What Riley's been up to, in pictures

He started preschool...



He has a new buddy to play with during the day




And he has started T-ball!











Glove on the wrong hand..

Spring Baseball 2012

Today was our next to last baseball game of the spring season. Since it was a daytime game (we have had mostly night games), I figured I would take my camera and snap some pictures. The boys played great today, and us adults were all reminded of how well POSITIVE reinforcement works to booster the hearts and spirits of children. It's been a tough season, but today, the boys all seemed to remember the love they have for the game. THAT was great to see! Here is our team this season. Today, Travis was our first baseman. Normally, he plays 3rd base, but today, he was needed to play 1st base. He did an awesome job! "I got it!"...he caught a pop fly in the first inning. His first hit...he got up 5 times in today's game. This one was a line drive straight to the pitcher's glove, and got him out, but that was ok! On 1st... Stealing 3rd... He's safe! Ready to go home and make a run Look at the look on his face! After the game was over, Riley of course had to run the bases. "Run home Riley, run home!" PS: we ran our 5K today. I am not so patiently waiting for the official results to be posted before I say too much about it, but here is a picture from today...check out Travis' hair. Travis and his buddy Will

Let's play ball Travis!

That is something Travis hears often these days! He is such a great big brother. He goes right out, and gets Riley's little ball and glove and bat and tries to teach him to catch and hit. Here and there, the attempts are successful!

Showing good form already! Arms back, glove is pointed!


He hit one! And Travis took off running after it. Which thrilled Riley!




I LOVE this picture. Because I can hear the conversation in my head that accompanies it...
T: "Hold your bat up Riley"
R: "Ok Travis"
T: "nope, not like that. Put your hands at the bottom"
R: "ok"
T: "umm no. Here, let me help you"
So sweet and patient!


He caught it!




PS: pay NO attention to the big boy underwear he is sporting. He is SO anti-potty that the very, VERY rare times he takes an interest, I indulge him. Playing outside on a hot afternoon? PERFECT time to give the underwear a spin. No successes, but at least he wanted to wear them! And, come ON! He was CUTE running around the yard in Thomas undies!

“Winning is nice if you don't lose your integrity in the process.”

That quote really stuck with me today. Travis played in the Rookie Tournament baseball championship game today. His team was the regular season champions. Our boys practiced hard, played hard, and had a GREAT season (12-2). They showed good sportsmanship towards other teams, and our coaches did as well. I would rather lose every game we play, but be good sports about it, than taunt others, or have coaches who do like some other coaches we have seen.

Our boys lost today.

Our boys didn't taunt other boys.
Our coaches didn't heckle other players.
Our parents were respectful.

The other team won today, and won the championship, but our boys still have their integrity. I would rather them have that, than a bigger trophy.

Travis had a great season this season. He did a great job at 3rd base. He had great hits. He is nominated for the Rookie Allstar team. We are extremely proud of him. He is proud of himself. He is old enough now to see the things and hear the things I wish we could shield him from. But we can't. But HE knows how to play with integrity, win with integrity and lose with integrity. So does the rest of our team. And THAT is something to be proud of.







We were at the ballpark ALL day today. Twelve hours to be exact . First, was Travis' game. Then, a school party for the majority of the afternoon. Shortly after that ended, was closing ceremonies, so we hung out and watched the Majors game. Then closing ceremonies, THEN a coaches softball game. What a riot that was! Jay played in it, very excitedly. It was so funny listening to the kids of these coaches yell their own words back at them. Very humbling for the coaches too, I am sure! I laughed so hard and much, that my side is sore now!