Take Me Out to the Ball Game.....Every night!

We ended up with three kids playing some form of baseball/softball this season...wow, it was really something.  And we did spend at least 3-4 nights each week at some kind of ball park!  It was a little crazy.

Cole completed his first year of t-ball, and he loved it!  He was fired up and ready for his turn at something...he loved that his best neighbor friend was on his team.  He was also convinced that he needed to wear his shirt tied up like the girls.  Whatever, right?

Regan participated in her first year of coach pitch.  It was hard to tell how much she really liked it, but she just seemed happy to be there with her friends.  She was all about the fashion and says that next year, she wants to play in Jordan's league because they "have better uniforms."  True.

And of course, Jordan played little league softball.  Tod was her coach, and they really enjoyed doing something together that they both love.  I love how they would come home from the games and re-hash everything again.  I really didn't get many pictures of Jordan because I always had a baby in my arms....plus the games were super intense...and when she was pitching, it was all I could do to just sit there and get through it.  So much pressure on a 9 year old.  Ashton and I could barely contain our own nerves.  Good thing Jordan was calm and collected.  I'm not sure I can take the many more years of her pitching!  (Love her uniform this year!)

There are some things I really love about softball...I love that there are always other parents to visit with on the side-lines.  It is so great to just have time to sit and talk!  I like that since the game is slower paced, the kids can enjoy hanging out with teammates.  I love at the end of the night how everyone is tired and dirty from playing at the ball park....yes, I will miss you softball season...until next year.

(Probably my favorite picture of the whole season.  My neighbor took it at Cole's game...I think I need to frame this one.)

Random Summer Catch-Up

Just some random things I have been wanting to post:
-Spring soccer ended in early June...this is what spring soccer in Iowa always looks like...every year...gotta love it!

-We got so much rain during April, May and into June.  This is what Jordan's softball fields looked like: (love the ducks!)

-It did make for some beautiful, green grass and flowers which I have really enjoyed.

-I did snap a few soccer pics during the break in the rain.

-Jordan and Ashton have been teaching their summer preschool on Tuesday mornings.  It's a good opportunity for them to take care of kids and see how much work it can be!

-Cole has finally started going to bed in his own bed and staying there all night!!!  He's only 4, you know.  What it finally took?  Being bribed with trips to the Dollar Store.  One week he picked out some dress up stuff.

-Jordan and Ashton got to be ball girls at a soccer game for a semi-pro women's team.

-We've all been trying to do some extra summer chores and goals....like having your four year old put away the knives.

-Jordan has been putting a ton of practice in on her pitching.  We have a TON of these pictures- she and her dad are a little obsessed.

-She also had a piece of art work on display at the school district office.  The likeness was incredible!

 -And finally, whenever I upload my pictures, I am always surprised by some of them.  It seems Regan and Cole like to take my camera and have their own fun!  I always like to see what I end up with!!

(Love this last one!  Love the expression on Cole's face)

Luke @ 2 1/2 months

This little guy is growing up, and he is so much fun!!  He is such a good baby!!  And such a good sport to be in this crazy, busy family.  Some things to remember about him at this age:
-He is my first baby to sleep through the night at such a young age!!!  And I am ecstatic about it.  I think he understands that mama is old and tired.  Usually he goes to bed around 10 and wakes up to eat between 5:30- 7:00 and then goes back to sleep!  I can handle that.  He really only gets fussy when he's hungry or tired.
-Luke is just starting to give lots of smiles and we are over the moon about that.  In fact, we are all pretty much obsessed with getting him to smile and laugh.  Jordan and I are always trying to get pictures of smiles.

-Baby Luke has the craziest hair!  He hasn't lost any of it and it sticks out everywhere.  So cute!

-This baby has to be put up with a lot!  We are always saying "Oooh, let's try this and take a picture of it!"  When I look back on these pictures, his expression seems to so often be, "Help me!  Save me from these people!"

-He also has a pretty sweet gig with his siblings most of the time.  Always someone to entertain you and spoil you by holding you and cuddling you!

-It really is so much easier this time around having a baby because I do have so much help with him.  I am so thankful for that.

-I have found myself enjoying Luke so much- just taking it all in as I know this will be my last baby.  I love him so much and am so glad we get to have him in our family. One of my very favorite things right now...in the morning when he wakes up he doesn't really cry, just squirms around...I go in and crouch down in front of him and as soon as my face comes into focus, he breaks into a huge smile.  Now that is priceless!!!