T-ball AllStar

Jackson has played in three t-ball games* now... let me just tell you-- there is so much cuteness I can barely take it! There are a ton of pictures!!!

*Game = two innings where every member of the team hits once and everyone progresses one base at a time. After each hit, the outfielders are to throw the ball to first base regardless of the runners status. 

Now, I know that most parents think their kids are great at everything and will grow up to be professional athletes. And while I'm not already planning a future where my son makes millions of dollars and can pay off our house and student loans (because we will still be paying those off well past his own college career)... Jackson really does have some talent.

Now, at age 4, that basically consists of good hand-eye coordination. But the thing that Jackson has that most of his teammates don't, is passion and concentration and focus. He takes his game seriously and he's will do exactly what he's supposed to. When his entire team ran to the outfield to chase a ball, Jackson was the lone member who stood in his infield position because the coach told him too. While the other boys might spin in circles or throw dirt, Jackson will get down and ready-- he is watching the ball. That being said, he can get very upset when he doesn't get the opportunity to do what he has been told to do (like if the ball doesn't come to him for an entire inning).

Jackson wants to practice almost everyday and he just loves playing! And as long as he loves playing, we'll sign him up!

The boys get a little bit of practice before the game

 Down and ready!

At the first couple of games-- each play looked a little like this. But in tonight's game-- the boys all did a great job of keeping their own positions!

First baseman!

Throwing it home! If Jackson had a baseball card, this would be the picture!!

Another throw home-- he got some air! 

Practicing in the batter's circle. My sister asked him to smile and he said, "No, I have hard work to do!" Like I said, he is pretty serious about his game. 

Pep talk from little sis!

Belle deserves a picture in here too!

And it's a hit!

Running to third-- he's even smiling as he's running!

Almost home!

The "good-game" line up-- so cute!!!

All games are finished up with a big "Go team!!"

Well, they actually officially finish with some sort of juice and/or popsicle. :) There are still several more games in the upcoming weeks! I just love watching Jackson having so much fun!

Anniversary #7

Derek and I celebrated our seventh anniversary today!

I'm not sure who created the idea list for anniversary presents. Apparently, the traditional 7th anniversary gift is wool or copper. The modern gift is either a desk set or pen/pencil sets. While we didn't stick to tradition-- we still gifted each other equally un-romantic gifts... new shoes.

They might not be romantic, but they are certainly pricey!!!

I guess this means that by year seven comes around, you can pass up all extraneous gifts and go for the practical things! We both have particularly tender feet and it's important to have a good shoe to prevent many trips to the podiatrist. I wanted to stick to the doctor's orders when picking out my shoes... and that led me to getting a pair of shoes that are only two velcro straps away from being the number one shoe sold to senior citizens. At least it has some pink. Derek's shoes are cool, though!

Truthfully, the best part of our anniversary is that Derek wasn't away at army training!! His unit is typically scheduled for annual training during our anniversary and thanks to a change in plans, annual training isn't until August, so we got to spend our anniversary TOGETHER! How much more romantic can it be?!? 

Well, Derek actually took today off as an optional holiday so we got to spend all day together! We ventured to new restaurant for lunch and to went to a movie. We were a good three decades younger than anyone else in the theater! ... at least they weren't texting!

We opted for a day time-date to accomodate Jackson's t-ball game tonight. Going to a ball game might not sound like an ideal anniversary activity, but I think it was just perfect. Seven years ago, we said our vows and committed ourselves to each other and our future family. Today, we spent the evening supporting our little boy as he played a t-ball game having the time of his life (other than the inning he didn't get to catch the ball...). 

Celebrating marriage doesn't always need a romantic getaway. Today, we found joy in the life we started together and brought us to where we are... even if that means cleaning out the gutters. We cherish our family, we're thankful for our house, and we love each other more than when we said "I do".

T-ball Trophy!

Last night was our final session of our t-ball season. The kids got to play a “real” game {consisting of two innings, everyone batting once, running to 1st, 2nd, 3rd base and then back to the dug out.}.

Jackson’s team started in the outfield. He’s running after the ball!

Why am I posting a picture of a girl standing waiting to bat? Well, as you can see if you look closely, every single member of the fielding team {Jackson included… he was standing by 3rd base!} has gone after the ball from the last hit. This was the typical occurrence after every turn.

 

Waiting to bat…

I didn’t get any pictures of Jackson at bat last night because well, he wasn’t being much of a good sport. He actually pouted and refused to bat the first time around. And then, when I walked over to go talk to him, apparently Belle followed—but kept going onto the field. She made it all the way to home plate before I even realized she followed me to begin with. Now she was eager to bat! Jackson did eventually bat, but not very enthusiastically. I’m not sure what not-batting thing was about—it’s normally his favorite part.

Here’s a video of Jackson from last week. The first 30 seconds are worth the watch. You’ll enjoy his path to first base. {my apologies for my loud cheering—but not really; I’m a proud Mama! Did you see how well he hit on the first try?! He didn’t even tap the tee!}

iframe width="390" height="293" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s3rsmym6NbY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

Back in the stands, here was Jackson’s fan club. In the whole 10 minutes that Jackson participated, all eyes were on him… but in the down time… all eyes on Belle. See how that girl has captured the attention of all of her Grandpa’s?!?  Ridiculous. 

Mostly, Belle and the other siblings were up to this:

 

After the game and getting snacks {my bargaining power to get Jackson to bat-- “You can’t have your gummy snacks or favorite juice if you don’t take your turn!}, the kids all got a special trophy from their coach.

You can’t really tell from the picture, but Jackson has a big smile and he’s feeling like the most special kid in the world at this moment!

And here’s my big kiddo with his trophy! He has carried it around most of the day and has asked what it says a million times {Tiny Tot T-ball 2012}. He’s so proud. And we are too. He learned a lot about the game and it was a good experience to listen to instructions from the coach and to play as a team! And he really does have good skills for being one of the youngest on the team!

Right after this picture, Jackson ran up to Grammy and showed her his “troodon”. Ha. Guess we’ve been talking more about dinosaurs than trophies these days. But he’s figured it out now and he loves it!

t-ball

Last week was Jackson’s first t-ball practice!

I didn’t get to watch last week because I had to leave for VBS, so I made sure that I got several pictures at his practice yesterday!

Jackson’s ready to play!

Down and ready to catch! 

Handing {not throwing??} the ball back to the coach

Jackson was getting some throwing tips from a coach.

Look at that form—he’s an all star. And when he throws, his leg comes up like a pitcher. Super cute. 

The after practice huddle.
{Jackson’s head is right underneath coaches back elbow} 

The coach told us that games start next week! So Jackson come home and practiced his “alligator catch”.

Jackson comes home so excited from practice. It’s so much fun to watch! And it’s really good to get him out with other kids in an organized* sport!

{*organized—as much as 30 3 1/2—5 year old on a baseball field can be called organized….}

And check out Jackson’s fans!