Playing Ball in the Big Stadium!!

On Saturday, The Lakers played their first game on the Big Field at the Mukilteo Little League Complex! This is a very big thing...each little league team gets 1 game on the big field...usually reserved for the high school age players! We had a beautiful day for a game....it was 70 and sunny....big field, late Saturday afternoon game, and sunshine...it was the recipe for a successful game! The boys had an awesome game!! I'm unsure of the final score, but I believe it was 12-2 or something very close to that! Gabe had 2 really good hits...one getting him a double! He had RBI's on both hits! We've also decided to change his name to Wheels Fox after one of his plays!! He was running from second to third and the short stop fielded the ball and was chasing Gabe trying to tag him out....well, he got those wheels rolling and beat him...barely!! I wish I could have had a picture of his face...it was priceless....he knew that kid was on his heels and he ran as fast as his little legs could carry him----he definitely has the speed! He also played short stop, pitcher, 2nd base - twice, and right field. He had a couple of almost outs....I think he was a little nervous about the big field...he had a couple of bobbles early on in the game, but then got calmed down and had a better second half! The Lakers have two games this week...so we have a very busy week ahead of us!!! GO LAKERS!!

Happy Birthday, Gabe???!!!

Sorry it is so dark, Gabe was blowing out his birthday candle in the dark!!! Toasting Gabe to a Happy Birthday year!

Yep, so we decided to finish off birthday week with squeezing in one more!! Gabe celebrated his summer birthday on Friday at school! We brought some yummy chocolate cupcakes and juice!! The kiddos had played kickball before the party, so they were very happy to see the juice! Everyone sang Happy Birthday, Gabe got to sign the birthday paddle, we ate cupcakes, they toasted a good birthday year to Gabe with their juice-cute!, and finished off the party with a game of Simon Says! The kids all had a very good time....and Gabe loved being the Man of the Hour! A good old game of Simon Says! Everyone has on their backpacks because it is almost time to call it a day!

Happy 35th Birthday, Shawn!!

Thursday was Shawn's big day!!! Of course, for those of you who know Shawn well, he doesn't want a big fuss to be made---well, lucky for him this year we had 2 baseball practices that consumed our Thursday evening!! We scarfed down an early dinner and then after practice met back at home and enjoyed his fave--homemade tapioca pudding! It was a little tricky to get the candle to stand up in the pudding, but where there is a will, there is a way! Shawn opened his gifts after pudding....he was so excited...he finally received his watch he had heard so much about, thanks to Mr. Grady!! It sure was a lot easier to have a secret when Grady was younger!! Last night I made Shawn's birthday dinner....he had previously asked for peppered crab---good grief! I had never even heard of this--I did a little research and then asked him to please choose something else!! He then chose steak and the fixings....well if you have followed my blog, you will know that I attempted the grilling thing last spring...did not go well! So, the poor guy had to grill his own steak---at least it was still mooing as he loves and not a leather purse as I would have done! After dinner, we went out for an evening walk....We have had the most BEAUTIFUL weather the last couple of weeks....I may be beginning to see what the Pacific Northwesterners love so much about their state--and what could keep them here through all of the rain and yuck! But all of you Kansas fans never fear--This Kansas native misses her legs sticking to the leather seats in the summer!! Ha!! Anywho....HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAWN!!!

Happy Preschool Graduation, Grady!!

Today we celebrated Grady's last day of 3 year old preschool!!! They had a little graduation ceremony where each student received their diploma and we then went back to the classroom for an icecream celebration! Grady has learned so much this year--it is amazing to see the progress he has made! He can write his first and last name, recognize and write all sorts of shapes, recognize letters and numbers, use scissors correctly, and he is beginning to learn the sounds of the letters! They also celebrated Grady's birthday today....poor guy was not feeling so hot on Tuesday morning, so we dropped off his preschool party cupcakes....would have hated the kiddos not to have snack...and went back home! But, Ms. Janet and Ms. Amy were sure to celebrate it today in the middle of the graduation!! He will start preschool again in the fall; going 3 days a week! He will also get to have the same teachers and a few of the same classmates!! But for now...it is HELLO SUMMER BREAK!!!

Happy 4th Birthday, Grady!

I can not believe it has been 4 years ago since Grady made his grand entrance into our lives!! He has brought so much joy to our family....I think Gabe put it best a couple of weeks ago--he said, "Can you imagine how boring our lives would have been without Grady?" He is right....Grady brings so many laughs to this family---he truly is a blessing! We actually celebrated his birthday last night....currently, as you all know, baseball rules every aspect of our lives! So, we had the Lee Family over for dinner and presents!! We had a wonderful evening....Grady created the menu--with some food pyramid coaxing from Mom!--hot dogs, hamburgers, mac and cheese, watermelon, cantelope, jojo fries, baked beans, and lemonade!! After dinner and cake, Grady opened his presents...he received so many wonderful gifts---Thank you! He received a kitchen set, pots, pans, utensils, food, a leapster, a Royals shirt, a skateboard, transformers, coloring book, a sock monkey, magnifying glass, books, bike, a leakless semi truck from the Cars movie, gift card, money and dinosaurs galore!!! He was so happy with everything....all we did today was play kitchen...we cooked up a storm, the sock monkey and dinosaurs are well fed! We did do a little birthday celebrating today--we had a picnic lunch at the park and played for a while and feasted on some yummy cupcakes tonight after supper before heading out to the ball game! He made sure everyone at the game knew that he was now 4---I'm pretty sure the better half of Mukilteo is now aware that Grady Fox turned 4!! What a wonderful birthday....can't wait to see what this year holds for him!!!

Lakers vs. Yellowjackets!

Tonight we had a game against the Yellowjackets.....one word.....ouch! The Yellowjackets came to play and our fellas looked like they were still recouping from Memorial Weekend! Gabe had an O.K. game...he batted in the only score for our team, by getting an R.B.I. for his best buddy, Charlie!! He played short stop, right field, pitcher and second base. He stopped a couple of balls at pitcher and assisted an out while at pitcher. Our better games definitely seem to be the weekenders....it seems like our little fellas are a little exhausted during the mid-weekers! We have another game on Saturday---we'll keep our fingers crossed!

Hiking on Mt. Rainier!

On Sunday we started out bright and early for some hiking on Mt. Rainier! It was supposed to be a beautiful day with temps in the low 70's and sunshine....so Gabe and I dressed for the occasion! We both were sporting summer attire, while Shawn and Grady wore what we would find out to be a little more suitable Mt. Rainier hiking attire! The last time we hiked there it was October...the snow had melted, except at about 7,000 feet and higher, so I was not thinking there would be snow now...for goodness sakes it is summer!!! Well, once in a while I have to be wrong...and Sunday was that day! We get out at Paradise and the place is totally covered in snow...the other hikers are unloading ski gear and snow shoes...so Gabe and I in our summer gear seemed to be a little out of place...well, the guys jumped out and walked around a bit, while I sat in the car, hiding the fact that I am a goofball! We were able to hike in 3 other places...we were unable however to finish any of the trails....too much snow for my open-sided Ahnu hiking shoes!! Coming down one of the higher trails, Gabe and I had quite a time...he kept sliding down all of the snow covered trails, so being the genius I can be at times decided to go around the steep snowy, icy trail. I had just watched Gabe slide down-I sure wasn't going to give Shawn anything to laugh at....he was already having too much fun with my hiking attire!! Well much to my dismay....I gave Shawn, Gabe and Grady plenty to laugh at.....I ended up waist deep in snow---I had to crawl out on my hands and knees back to the icy, snowy trecherous trail! The whole time my wonderfully caring husband was laughing hysterically, but never fear, he did ask if I needed help once he caught his breath---He was also quite bummed that I still had the camera....Thank Goodness...that was the last thing I needed...a picture to remind me how stupid I can be sometimes! With that behind us, we ventured back to the Army...Gabe and I soaking wet, but laughing at ourselves none the less! The rest of the day was pretty tame...we saw some water falls, lots more snow, what appeared to be bear scratches on a tree, and lots of beautiful scenery!!! All in all it was a wonderful day....plenty of memories made on that adventure!

Summer has arrived....for now!!

Today we were blessed with an absolutely beautiful day, so we decided to head down to Edmonds beach! The boys and Shawn started out beach combing, while I enjoyed the sunshine, a book and my favorite pasttime...people watching! While beachcombing the guys found some jellyfish, crabs, snails, and an eel! Gabe was so warm by then he decided to go for a swim....I never actually touched the water, but I could tell from others going in that it was not warm, but Gabe tried to convince me through chattering teeth that it wasn't so bad! The boys played in the sand for a while and then we decided to fly some kites! It was a perfect day to fly kites, there was just a light wind...we were able to get the kites flying really high! After that we walked over to the Beach Cafe for a "lupper"!! After dinner, we grabbed a milkshake and headed down to a park that overlooks the sound in Mukilteo. There really isn't anything special about this park, but the boys love to roll down the hills, plus the view on a clear day from this spot is hard to beat! The boys attempted to play a game of leapfrog and had the chance to watch a kid flying a huge model airplane....what a great way to start off our Memorial weekend!!

The Jet's 6th Practice!!

At Thursday's practice the team found out they would be playing a 4-year old team for the end of the season game, so they spent most of the practice working on their throwing and stopping the ball! They also practiced running the bases...a crucial part of the game! and had another scrimmage! Grady played third base this time, one ball came rolling to him, which he stopped and he was then supposed to throw it to first base...well, the coach said "Get it to first", so Grady took out running it over to first base---we'll have to work on that!!

The Velociraptor!

In April, Gabe had a dinosaur project and report to complete. Well, as most of the projects go, it ended up being a family project....we spent many evenings working on this--and it turned out pretty well, I think! He also wrote a 5 page report, which was very impressive for a second grader! He did all of the research for the report, came up with the main ideas of the report and then Shawn and I helped him put it all together. He also gave a presentation on the Velociraptor and his diorama! He did very well....the dioramas were on display for the month of May, so I finally remembered to take a picture when we brought it home this week!

No More Training Wheels!!!!!

Sunday afternoon, Daddy and the boys left Mommy at home to clean house and they decided to get Grady riding a bike with no training wheels! After some coaxing with a milkshake from DQ, Sir Grady took off---that boy will do anything for ice cream! In no time he was chasing Gabe all over! He still needs helps getting started, but he can turn and ride just like a big boy now!!!

We are officially changing the blog to "The Baseball Blog!!!"

So, from the title you may guess where we spent a majority of our weekend!!! Gabe had a game on Friday night and Saturday morning, and Grady had baseball on Thursday and pics on Saturday morning! The Jets had their 5th practice on Thursday, where they again scrimmaged! Grady hit the ball a couple of times and ran very fast, as he put it, to first base! He also played pitcher where he stopped the ball a couple of times and even threw it to first base! If the 1st baseman would have been paying attention they may have had their first out of the season.....but they are only 3!! On Friday evening, the Lakers had a rematch game against the Zephers where they came up victorious once again!! All of the boys had a great game....Gabe had good hits at each at bat with 2 RBI's. He played pitcher twice, outfield, and 2nd base! He stopped the ball and assisted on outs a couple of times! I wish I had as good of news regarding the game on Saturday!! It was one of the more painful games I have watched! Yikes! As I said, Grady had pictures that morning as well, so I dropped Shawn and Gabe off at the baseball field in hopes to be back from pictures by the end of the 1st inning--HA!! I should have known there would be no way 12 three year olds would line right up and quickly have their pictures taken!!! The team picture should be a classic--there were ones that didn't want to be in it, some not looking at the camera, and one crying! Poor Grady has been use to the flash bulb from birth, so it was just automatic for him! Well, we were able to get back to Gabe's game at the bottom of the 3rd...but I can't say I missed much. They were equally matched with their opponents, and when I got there they were tied 1-1, but the boys had been having a hard time fielding the ball and at bat! I guess having a game the night before was pretty hard on our little fellas! Gabe had a couple of good hits while I was there, and got an out while he was playing pitcher. We went into the 5th with a 2 point lead, but the other team scored five in the bottom of the fifth, OUCH! I don't think the boys have ever been happier for a game to be over, I'm sure there were a lot of naps taken that afternoon! After the game we grabbed a bite for lunch, bought some flowers and herbs to plant, and stopped off at the batting cages for some batting practice! I had anticipated an area that would slowly pitch the ball to Gabe, but the "slow" one pitched much faster than I would have been comfortable with! I took one picture outside of the cage, there was no way I was stepping foot in there! Out of 40 pitches, Gabe got a hold of 2 or 3! That evening we went for a drive along the sound---we have had beautiful weather the last couple of days!!!! I hope it holds out for a little bit longer!

Reptile Man!

A little man overcoming his fear head on...Way to go Grady!!

Grady and I headed over to his preschool this morning for a special visit from the Reptile Man. This was not a usual school day for Grady, but all children were welcome to come as long as a parent tagged along! Well, we all know how much Grady loves snakes (ha!), so I was a little surprised when he asked if we could go, but I was definitely not saying no! Anytime we can overcome a fear one of the boys have, I go for it! I am a huge scaredy cat, so I don't want my fellas following in their Mom's footsteps! The Reptile Man started off with a tortoise and a gila monster, so this was not so bad for Grady. Next, the Reptile Man put a baby alligator to sleep by rubbing his eyes, that was pretty cool. And then came the snakes!!! Grady was very brave, he didn't even squirm away when the snake was by him! After the show, the children were allowed to touch the huge python, the baby alligator, and the tortoise. Grady actually TOUCHED the PYTHON!!! Now, it took a little coaxing and even me touching him first, but he actually touched it...I couldn't believe it! On the way home he said, " I'm not afraid of snakes at all anymore, I'm ready to touch another python." Oh great, maybe it was better when he was afraid of snakes!!

This is the snake Grady ended up touching at the end of the show. When he overcomes a fear he does it right....never mind the garden snake, head right for the huge python!

Happy Mother's Day!

Yesterday, I was treated like the Queen of our Castle!! I woke up to my favorite breakfast being cooked and to my 3 favorite fellas greeting me with Happy Mother's Day!! After a yummy breakfast we headed off to church where I have quite possibly the toughest job....I get to snuggle babies for an hour and a half one Sunday a month...Sacrifices! After my baby fix, we headed off to get some subs and to the beach for some lounging and a picnic lunch! It was a beautiful day at the beach...there was a little seal playing in the sound, it was so cute! I read my magazines, the boys played in the sand and Shawn "rested his eyes". We headed towards home after a couple of hours and took our usual Sunday afternoon nap! We ended our day by watching "Bolt"!! I can't think of any way my Mother's Day could have been any more perfect!!

Lakers vs. Tigers

Today was an awesome day for a baseball game! The sun was out and temperature was perfect! The boys had a great game, final score 6-2!! It is amazing how much the team has improved from their very first game!! Gabe played short stop, center field and pitcher twice! He had a couple of good stops at pitcher making some close outs at first! He also did really well at bat! He has figured out how to get his hits to go somewhere other than first base, plus him and Dad went shopping for some batting gloves and a new bat today, so I'm sure that made all the difference!! It is definitely better watching the boys win in the sun rather than the rain!! GO LAKERS!!

After the game, we headed down to The Tin Fish for some oh so yummy fish and a wonderful view of the sound! We acquired an extra kid, Gabe's best buddy Charlie, who thought it sounded like more fun to hang with us than to watch his big sister play baseball! Go figure! We love this place for the wonderful outdoor dining, laid back atmosphere, and their food! Tonight Shawn talked me into trying their award winning fish tacos....I was a little skeptical as I have had some pretty delicious fish tacos since being up here...but I can now confirm they are absolutely wonderful!! If you ever come up for a visit, make sure we take you there...I think everyone needs to try these tacos, you'll never look at a taco the same!!! HA!! After a wonderful day in the sun, we headed home...Charlie and Gabe could hear the Wii calling them!!! What a wonderful Saturday!

Mother's Day Tea

Today I went to a tea for Mother's Day at our church! I have so much fun going to tea parties...although it was not the same without wearing one of my Mom-In-Law's wonderful hats!! I was in charge of making the dessert for the tea, so I spent yesterday afternoon baking 150 cookies, and being the procrasinator that I can sometimes be, I started the cookies yesterday afternoon at 12:30, that is not so bad except for they were to be at the church at 4:00! The kitchen was a mess and the chocolate was not quite set, but by golly I got the cookies there on time and the ladies gushed over the cookies today, so I guess the frantic state I put myself in yesterday was worth it! We had lots of yummy quiches, scones, fruit, teas, and of course the infamous cookies and lots and lots of good gal gab time!! We also had an awesome speaker! She was a former Silver Creek pastor's wife...she spoke about so many things, but I loved when she spoke of us being God's emotional creation! How we take all of the families emotions and they all become ours. She was a great speaker with so many wonderful points...I'm not doing her justice, so I'll stop!! I had a great time with some great gals!! What a wonderful way to start out my Mother's Day weekend!

The Jet's 4th Practice!

Thursday evening was another practice night for Grady! The team ran bases and then had a scrimmage the rest of the time! A few of the kids seem to be getting the hang of it! Grady played pitcher twice and center field...he did really good at pitcher, stopping the ball twice and even throwing it to first base--with some reminding from coach! He some really good at bats as well....he has been working with Dad and Gabe to get his swing down! I can definitely see a pro in the making!!!! GO JETS!!

Grady running very fast to first base!! SAFE!!

It's Bike Rodeo Time!!

On Thursday afternoon, Gabe's school had a bike rodeo! The boys had participated in the rodeo last year, so this was all old hat for them this year! They did a lot of obstacle courses including the rock dodge, drive way ride out, the serpentine, tight turns, paper route, and Grady's favorite the slow race! Unfortunately this year the 3 people Grady raced against were on top of the rules and he didn't win...he let his foot touch the ground! Bummer! He was however a pro at the rock dodge and the serpentine, he didn't hit a single rock, gutter or cone! Gabe ran off with his buddies, so I didn't get to watch him too much--I think he's getting to the age that it is not super cool to have Mom following you around!!--, but I did watch him do the paper route...looks like he could make a middle school career of that! They finished off the rodeo with some ice cream...does it get any better?!

Lakers vs. Zephers

One soggy short stop!!

Monday night the Lakers celebrated their first win!! YAY!!!! The unofficial score was 6-4! Although the Lakers won and that was fantastic--it was quite possibly the wettest I have ever been! Not only was it raining--which i have sat many a game in--but it was also windy and chilly! Aside from riding a water ride at the amusement park, I have never been that wet. At least Shawn and I had an umbrella...but poor Gabe just stood out there getting more and more wet....after 3 innings, I was finally able to convince him to put on a coat. I guess he decided being warm and a little more dry was more important than looking cool! Gabe had 3 great hits, all getting him on base with an R.B.I on one! He played short stop, left field, second and first base! There weren't any real superstar plays..with as wet as the ball was it was just a miracle to get the ball stopped! Hopefully Saturday's game is a tad more dry....hey, one can wish!!! GO LAKERS!!

Hit it out of the park slugger!

Lakers vs. Terminators

Today in the soggy rainy mess the Lakers had a baseball game!! I guess I was getting spoiled by having dry games--we are in Washington!!! I had to wait to write this blog until my blood pressure had normalized---there was a tad bit of tension on the field today! It seems that noone has a rule book on hand...and our coach was letting them slide on their items, but then they had to push on ours....tsk, tsk. It seems our boys weren't playing outfield on the grass so, when that was brought to Coach Brian's attention he mentioned that perhaps their pitcher should be pitching from the mound then. Oh my, did the fireworks ignite! That led to a 10 minute dispute where eventually the president of the league was called...and in the end the other team had to move back 10 feet and pitch correctly! Well, that brought out the worst in the other team and they were then out for blood. Now, I have mentioned in the past I am not what would be considered a competitive person, I do however like things to be fair. So, if I feel things are unfair my blood pressure starts to rise and I begin to yell....only nice things of course and in my defense I was not the only parent voicing their concern! Their boys were allowed to do many things that the other teams we have played have not done...I think in a league things should be fairly spelled out...if someone needs to read the rule book and enforce the rules, I would happily do so...but whatever! With that off my chest....my blood pressure is normalizing again...Gabe had a great game! I should definitely take Shawn's approach, he says as long as Gabe has a good game, he is happy....I will start trying this on Monday, I promise! Gabe had 3 great hits and got on base with all 3! He played pitcher twice, second base and first base! The team was having some trouble fielding the ball today...could have been the slickery, wet ball!! He stopped the ball a couple of times and had some good throws to the bases, but the other team had a lot of fast runners, so they just beat the ball each time!! I am hoping for a better game on Monday....Keep me in your prayers...I would hate to be tossed from a little league game! Ha! GO LAKERS!!

Hello Sunshine!!

Dawson and Gabe swinging Grady in the pizza swing---Hold on Grady!

Gabe taking his turn in the pizza swing!

Grady trying to figure out the spider web!

At the top....He obviously doesn't share in his Mom's fear of heights!

Yesterday was a BEAUTIFUL day!! Grady and I spent the morning running a ton of errands....but the afternoon was spent basking in the sun! After we picked up Gabe from school, we headed to 7-11 for some slurpies and then on to the park! The Mukilteo Little League just finished their baseball complex which has an awesome park attached. We have been there to play before...I think it is probably the boys' favorite park! The park is definitely geared to the older kids...there is a spider web crawling contraption, a merry-go-around that you can either hang off of or sit inside of, a wave-which you try to keep your balance on as it moves up and down, a pizza swing-which swings you in a circular motion---none of these are the technical names of these toys, just what my crazy brain came up with! They also have a ton of open sidewalk area, so the boys love to take their bikes and scooters and zoom around on an area that is not a hill! Yesterday, one of Gabe's teammates from baseball was there to play, so that made it even better! Grady has made buddies with his little brother, so he had someone to hang with too! We had a great time at the park....I wish this weather would stick around a little longer!