celebrate

I had to get a picture with my other Godson, he looked TOO CUTE!

Grandma and Grandpa just got back from their trip to Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Santa Fe.  We all got together at their house for Memorial Day. 

Grandma explaining the dream catchers to the boys, riding scooters and eating on the patio.

A special treat for the last day of school - lunch at "Old" McDonalds. 



The best investment we made for the summer!  It provides hours of fun and entertainment and is a great way to beat the heat!

Taking a water slide break.

Blake and Benjamin came over one day for some water slide fun!

We also had our playgroup over for some fun!

1st Day of Swim Lessons went awesome!  I think the lessons from last year made a huge impact on them being ready and willing to work this year.

1st T-Ball Game

May 19, 2012 - Ford and Jake's 1st T-Ball game of their career! 

Taking a quick picture with Coach Daddy before the game.

Mommy wanted a pic with her little players too.  Yes, I'm THAT Mom decked out in a team shirt :)

It was perfect weather for a baseball game.  Our team had a little rocky start, it was our whole team's first game ever!  Our planned batting order got a little out of whack and I wouldn't say each player stayed in a specific position while playing the field (although Ford did very well playing catcher).  Jake had to take a little break during the game and go on a walk with Granddaddy.  He loves playing baseball, but doesn't love all the standing around and waiting for a turn part.  Everyone had a blast and it was a great 1st game! 

Some of the Riverdogs waiting for our game to start!

Jake's 1st hit!

 Jake running the bases

 Jake in the dug-out!

Ford's 1st hit!

Running the bases!

Heading back to the dug-out!

Ford playing catcher.

Jake playing the field, but he only lasted part of the inning, then he hung out in the dug-out.

Ford playing the field.

Ford and Daddy getting ready.

Is this football or baseball?  Our team dog-piling for the ball!

Good game!

T-Ball

Ford and Jake are going to play their very 1st season of T-Ball.  A few days after registration, we got an email seeking coaches.  Daddy thought about it and agreed to coach the team, you feel a little bit of pressure when you have 2 kids on the team.  We've been playing t-ball/baseball in the backyard for a long time (initially with the plastic bat, ball, and tee), but before the season begins, Coach Daddy decided to work on practicing with a metal bat.  We went to our favorite field for some hitting and fielding practice.  Ford and Jake both did really well and seemed to love it.

We are signed up for Regular T-Ball instead of Jr. T-Ball.  Ford and Jake are the youngest on the team and in the league, most the kids in Regular T-Ball are starting Kindergarten this fall.  They met the age cut off by 2 days so we couldn't register for the Jr. League due to being too old by a few days.  We were a little nervous about it, but in general they do better with older kids rather than younger.

A catcher (in full gear) is required for regular T-Ball games.  Ford got so excited when he saw the gear, he had to try it on immediately.  Jake gave it a try as well, but wasn't as thrilled about all the heavy gear (which is also too big).  We are planning on alternating boys each game to "play" catcher.

Our 1st practice with our team went way better than we anticipated.  None of the other boys have played before so the skill level is pretty much the same across the board.  The other parents are really nice and helpful.  It seems like it is going to be a fun season.  The only kid that had issues with staying on track was of course one of ours (Jake, not to name names).   He loves to hit the ball and he'll run the bases, but he only likes to stay out in the field for a few minutes, then he starts running around or going up to the other boys (trying to get them to play).  That was when we could see the difference a year can make in boys.

Looking sharp in our new uniforms and ready to play some T-Ball!

Ford #26 & Jake #17 - two of Daddy's former numbers.

Coach Daddy rocks!!