Game 2

Last night's game was a good one. Besides the wind and dust blowing in our faces for which I am highly paying the price today, this season seems to be going well. It's nice to see that the lessons that are taught on the practice field are actually being carried out at this level. They know which way to run on the bases, they are actually communicating, and they seem to know exactly where to throw the ball.
Nicholas had a great game. He had three really good hits, ran the bases each time, and made some amazing plays defensively. The first 2 innings, he played first base. Made some great catches, got a few other players out at the bag, and made the best catch off of a line drive that I just-so-happened to capture on film. The last inning he wanted to try being the catcher. One batter just tapped it, Nicholas didn't even hesitate, picked it up and threw a rocket to first and got the kid out.
He's is nowhere near ready for the major leagues but I LOVE watching this kid play ball! :-)

This is a little bright but it is his catch off of the line drive.

Daddy playing his third base coach...

Playing catcher...

Baseball 2009

Another baseball season has started for Nicholas. In the past, we have played in a league in the neighboring town so this is his first year playing in the Merced league. Last year was the classic "big fish in a little pond" so we'll see how our little fish does this year in the big pond. Everything is different for him. Last year tee-ball, this year coach pitch. Last year, three strikes and then you hit off the tee, this year, five pitches and your done.

Saturday was the kick off of the season with a baseball parade down the main street of Merced and then games immediately following. His first at bat, he hit well, ran to first where he was called out, and he was NOT happy! His second at bat, he got his five pitches, didn't hit one, and was done. Again, NOT good in Nicholas's world. I knew at that point that this was going to be a very long afternoon. Well, the wind shifted and while playing shortstop, the other team hit a flyball and Nicholas caught it. OMGoodness, the screams from his cheering section! It was then that the game became fun for him. His next at bat was a hit and he ended up at first with his teammate clearing the bases a couple bats later. Whew!!

Batting...
His cheering section...Grandma, Papa, Grandma Rose, Uncle Mario, Daddy, and Gabby. (Isabella was standing next to me when this was taken)

My little Baseball player!!

Happy Easter

Right now, Jeff is camping in Dumont, CA with Nicholas and Isabella while Gabriella and I hang out at home. This was a week long trip full of quad riding in the desert, civilization about 40 miles away, no cell reception, and LOADS of fun for the older two and their Dad. For me and Gabby, not so much. We stayed back, have had Mommy and Gabby time, lots of lunch dates with friends, shopping, running in her new jogger, and cleaning things and places in the house that are typically neglected.
Before everyone left, I did manage to capture a couple Easter pictures....a couple days early.
Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Jeffrey's birthday

Friday was Jeffrey's birthday but I'm sure it wasn't the one he would have planned. His day was filled with him having the day off, the kids in school, and me working. We did however, have his favorite pizza for dinner, I baked a cake that he requested, and we celebrated with his parents and Grandma.
Happy 37th Jeffrey!!

Jeff was making funny noises in between the verses of the birthday song and the kids were cracking up....

Getting help blowing out the candles...
All of us...He says he really does look 37 here :-)

Yosemite

Sunday morning, I woke the kids from a deep slumber, got dressed, ate breakfast, packed a backpack of snacks and water, and we headed to a place just outside of Yosemite to hike with friends. The wildflowers were in bloom, covering the mountainside, and the view was amazing. The trail was called Hite Cove and it was 4.5 miles round trip. Beautiful!!
Since Gabby's little 3 year old legs only go so fast, Nicholas and Isabella took off with the faster group and I didn't see them until we reached the end of the first leg, a rocky little beach by the water's edge. By the time Gabby and I got there, the others were having snack and throwing large rocks into the water. The hike back, the girls were with me but Nicholas still surged ahead.
Gabby did so well for her first hiking trip and only had to be carried the last little bit of each leg. She never complained, wanted to pick flowers along the way, and crashed in the car only a couple minutes into the drive back home. :-)
Isabella was tired hiking back to the car and kept asking how much further we had to go. I overheard her having a conversation as we reached the end of the trail..."I am NEVER hiking 4 and a half miles!!!" "You just did Isabella!" (to which she simply replied)..."Well, I am NEVER hiking 4 and a half miles...AGAIN!!!"
We'll just see about that....

They stopped throwing rocks long enough to pose for a picture. Happy group, no??



Me and my hikers...

Me and the girls on the hike back.
Nicholas finally sitting still...

Now it's praying to the Poison Oak Gods that none of the children brought it home with them :-)