Baseball big brother

Baseball season is in full swing around here.  Not only is Eli playing, but Jacob's team kicked off their season, too!  He's in the "big leagues" now!  Playing in the 13-15 league means bigger fields, bigger bats, and bigger boys!  I think Jacob's adjusting nicely (and proved so by firing the ball from center field to throw out a runner trying to steal home)!  Here are some pictures! 

GO WHITE SOX!

Check out those throwback uniforms--pretty awesome!

(photo credits: Jacob's mom www.threeseventeenphotography.com)

Baseball baby

Our middle boy started his first season of baseball recently.  After spending many, many seasons watching his big brother play, Eli has finally done his time as a spectator, and is a full-fledged baseball player.  

His team is the Bulls.  He's on the far right...the little teapot with his hands on his hips!  :)

This is his serious baseball face.

Teammates playing while waiting for team pictures.

Baseball ready!

"Cheese!"

Some of Eli's biggest fans (aka brothers)!

Champs!

Michael Jordan once said, "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships."  This season, Jacob and his fellow White Sox worked together to win the season championship!  It has been a GREAT season.  Jacob really worked hard and played hard and is proving to be a talented baseball player!  So, not only does this kid bring home straight As at the end of his seventh grade school year, he also brings home the season championship trophy!  

Way to go, Jacob!  

Play Ball!

It's that time of year again.  That time where we spend two nights a week at the ball field watching Jacob play baseball.  This is Jacob's thirteenth season with the same league (I think) and it's his best so far.  I'm amazed at the progress he's made and the confidence he's gained.

He's been pitching quite a bit.  One night he held off the other team for 3 innings (technically a 3 inning no-hitter), while his team went on to score 5 runs!  Woohoo!

At bat, he's been on the stick!  Teehee!  He's scored numerous RBIs and has cracked a couple doubles, too!  On top of that, he's become an aggressive base runner.  I love watching him steal, especially at home to score a run!

Behind the plate, Jacob works hard.  He is quick to pop up, throw off his helmet and make the plays that help his team!

GAME BALL!!

Jacob is having a blast this season and we are, too!  

Go, White Sox!!

Football and Family

"Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys."

~Anonymous

Kickin' It!

This little one started soccer recently.  It seemed like a good match.  He loves running and kicking.  He also loves falling down, just for fun!

  Watching three-year olds play soccer is interesting, to say the least.  Essentially, it's packs of preschoolers chasing a ball.  Last week, Eli scored a goal!  Despite the fact that the goal was scored for the opposing team, I cheered--loudly!  Yeah, apparently I'm "that" mom!

Of course, as with any activity with preschoolers, there are ups and downs.  We try to have just as much fun on the sidelines waiting for another turn on the field--sometimes too much fun, since the kiddos often say "no" when asked if they want to have a turn playing.  Those years of teaching preschool have come in quite handy!

Here's a picture of Eli putting the ball into play by kicking-off from mid-field.  He was quite proud of himself.

Tonight, we hit the field again!  Can't wait to see my little soccer player in action!

GO HUMMERS!

Diamonds are a boy's best friend--baseball diamonds

Fall is almost here and that means "fall" baseball.  This year, however, there was a time when we weren't so sure we'd be singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame!"  Jacob seriously considered going out for the middle school football team.  As much as we wanted to encourage him to pursue a new endeavor, secretly, well...um...there was no hiding the fact that I wanted him to stick with baseball.  He's not a super big kid, and has never played tackle football before.  Not to mention, I just love baseball and he has so much experience since he's played for 10 seasons.  After much deliberation and soul-searching, Jacob decided to choose baseball!  This season he's on the Angels.  Many of the same boys from last season are on his team again.   They are having fun, even if they aren't winning.  Jacob has enjoyed the opportunity to play lots of positions already this season.  Just last night, he caught, played short stop, and center field.  He's also pitched.  I love that he's a flexible player and has the skills and quick thinking to play pretty much anywhere the coach puts him!  Here are a few pictures I took at last night's game!  

Let's go Angels!!

Little Brothers

It's fall baseball time again and Jacob is back out on the field.  On game days, the little brothers anxiously await game-time.  Jacob gets geared up, we pack up the "little boy baseball stuff," load up in the van, and head on over to the baseball complex, where we meet up with Jacob's mom, stepdad, and his other siblings.  While we try to enjoy watching Jacob and his team play, the little brothers (all of them) attempt to distract us with their "games" and shenanigans--not to mention the little sister who tries to distract us with her unbelievable cuteness.  It is a bat-swinging, running and chasing, ball-throwing, lollipop-licking, rolling in the grass and dirt good time!!  Here are a few pictures that Jacob's mom captured on a recent game-night and shared with me!    Baseball and little brothers...a match made in heaven!

A First Time for Everything

Yesterday was filled with firsts for Eli.  He started his morning with his first trip to the dentist's office.  I can't say enough nice things about Dr. Artemis, Ms. Wendi and the staff at Scandalios Family Dentistry.  Eli and I prepared for this big experience by watching "Ms. Cullen" from Cullen's ABCs.  She has a great set of videos that helped Eli know what to expect.  Here are some pictures of my brave Eli in the dentist chair!

Then, after a special lunch at the McDonald's with the Playland, a nap, and some dinner, we were off for the next first...Eli's first soccer practice with the YMCA.  We have officially entered the land of parents-with-more-than-one-son-playing-sports.  I've started to feel a bit faint when I pass the calendar hanging in our kitchen that is covered with all the fun things we do.  Anyway...Eli was so excited and looked so cute in his cleats and shinguards.  By the way, I just love what the YMCA stands for.  Before practice, everyone recited the pledge and there was prayer!  I must say that I'm proud to be affiliated with this organization!  Ok, back to the actual soccer stuff.  Eli seems to really understand what's going on in the game and as Matt so tactfully stated, "He's like Scout...ball-driven!"  Sidebar:  For those who don't know, Scout is one of our dogs.  The weather was perfect.  Abel had plenty of room to walk, run, and explore.  Jacob enjoyed some quality time with a game on his iPod (hello, tween years!).  And, Eli had a blast playing soccer with his teammates.  Check out the fun!