More Softball

Stealing home on a fast ball. Safe again.

Putt Putt Fun

We enjoyed the sunshine today with a trip to play putt putt with Grandma C. While we were there, the kids raced the go-karts around a couple times and won some tickets in the arcade. Grandma was the putt putt winner, beating Tyler by one stroke. We had a really nice day out together.

Tyler's Trip

Here are some pictures and videos taken by Tyler and Grandpa on their trip to Grand Cayman. I would love to include some narration or highlights from Tyler, but it seems to be painful for him to hold a conversation that involves more than yes or no answers at this point in his reacclimation to reality.



A blowhole

I have no idea what setting Tyler used on his camera, but I thought this picture turned out kind of neat. I didn't touch it up at all.

Tyler's video of a turtle:

 

All the underwater pictures (except the selfie) are Grandpa's.

 

 

 

More Softball

Danielle had a couple of great games last night. She fielded well, hit well, and stole lots of bases. She also seemed to really enjoy herself...which is what it's all about. Someone asked me a few weeks ago if maybe we make Danielle do too much. The decision to play (whatever the sport) has always been hers. In fact, there are times we've told her she already had too much on her plate to try something else. She is restless and does not enjoy not being busy. The best indicator, though, is the big smile she gets on her face when she makes a good play, steals home by the skin of her teeth, steals the basketball, makes a layup, serves 10 points in a row, or saves a shanked volleyball from hitting the floor. When the smile fades, we'll know it's time to hang up the cleats...or high tops...or volleyball shoes. Until then, I'll keep enjoying the entertainment. (Oh yes, she also just registered to run her first 5k with Uncle Ron.)

Stealing home. She was safe.

Nice solid hit past 3rd base for a single. She went on to steal 2nd, 3rd, & home.

Safe again.

Stealing home again. Safe by a mile.

She's been able to play 2nd most of the time this year. That's her favorite position, and she plays it very well.

The field was muddy and a little slippery but she still managed to beat the ball every time but one...and that call was questionable. Between 2nd, 3rd, & home, she probably stole at least 10 bases between the double header.



We were entertained by these little mice scurrying down the side of the dugout and into the woods behind us. We counted at least 8. Thankfully the girls didn't see them until the games were over.

Let it Pour

Today is our 19th day in a row of rain. Some days it's just been a trace, but the majority of those 19 days have seen more than a fair share.

Everything is soaked. We found this tree frog on our screen door last night. Not sure where he came from or where he went, but it was neat seeing one in our own yard.

This has not been ideal water park weather for sure, but if we wait for a perfect day, we may not get to go! We went to the waterpark and to ride rides today, despite the forecast of rain and thunderstorms. The girls got several rides in and swam for a little while before it started to rain. They swam in the rain until the thunder started. While the water and rides were closed for an hour or so, we ate and rested and waited it out. After the storm passed, the girls rode more rides and swam some more. We ended up having a full day of fun at the park despite the rain. (It stormed again after we got home.) I'm only posting a couple pictures, but I love how happy the girls looked in some of the candids I got today. This is how I hope Danielle remembers her summers when she is older.

Tyler heads home tomorrow. I miss him. Between his dive trip and camp, it seems like he's been gone a very long time. I think it will be an adjustment for both kids to no longer be an only child.

Tyler, Grandma & Grandpa are sitting at the picnic table by the pool.
I wasn't stalking them. Tyler texted to tell me he was there. :)

Long Distance Waves

There is a webcam pointing at the dock where Tyler and Grandma & Grandpa leave for their dives. When I remember, I pull the site up on my phone around the times they should be coming or going and watch for them. And when they remember, they wave at me...

I haven't talked to Tyler much, but he texted tonight that the trip has gone too fast. I assume that means he's had a lot of fun.

On the Big Field

One day last week Danielle's softball team got to play on the varsity softball field at the high school. Our high school has a pretty strong baseball and softball program with multiple appearances at state playoffs. I think most of the girls, including Danielle, hope to be on the high school softball team someday. Getting the chance to play there last week was a neat experience for them. Shutting out their opponent was an added bonus.

Danielle is at 2nd.

Got the out. She's an excellent fielder.

A smile for mom before slapping hands.

Today's Pic