Fall Ball

The fall season kicked off on Saturday with games for Emmy and Eli. Both games were at home in Walkertown....however, they were at exactly the same time, which made it tricky for this momma who wanted to be at each one. Like with the overlapping games in the spring, I bounced back and forth between the two fields, trying to catch the highlights, so that later I could say "Yes! I saw that!" Both kiddos went 2-for-3 at the plate, which was a great start considering they both moved up in their age groups. For the first time, Eli is playing machine pitch, and Emmy is playing Minors/10U player pitch. They both seem to be quickly adjusting to hitting the ball from the machine (Eli) or from the opposing player (Emmy). In the field, Emmy played 1st base, while Eli played 1st, 2nd, and pitcher. Eli had two impressive back-to-back outs at 1st base to end an inning, and then he trotted into the dugout like it was no big deal. As head coach of Emmy's team, Boomer wasn't able to see Eli play, but I tried to capture a few videos to show him afterward. Boomer and his squad of other dad coaches have been working so hard with the girls, that I was especially glad when they got the win. Eli's team won too, and we celebrated afterward with lunch at the Seafood Shack. It's always exciting to start the season 1-0!

Emmy had her second game of the season this evening at Walnut Cove Little League. Weekday games are fun, but also tough after a full day at school. Eli caught a quick catnap on the way there. Going into the last inning, the score was tied 8-8, and Walkertown scored two runs to go up 10-8. As the away team, they had to play defense in the bottom of the inning, and Walnut Cove squeaked in two more runs, to end the game in a 10-10 tie. We will face that team again two more times this season, so it will be interesting to see the outcome the next time we match up. 

Recently Boomer rediscovered this photo on his phone from Emmy's very first season when she played baseball in April 2023. It makes me smile to see her there with all the boys. She has shown tremendous improvement and grit since that first season, and we are all excited for the weeks ahead.

Even though we are at the ballfield several nights a week, we found time to fit in some football too. This past Friday was the rivalry game between Starmount and Forbush, and all four of us went for a pre-game tailgate and to cheer on the teams. I couldn't resist a picture with the Falcon mascot. You can see that Emmy wasn't too interested in the action on the field; she preferred reading and braiding my hair. Eli was a little more engaged, but even so, about midway through the 2nd Quarter, we made for the exit and bedtime. I am not sure when we might see more football in person. For now, we are catching bits and pieces of games on TV, and as always cheering for our Deacs and Gators. 

This past Sunday was Grandparents Day. It just so happened that we had already decided to celebrate Dad's birthday on that day, since he will be on a golf trip during his actual birthday. We went to Don Juan's, and Dad even got to wear the birthday sombrero. Be sure to notice the Houston brothers in the photos; Zander is trying to keep Maddox from blowing out the candles! We are so thankful for Grammy and Grandpa; they are easy people to celebrate. They are always there to lend a helping hand...even putting together rocking chairs for our front porch! Grammy is back again this year volunteering at Sedge Garden. Our favorite SGES volunteer helps in both kids' classroom and in Maddox's too, usually on Thursdays of each week. The kids love seeing her, and I know the teachers are grateful for the extra help from a veteran teacher. 

Just a couple other photos from the week: Emmy and Eli finished a 750-piece puzzle they have been working on for the last few weeks. I was quite impressed with their perseverance and team work. Besides my help at the beginning with the border, they completed the rest independently. Also, a hallway selfie of Eli and Aunt Megan, and then a picture of me with my certificate of completion for the CDC Induction course. Yay! God has been so good to provide opportunities for me to further my career. But also...no more discussion posts or PowerPoint assignments for me, hopefully ever again!