More Ball

Greg is playing in a T-ball league now too, and he is very happy about that. Here he is up to bat:

And here is Doug up to bat at today's game. Since this blog is intended to document interesting moments in our lives, I have to include this story. Earlier this week Doug had a game that started at 8PM. It was a rainy/stormy evening, and when I heard thunder around 7:15P, I figured that the game would be cancelled. However, they make every attempt to play the game unless it is thundering/lightning and/or pouring down rain during the game, so we packed everything up and headed to the field. At 8PM it was just a light rain, and appeared to be clearing up so Coach Todd, Coach Jared and others started pushing water off the field and getting it ready to go. By 9:15P the field was ready. So, let's play ball! Now, under normal circumstances that would be a late night for us, but this was even worse because not only were the boys going to be tired, but this was a big week for me because I was volunteering at a free lunch program and I needed all the sleep I could get. But, the game started, and we joked about it being late (and it being past my bedtime) and Greg was having fun staying up late and eating lots of snacks. And it turned out to be a very close game with the lead going back and forth or with the score being tied. At one point I made a joke about "extra innings". So we get to the 6th inning (we only play 6 innings). We were home team so the visitors score 2 in the top of the 6 and are up by 2. So we're up to bat. We get runners on 1st and 2nd. No outs. Then runners on first and third with one out. Next batter brings in a run - now runners on first and second, 1 out. Next batter up - loads the bases. Still one out. Then a dribbler in front of home plate. Our guy beats the throw and tag at home - Todd was cheering for him so hard because he ran with all he had (remember, it's like 11PM now). Tied ball game. Next batter strikes out. And guess who comes up to bat with bases loaded, 2 outs, tied ball game. DOUG! (And oh, no - remember my bad joke about extra innings!) I have never cared so much about a play in my life. Plus, Doug was not having a good game to this point - he had struck out and grounded to first his other at bats. And of course, to add to the suspense, he swings and misses on the first pitch. Then fouls one off. And then....he hits it! He grounds it to the pitcher's right, who picks it up, but our runner on third is already past him and scores! Game OVER! We won! Whew! And then we all went home and went to bed!

Let's Go Doug!

We are busy with ball season and all the boys are loving it. I am having fun cheering from the bleachers. Here is Doug up at bat:

He got a single and then waits to run at first:
His skills are really improving (and he is learning the importance of practicing) and that has been fun to watch too.

Great Wolf Lodge

Free picture slideshow created with Smilebox

Happy 4th Birthday Greg!

It feels like we celebrated Greg's birthday for weeks, which was fine with him. First, my parents came down for a day to celebrate and bring him his presents since for medical reasons (my Mom's hip replacement) they were going to miss his actual birthday and his party. Then the gift from cousin Perry arrived in the mail the week of his birthday, which was also the week Todd was traveling for work, so I let G open it early. It ended up being a huge help that week, because they sent a game that both boys loved and we played it a lot while Todd was gone. Then Gma Janet and Papa Delmar came down on Saturday to celebrate. And church friends sang to him on Sunday. And then finally on Wednesday we had his friend's party!

Yes, Wednesday. Because weekends are so busy right now, this seemed like the best option. It forced me to make a tough choice of not inviting everyone in his class (mainly because Greg did not want older siblings there except for his and one other friend). But I'll admit that I felt guilty about not inviting "everyone" for weeks. But anyway, it ended up being a low key, smaller, younger crowd, and boy was it fun!

The slide seemed "freshly greased" and it was FAST! The kids (and some Moms) loved it!

Then we went to the party room for baseball cupcakes (per request):
And opening presents in the large chair. G was also given a crown and scepter, but he chose not to wear/hold those.
It was a wonderful few weeks of celebrating Greg's Birthday. Happy Birthday Greg!

Running

These pictures didn't upload in the right order, but oh well. Last weekend was the kid's run and half marathon. This is at the end of the 1/2 with all of us sporting our medals from our races.

Here Greg gets a lift from Dad (for the picture) right at the finish line of his run. He did a great job running.
But the one who really surprised me was Doug. They had the kids line up by ages (with the older ones in the front so the little ones didn't get trampled.) Which left Doug somewhere in the middle. Todd lined up with the boys and I stood at the finish line to snap pictures. According to Todd, as soon as the "go" was given, Doug took off. The kids start on the road outside the stadium, and then turn into the stadium and run on the warning track. So when I saw some of the 12 year olds start coming in, I thought it would be a little bit until I saw my boys, and then I see my little guy with his white sweatshirt running in. He was so happy to be ahead of so many of the big kids. I was so proud of him!
I ran a 1:54, which is a new PR for me, although I was a little mad at myself because I really struggled in mile 11 and fell off my pace. Now I need to decide if I want to train for the full this fall or do a half again.