Lucy's First Softball Game

Saturday afternoon Lucy had her first softball game.  We were glad we could go as a family.  She was so excited to play!  We have had so much rain that she has already had several rained out practices and a rained out game.  One thing we have noticed already with the YMCA league is they are more laid back with what they wear.  In the past we have had to get certain pants and socks to match the team.  All the girls showed up in something different. 

Little Lucy, she is one of the youngest and smallest on her team 

Lucy has been practicing fielding balls a lot with JJ in the backyard.  She did a good job at getting a few and throwing the ball to the correct place.

After the first inning she came over to us and said, "there are strikes in this game!"  This is the first time she has played on a more competitive level.  With the previous teams they have been coach pitch like Garrett's where they get 5 balls and then hit from a T.  Now they count balls and strikes and then your out.  We could see this made Lucy a little nervous.  JJ and I both really wanted her to hit the ball.  We knew she would be disappointed if she didn't get a hit, even though it will eventually happen.  We told her to make sure to watch the pitches and only swing on the good ones.

Lucy was in the middle of the line up so she was able to see lots of people on both teams bat.  Some girls had good hits and some struck out.  It was good to see that the skill level was all different.  When it was her turn to bat she did great.  She hit the ball on the second pitch.  It wasn't a huge hit and it didn't go far, but she hit it!

She ran to first and you could tell she was very happy with herself.  We were happy for her too!

 These two were pretty supportive watching her.  Nolan was missing his afternoon nap so we kept him full and kept him moving.  Garrett eventually went up the playground on the hill to play for a little bit.

Towards the end of the game it started to rain pretty good.  We were all getting soaked and they called the game.  The teams were a little sad but the time was almost up anyways.  We are happy Lucy is having a fun time playing.  She enjoys that the skill level is more challenging and is working hard to learn the things she needs to.  It will be fun to see her play this season.

Ski Show

This is the time of year that we go see the ski show.  I was thinking about it the other day and wanted to make sure I found out the show schedule.  When I saw my friend Friday morning at the gym I talked with her about it.  She is in the ski show and it is also fun to see her ski. She said if the weather held out they would have a show that evening.  Since it was suppose to rain we hadn't made plans for the day.  It ended up being the perfect evening to go.  The latest storms had brought cooler weather and since it was overcast it was easier to see the skiers.  The lake is really high and the water is really dirty.  Nolan was so excited to see the water and really wanted to go play in it.  Lucy and Garrett loved the sand.  

 Lucy and Garrett liked sitting up there because the waves would crash in by them and get them a little wet.

 The show was a lot of fun to watch.  They had a few different acts and there were a couple guys who did tricks off the jump.  Nolan was intrigued by the boats and liked watching them go by.  Whenever we watch the show we both comment how we need to plan a lake trip and go water ski.   

After the show we went to sonic for half price shakes.  Garrett was really looking forward to it and talked about getting a shake during the whole show.  It was the perfect activity to do togetehr and we had a lot of fun, we're glad we went.

The kids finished their summer school program this week.  They had a lot of fun and are glad they were able to go.  We are looking forward to sleeping in again and not having to rush out the door in the morning.  Plus it is hard to go to bed early during the summer.     

Last Saturday after I mowed the backyard JJ kept asking me what the brown patches in the grass were.  I didn't really know what he was talking about or pay much attention to it.  I thought maybe some mud since the grass was really wet still from the rain.  He talked to my Dad while we were out on Sunday and he said we might have a fungus.  We noticed it was getting worse as the week went on.  We sent a photo to my brother to show to my Dad.  My Dad called me one morning and said he was coming over to look at my lawn.  Sure enough we had a fungus.  He wasn't surprised he said he has been seeing a ton of it.  It is really bad this year since we have had so much rain and then humidity.  My Dad put down a fungicide (which wasn't cheap!) and hopefully it will clear up soon.  Hopefully we wont have to have another treatment put down.  It was spreading quickly even in those few days. 

 This little guy is such a monkey! He climbs on the table now every chance he gets.  Especially after meal time he loves to see what scraps are left.  I can hardly keep him off.  I told JJ it is almost impossible.  He also has started to throw things away in the diaper pail.  We have found all sorts of things in there.  One evening we found his bottle which we had just given him, my nail file, a stamp, a ball and another little toy.  He sure keeps us busy and on our toes.    

We also enjoyed some play dates with friends this week.  Garrett has been asking all summer to have his friend Daisy over to play.  She came over and they had a fun time playing together.  Lucy also had a friend from church come play.  It was nice they each had someone to play with.  We had baseball and softball practices, both on the same night.  It made things a little crazy.  I dropped Lucy off and watched 15 minutes of practice and then took Garrett to his practice.  I watched a little of his practice and then went back to get Lucy.  We meet JJ there where he took Nolan and Lucy home and I went back to pick up Garrett.  It was busy.  We also made a few visits to the pool which was nice and refreshing.

 

Happy Fathers Day

We were so excited to celebrate Fathers Day with JJ!  It was fun planning some thing's with the kids during the week and shopping for a gift to give him.  The kids wanted to make sure he got special donuts like I got for Mothers Day.  We went and picked some out together Saturday night.  The kids were so excited to see they had special ones, this one had a #1 Dad ring.  JJ also requested French toast, we had a breakfast feast!  The kids all helped with something while we let JJ sleep in a little.     

 After breakfast we couldn't wait any longer so we had him open our present.  I helped the kids fill out a cute sheet I found online.  JJ loved their answers and drawings.  JJ loves riding his trail bike on different trails close by.  He goes early in the morning with friends and has a blast.  Lately he has been riding a lot.  Most recently he went riding with a friend from church.  After the ride I got a phone call from him.  He told me if I didn't have any gift ideas for Fathers Day he could give me a few.  After riding together he saw that JJ really needed new pedals and biking shoes.  JJ doesn't spend a lot of money on his biking hobby, in fact he rarely spends money on anything for himself.  He has bought a few things for his bikes but always shops around a lot and waits for a sale.  His bike is nice but nothing compared to what he wishes he rode.  I have told him that when his bike cost more then the value of his car it just doesn't make sense.  So his friend knowing this and realizing after telling him he needed them thought the best way to get them would be to tell his wife.  So he called me and told me that it would really improve his riding skills and he could help me find them.  I took the kids to the bike store that JJ likes and looked at the pedals and shoes.  Clueless and finding everything way more then I wanted to spend I called the friend back.  He found some online and ordered them for me at a good price.  We decided to give him the pedals for now and make a coupon for him to buy his own shoes.  JJ was so surprised when he opened the pedals!  He was so excited and shocked I bought him something for his bike.  I explained how I had help and he laughed at the whole thing.  He was so excited to start shopping for some shoes.  I am so glad we got them for him, it is so much better then anything else I could have thought of myself.  JJ spent almost his entire morning at a presidency meeting.  He got home just in time to snap a photo and hop in the car to go to church.  The last 10 minutes of church they had root beer and orange soda floats and homemade cinnamon rolls for the guys.  I was jealous because the lady who made all the cinnamon rolls makes the best rolls.              

 

As soon as church was over we headed home and made a quick salad to head to my parents house for dinner.  We had yummy pulled pork sandwiches and shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches. Everything was so good!  We played corn hole outside with everyone.  We played on teams and played tournament style.  Lucy played with Kelsey and then we played couples.    

 

Garrett and Tyler had a blast running around and playing together.  Nolan walked around with Ellie and we joked they were an obstacle in the game.  Lucy loved being involved in the game with the adults and did a good job playing.

 

We had ice cream and chocolate chip cookies for dessert while my Dad opened presents. We got him some Jolly Ranchers and a new Cardinals hat.  We also went in on a new flag for his flagpole in the front yard. He loved all his gifts.  We had such an enjoyable time out there with everyone.  It was a wonderful evening playing cornhole and laughing and joking with everyone.  I am so glad we were able to go out and celebrate with my Dad.  I love him so much and I am so thankful for everything he has done and continues to do for me and my family.  He has taught us all so much and is such an example to me in so many ways.

I am so lucky to have JJ in my life.  He is such a wonderful Dad and he deserved a day of celebrating that.  He said he had the perfect day which made me happy.  He does so much for us and works hard to provide everything we need.  Our kids could not ask for a better Dad! 

Today JJ called me during his lunch break.  He went over to his favorite bike store to look at shoes. I was happy to hear he was already eagerly shopping.  He did some online research and wanted to see what he could find at the store.  He ended up finding the perfect shoes on clearance and he was so excited.  He put on his new pedals this evening and put the attachments on his shoes.  They are clip in shoes.  He was a little nervous about switching over to clip in shoes.  He took it for a little ride around the block and said he loves them! He said he wished he would have gotten them earlier.  He also told me that he was so glad I got them for him because he probably would have never bought them on his own.  He can't wait until the trails dry up enough to get out and go for a ride.  

Bouncy Balls

The past week we had rain everyday!  It was a lot of rain and everything got so wet.  The kids started a summer school program through the school.  It was nice that they had something to do everyday since it was so yucky outside.  Garrett is taking a "dive into first grade" class, they talk about things in the ocean and relate them to different sight words and first grade basics.  He really likes it and wrote a cute thing on sharks one day.  Lucy is taking a detective class.  She has a friend that is in the class with her.  They work as partners so its fun to have a friend.  They read stories each day and try to solve the mystery.  She loves it, I knew she would since she enjoys reading mystery books. One day we went out to visit my parents.  We packed a lunch and headed out straight from summer school.  It was fun to visit with them, play board games and go on a jeep ride with Grandpa.  One afternoon we made bouncy balls.  They were really simple but a lot of fun.  The kids really enjoyed it.

  

 

When it wasn't raining we tried to go out front and ride our bikes as much as possible.  The kids always knock on the neighbor kids doors and see if they can play.  We also got Lucy some new bedroom furniture.  It is really cute and she loves it.  We worked together cleaning and organizing her room.  She loves to keep things and we finally parted with 2 garbage bags worth of stuff from her desk and closet.  We went through all of her clothes and have lots of boxes to pass onto cousins.  We had the priests quorum over to work on their long boards some more.  We made cookies to share with them and ate freeze pops.  It was very humid!  They are all doing a good job on their boards and they are looking really good.  JJ is making another one with the kids and they are really excited about it.  We got together with friends for a game night and yummy treats.  It was a lot of fun and we had a good time socializing with friends.  The sun finally came out on Saturday!  We are looking forward to some sunny days this coming week.    

Neighborhood Pool Party

We had a nice relaxing weekend together as a family.  We didn't have anything really planned which was nice.  We kept busy running errand and doing some cleaning around the house.  We were happy to have some bounce house rentals as well.   We made homemade pizza and had a movie night.  It has been way to long since we have made homemade pizza and it was so good. We use to make it all the time and we are going to have to start doing it again.  We are almost a 2 pizza family--we are always fighting over the last piece.  Our neighborhood had a pool party and we went down together.  The kids were excited to swim with Dad and show him all the fun tricks they have learned to do.  Nolan kept us busy cruising around the pool, he is walking like crazy it is so cute!

 Garrett loves to jump into the pool and had fun doing it over and over again with some friends.

  We are glad we went down, there was food and treats which was fun.  It is fun to see the neighborhood planning fun activities for families.  We didn't stay to long because a storm was rolling in. 

 Nolan loves to help drive home, we only live a block away so we usually just hold him on our lap.  He loves riding up front! 

Garrett 6 Years

Garrett has grown a lot this past year.  Especially with being in school he has been able to learn and do so many things.  It is so fun to hear him read and see his writing.  It was fun to go over these questions with Garrett.  Some of his answers were the same as last year. 

Favorite food: Bananas and chocolate chunk granola bars

Favorite thing to do as a family: Go to the pool

What are you looking forward to: having a play date with his friend Daisy and going to first grade

What is your favorite outfit: cool stuff, air shirts (dry fit) and athletic shorts

What is your favorite thing to play: play with Pokémon cards

Favorite TV show/movie: Wild Kratz and Batman

Favorite game to play: Mario Kart on Wii

Favorite animal: rattle snakes

Favorite song: I am a Child of God

Favorite book: Batman Phonics Fun (the book the Wrights gave him)

Favorite thing to play outside: Soccer

Favorite breakfast food: Fruit Loops and pancakes

Favorite Holiday: Christmas

Favorite thing to sleep with: his dog Stanley

 

Garrett had his doctor visit this past week and is growing right on track.  His Height was 47 inches and his weight was 53.6.  He was in the 75% for both.  She asked if he was reading chapter books yet.  He hasn't really read any.  We picked up some at the library and he is really enjoying them.  Garrett is growing up so fast!  He is such a sweet boy and we are glad he is part of our family. 

Getting Hot!

This week we had weather that finally felt like summer.  I love it! We got out the kiddie pool and blew it up.  I haven't had it out of the box since we lived in Mississippi.  We used it all the time down there.  I didn't feel like heading down to the pool and thought this would be perfect.  I played in the kiddie pool in the backyard all the time growing up.  My sisters and I had a blast out there together! I have fun memories of long summer days going down the slide over the edge of the pool and playing pretend.  My kids loved it too, they were so excited to fill it up and get the slide out.  Nolan had no clue what to think and was a little overwhelmed at first. 

 

 Once he figured out it was fun and the water wasn't to bad once you got use to it he was so excited.

They had a blast hanging out in the pool together and then heading over to the sand table.  I poured in some new sand so they had plenty to share.

 I loved sitting there watching the three of them play together.  I love that Nolan wants to be in on the big kid action. 

 Somehow recently Nolan turned into a little boy.  He doesn't feel like my little baby and he acts so big.  His chubby feet and dimpled hands still remind me he is a baby still.

 We still spent time at the pool everyday this week.  We went to our pool and visited another pool that some friends live in.  Garrett learned to do a backwards somersault under water and is so proud of his accomplishment.  Lucy enjoys running into friends at the pool and hanging out in the deep end now that she can swim better.  Nolan keeps me busy running around all over the place.  He loves to be in his floaty, loves to go down the slide, loves to play in the water fountains and just roam around.  Seriously so busy! 

 While Nolan naps I try to think of little things to do with the kids or things to keep them busy so I can get things done.  This week we froze some little toys in a small bucket.  One day we gathered the toys and froze them in layers.  They loved checking on it in the freezer to see if it was frozen.  Then this afternoon they had fun digging them out of the ice block.  It was a fun activity and kept them busy for a while.  Thanks Pinterest for a fun idea! 

 Lucy started softball this week and she was so excited.  She has waited so patiently for her turn to play.  She has been practicing with JJ a lot in the backyard.  She had a good practice and did a good job with the drills and hitting the ball.  Half the season will be coach pitch and then the other half one of the girls will have a chance to be the pitcher.  It was really funny during practice Garrett became buddies with one of the Dads.  He talked with him for almost the whole practice, Garrett is such a talker!  The Dad even played catch with him and practiced fielding ground balls. It was so nice of the Dad to spend time with Garrett.   

 It was helpful to have Garrett occupied and having fun so I could chase Nolan around.  We walked around the grass and watched Lucy bat.  Then we headed over to the playground so he could play on the slide.  He saw them and kept saying "slide".  Garrett joined us for a little bit towards the end.  After chasing him at the pool all afternoon and then at practice in the heat I was exhausted.   

We also enjoyed the slip and slide with neighbor friends one evening, bike rides as a family and getting a treat at Dairy Queen.