Baseball is Back... finally!

Carter was so happy for baseball season to finally start. They started practicing the last week of June and the games run through mid-August. (The hottest possible time of the year, though this year we are getting a welcome reprieve. Last year all the games were above 100*.)

He was in his element being back on the field. It wasn't long before he had the other parents in stitches because he coaches and commentates through the whole practice. This kid lives in 'play by play mode'. His head is like a highlight reel. He has watched so much Sportscenter that he knows the backhand shots always make the tape, so he tries to make every catch that way and he never misses a chance to dive. Such a nut!

Daddy is assistant coaching this year and is enjoying the opportunity to 'officially' do what he's been doing all along. He is great with the kids. The biggest challenge has been learning the crazy pitching. They have to pitch over hand, but the kids are so little their strike zones are low and small. It is not easy to do. Carter is happy to critique his technique and 'umpire' from the outfield :)
Did you catch the second baseman in the background? This kid brings me so much joy to watch. He's like a real life 'Little Rascal'. He wears his hat sideways because he likes it that way and his knee socks are so cute. He forgot his glove to the first few practices, so he would stand with his hands on his hips most of the time. I love kids' sports :)

Carter's hitting well these days and loves that the tees are gone this year. He is movin on up.

His little body actually comes off the ground when he hits...
Pregame huddle before the first game for their 'virtue of the day' lesson and prayer time...

Carter is loving every minute!



He has intense focus...

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We were all back at church Sunday morning. It was so good for everyone. Community worship is such a vital piece of the Christian walk and our church family is just that- 'family' to us. Having to miss Sunday service really effects us after a while. It was definitely the boost I needed to face a new week.

Carter and I had a fun afternoon on Sunday at the waterpark. Several of his friends showed up and he had a blast playing with kids again. It was so good for him to get a chance to just play. We shared lots of yummy treats and he watched the people playing at the game booths. he has been fascinated with them since he was a toddler. I have never let him play because of the cost and difficulty. He really wanted me to do the football game (throwing a regular football through a hole). I told him I would do one toss for $1 and I am shocked and proud to say-- I made it! He got to choose a play football. He was so excited and Mom has definitely earned some cool points :)

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We have had a good day today- so much better than last week! Carter is back to his more normal, agreeable self. We are trying to find a flexible routine that works for us all and brings some joy into our lives. The kids were both feeling pretty good today and played very well with each other. We also finally got back into the swing of homeschooling after a break for vacation. It all felt closer to normal than it has in a long time.

Poor Julia took a nasty spill this afternoon. She was having fun doing a workout tape with me and when she was walking across the living room she tripped and hit her face on the coffee table. She thankfully spared her teeth, but hit her upper lip, nose, and cheek. Poor thing! Adding insult to injury, she already has so much jaw and teeth pain from the chemo. Her swollen face is pitiful, but she is handling it well so far.