Softball at the Beach

We just returned from a spontaneous and absolutely wonderful weekend of softball at the beach. This trip was not on our calendar when the summer first started. About ten days ago, Boomer mentioned to me that the Carolina Cardinals would love to have Emmy play with them again, this time at the Top Gun Summer National Championships in North Myrtle Beach. He ended with, "That would be kinda crazy to go all the way to the beach for softball, right?" As I asked a few more questions, I found out that the tournament was only a few days away and that we needed to make a decision quick. I also found out that my husband really wanted to go :) Before committing, I told Boomer that my only hesitation was the to-do list I had of summer household chores, which a weekend at home would help to complete. Right away, he jumped on the list: converting Eli's bed, putting together the new entertainment center, and disposing of an old TV. In a blink, we were loaded up in the car and making our way east. We left on Friday morning and arrived in North Myrtle Beach around 1PM. We immediately went to Flying Fish for our seafood fix: coconut shrimp for me and a lowcountry boil for Boomer. Emmy also got seafood - a big plate of popcorn shrimp. (Eli played it safe with mini hot dogs.) After our delicious lunch, we walked around Barefoot Landing before checking in at our hotel, the Courtyard Marriott that was close by. The kids were excited to go swimming, so they quickly changed into their bathing suits for a little bit of pool time. Saturday was the big day of softball, with four games scheduled for 9:15AM, 10:30AM, 1:45PM, and 3:30PM. The Cardinals went 3-1 that day, losing their opening game in a close 5-6 final score, but then winning out against the other three teams. With the rest of the evening, we had dinner at King's Pizza and then once again spent some time at the pool. Bracket play was on Sunday, and the girls advanced from the semi-finals into the championship - and then won it all! This weekend was extra special, because Emmy was selected as the MVP for the championship game. She made several outs at 1st Base, including two diving catches in foul territory. She also showcased her new slapping skills and was able to get on base almost every time she came up to bat. It was an exciting weekend, and the team played some outstanding softball. If you look closely in the team photo, you'll notice a certain tall coach in the back row. Boomer was not expecting to be a coach for the weekend but was happy to help out when the other coach pitcher needed a break. The Cardinals got a 2-for-1 deal with the Kennedys: a first baseman and a coach! We keep thinking that Emmy's 8U chapter has closed, and yet there has been another opportunity to play again. We are certainly soaking it up and enjoying every last minute!

Our church's VBS kicked off this evening and will continue every night this week. This year's theme is "Road Trip," which seems fitting after our weekend on the road. I am serving as the lead guide for the kindergarten boys, and on this first night, we had 26 - wow! I pray that God will do mighty things this week in the lives of the children and volunteers!