Baseball Opening Day

IT'S BASEBALL TIME!

We had 2 very excited kids at our house this morning!  Camden was up and in his uniform at 6:00 and Emma followed soon after.  Emma's team is the Scrappers and Camden's team is the Storm.

 After the Spring Youth Sports Opening Ceremonies the kids headed to their fields.  

Here's Camden warming up on third base.

 Camden waiting for his turn to bat.

 A great hit!

Check out the tongue :)

 Hanging out on second base...

 One speedy guy!

 Waiting for a ball to come his way out in left field.

At the same time Emma had her game...

First at bat...

Second at bat...

 Not much action in center field...

 I was too excited cheering during Emma's third at bat that I didn't get a picture until she was at first base.

Chris was filling in as base coach :)

 Heading to third base.

 Enjoying a post game lunch on our balcony.  We hope every game day is as beautiful as today is! :)

Spring Training Sunday

We pulled out the spring clothes this weekend.  After spending most of my life in Iowa (where 70 degree weather in March is just a tease that rarely occurs) and the past 4 years in Washington (where 70 degree weather might come in June), I am loving Southern Italy right now!
The kids were too cute heading out to church this morning.

This afternoon we had a spring training session in the yard.  Emma is ready to field Camden's hits

This action photographer was nailed by this ball right in the hip
(Good thing we started with a Wiffle Ball)

 Emma's turn at batting practice...

 Tips from Coach Dad

 Camden uses his  "Concentration Tongue" when he plays baseball, too. He did great hitting the pitches from Chris, but I don't think he could do it if he had to keep his mouth closed. :)

Spring Reading

Emma took advantage of this beautiful spring afternoon enjoying her book outside by the pool.

Bring on the Spring Sports Season!

Our big 7 year-old moved up to the U9 Coach Pitch League this year.  She is the only girl on her team (We told her she's going to be one tough softball player when she gets older after a baseball season with the boys).  

She's learning how to hit a "live" pitch and is working on her throwing and catching skills.

Emma is "baseball ready" at second base.

Every baseball player should have pigtails and pink sparkly sunglasses!

 Ending practice with a little base running.

Meanwhile on a nearby field...

Camden Lee started his first year of t-ball.  He's playing on a U7 team since he will be turning 5 during this season.

I got some cute pictures during practice, but my camera is a little too distracting to him. :)

 Camden and his teammate learned that this was a great way to play catch!

 Out on the field ready to practice throwing.

 Taking a "baseball knee" before batting practice.

 Even with his hands switched around, Camden smacked the ball off the tee his first try!

 He sprinted to first base and on into the outfield.  

Coach had to go fetch him. :)

Sister Brother Story Time

3 blogs in one day!  Looks like someone is trying to make up for being a blog slacker :)

Late this morning I walked downstairs and saw this:

 A sweet brother listening to a book read by his sweet sister. 

 Little brother

 Big sister

What a pair! :)

Morning Walk

Poor Herky has been a bit neglected this week. :( We didn't get home until 6 p.m. three days in a row and when you go into your kennel before  7 a.m., that is just no fun!

I was determined to treat him to an early morning walk at his beloved Carney Park. Emma was up and at 'em with me this morning and tagged along.

WHOA, Herky!!!

 That's better...

 Emma stopped along the way to try a few chin-ups...

 Found a fun branch...

 And jogged a bit...

Dr. Seuss Fun

It was an exciting week at school celebrating Read Across America and Dr. Seuss' birthday.  We had special dress up days all week (ending in Pajama Day on Friday). Some of my amazing colleagues planned a fun-filled event after school yesterday. 

Here is Camden waiting for his Bartholomew Cubbins hat...

 

He's ready for an adventure!

How about this outfit-stylin'!

Emma joined in on the book walk (think of a cake walk with books for prizes).

I think I'm going to win this round...

 Emma's wonderful teacher, Mrs. Fletcher, was in charge of the book walk.  I assisted her with the music and Emma helped out for a few rounds, too. 

 Thing 1 and Thing 2 (aka: our administrators, Mona and Tiffiney) were at the party!