So long minivan...

We traded in our minivan this weekend. We just got a new (well, new to us) 2006 GMC Envoy. I love it! It still has a full 3rd row seat, but I feel a little cooler pulling into the high school with an suv than a minivan. (I thought I would have outgrown those insecurities :) The kids love the new flip down dvd player with wireless headsets. I'm happy we don't have to drive the minivan to Disney for fall break. The dealer said our transmission was ready to go on the van. I think we got out just in time. I also do not miss our Ohio van. It had rust starting to bubble up under the paint. We stood out like a sore thumb because cars down south do not rust. Crazy!

Happy 7th Birthday Ethan!

Chris keeps saying, "Can you believe we have a 7 year old?" It seems crazy. I do not feel old enough. We decided to have Ethan's party at the local YMCA Teen Center. It was awesome. They had a Wii, PlayStation, and several other video game systems. The boys played pool, ping pong, and basketball in the gym. We invited his regular season baseball team, his allstar team, and his cousins. I think everyone had a great time. Of course, the theme was baseball.

Fishing with Papa

I took the kids up to Ohio for a quick visit. We stayed in Muirfield with Aaron and Virginia for a couple days. I could get used to Muirfield! Thanks guys for letting us crash there. Ethan asked to go fishing with Papa. The boys had a great time. Ethan caught a snapping turtle. He was so excited. Tyler refused to touch the fish. We had a nice relaxing day at the cabin. Sometimes you have to do absolutely nothing. I loved it!

Dixie Youth Tournament



We went to the Dixie Youth State Tournament. Ethan's team played well, knocked out early in the series. They finished tenth in the state. Ethan played really well in the second game. The coach moved him to shortstop because the other team kept hitting it between second and third and Ethan was the only one who could stop the ball. He did really well for not having ever played shortstop before. He had four put outs. He caught two fly balls and had a double play. I was even more impressed with his attitude. When his team was eliminated from the tournament he said, "It's ok mom; I played my best." And he really did. It was a great season! We are taking a two week break and then we will start with a select, travelling team.

All the parents met in Cleveland and painted our windows. We had a police escort take us to Chattanooga for the opening ceremonies.

Chris' parents and grandmother came over from South Carolina to watch Ethan play. Unfortunately, Ethan's team did not do too well. We had a good time with them here.

We came home from the game tonight and celebrated Chris' birthday. He turned 34 today. Happy Birthday Chris! We love you!!!

District Champions

Ethan's Allstar team clinched the district championship tonight. He got the biggest trophey he has ever received. He played a great game. He had at least six putouts. He caught a pop fly. He hit a single and two doubles. We head to the state tournament on July 13th. Go American Allstars!

Family Time at the Ballfield

My parents came down from Ohio to visit us and watch Ethan play in his District Tournament. It was great to have my mom and dad here. My mom is staying the entire week due to shutdown at Honda. Ethan played great! His team won on Friday night and Saturday night. This guarentees his team a spot in the state tournament.

American All Stars

Ethan is playing for the American All Stars. We are practicing two hours every day. I thought he would be worn out by now, but he loves it. It is a nice break for me to get to go sit with the other moms and talk while our boys play. All of the moms got matching shirts with "Mom of #3" on the back. (Ok, mine says 3 and the other moms say their kids number.) We also all went to the nail salon and had our toes painted to match their uniforms with little baseballs on them. I even got crafty and made matching sandals. I think the moms are a little obsessed. I love it! Chris is helping to coach the team. We have the district tournament this weekend to determine if we get to go to state. My parents are coming to watch Ethan play and I am so excited.

Is it Halloween?

We went to the YMCA like we do every Friday night and they had face painting in the children's area. Tyler was so excited to be spiderman. He wanted to save it for Halloween and cried when I made him wash it off. Ethan was Venom. The boys cousin, Justin, is staying with us for a couple weeks. He is the Incredible Hulk.

18 - 0 Tournament Champs

Ethan's Redsox team finished the tournament with an 18-0 record. We are so proud. The team played great. Ethan hit the ball into the outfield and got an inside the park homerun to help the team win the game. He had a great time. We got to take a day off baseball and we started practice for All Stars. He is playing baseball two hours every day. The minute he is tired of it, we will stop, but he loves it. We are considering playing on a select, travel team in the fall. Ethan really wants to travel with his friends. I never thought I would be one of those moms. Oh well, I don't know what we would do all week without baseball.

Undefeated Season



Ethan's team finished his regular baseball season undefeated. It was a great season! The boys on Ethan's team played their hearts out. Chris helped coach the team. We start tournament play on Monday night. It would be amazing to soar through the tournament. Here is a picture of Ethan throwing out a runner at first. His best bud Tucker is on first. They make a great team.



It was so hot during this game. It reached over 85 that day. I'm not looking forward to the hot days during all star season. The only thing I hate about the south (the heat)!