4th of July

This year we spent the 4th of July in Georgia with Kevin's parents.  Our original plan was to run the Peachtree Race on the 4th but the weather was horrible! I do not mind running in the rain but downpours and flooding is another story.  We decided to skip the race this year and since it was raining so much, our 4th plans for fireworks were changed too.

The kids ran out during the break in the rain but it was short lived when the rain began again.  The kids were upset but we promised to try again the next day.  And we did...

Well I should say, we lucked out for about 30 minutes before the rain began again. But those 30 minutes we were able to do some fireworks and everyone was happy, happy, happy.

Not exactly the perfect celebration weather but we made the most of it.

7 Months Old

Leyton is 7 months old!  

So much has happened over the past month.  He cut his two bottom teeth and has started to cut his top teeth,

he is sitting up,

and his personality is so sweet always smiling and giggling.

We have coined the nickname "Lovable Leyton" for him.  He loves to give kisses all the time, the open mouth, wet slobbery kisses are the ones he loves to give.  And with a face like this, how could you resist those kisses.  However, I will say, he does have a slight mischievous look at times,

I am sure he will be trouble one day but right now he is so sweet and lovable.

Happy 7 months Leyton!

Where did our baby go?

All of a sudden Leyton seems to have grown up.  Since he is sitting up pretty well now, I decided to give him a little ride in the wagon.

Look at how big he looks!!!

He loved going around our block and looking at all the new sights.

I just can not believe how fast time is flying by with this little one.

All-Stars

And just when you thought baseball was over...

Well, those were my thoughts at least.  Instead, Holden made the All-Star team and Kevin was coaching once again.

Which is really exciting.  Thankfully, the All-Star team only plays one game on one day, instead of a huge tournament.  Whew, can I get a hallelujah!

Before the game,  each player was recognized and received an All-Star medal.

Then it was game time.

The game was in the bottom of the 3rd inning when the rain set in.  We waited to see if it would let up but as luck would have it, it did not.  They ended up calling the game, which was a tie.  But do not feel too sorry for the kids, they filled up on snow cones and hot dogs before heading home soak and wet.  Now, it is officially the end of baseball season,  Until next year.

Championship Game

Holden's baseball regular season came to an end last Wednesday.  The Braves came in 2nd place over all with a 13-1 season.  Their one loss was to the Orioles.  After the regular season the tournament began on Friday.  Since the Braves were in 2nd place, they had a first round bye.  Our first game was on Sunday at 1:00 and wow, it was a scorcher!  The boys played hard and won 17-8.  Monday's game was a little more intense, one the field was so much bigger than the boys are used to and the balls were bouncing all over the dirt and not to mention, this game determined if they would be playing in the Championship game on Tuesday night.

 As luck, and a lot of hustle, the Braves pulled out another win 16-10.  Which meant we made it to the Championship game!!  The match up was against the Orioles.

The boys came out ready to play and their fans came ready to support them.

With the toss of the coin, the game started out with the Orioles at bat first.

They scored 3 runs.  Next were the Braves at bat and no one scored.  They held them with 3 runs and then we score 5 at the next at bat.  The game went back and forth.

Then in the bottom of the sixth inning, we are down by 4.  Holden was up to bat and there were players on 2nd and 3rd.  He ripped a double down the 3rd base line. Allowing 2 players to score.  Next batter hit a single, Holden ran home scoring.  Now they were tied 14-14. The next batter hit a pop fly that was caught which meant we were playing another inning to decide the game.  Again, the Orioles scored 4 runs!  Yikes, the boys had their work cut out for them.  Holden was up to bat again. and the score was 17-18.  Players were at 1st and 3rd, he hit a line drive down the middle to center field.  The Orioles player missed the ball and the runner from 3rd scored and and the runner at 1st ran like lightening to home before they got the ball in play.  Scoring the final run we needed to win the championship!!!  Holden was on second did not realize what had happened until Kevin ran over and lifted him up into the air.  It was so exciting!  Players and fans were cheering!  What a game!!  The players congratulated each other.

Before the commissioner handed out trophies, he said this was the most exciting Little League game he has ever seen and to be honest I would have to agree.  

Holden was beyond thrilled, excited, and proud of his teams and his own accomplishments.

And as if the trophies for 2nd and 1st place were not enough, Holden was named MVP and received the game ball.  I am sure he will remember this moment for years to come.

Words can not describe this baseball season.  Kevin, Chuck, and Ryan (the coaches) went into the draft not knowing kids to pick and just blindly put this team together.  Most teams in our league have been playing together for the past two years so that says alot about the coaches time and efforts they put into this group of boys.  And it shows through with their sportsmanship, skills, and friendships they have made over these past few months.  Really the boys were such a great group of kids and teammates.  Here are the
2013 MYO 8U American Minors League Champions!!!

And here are the 3 Coaches and their sons.

These boys are growing up too fast!  We will savor these memories until next spring, when we will do it all over again.

  

Just a swingin'

Over the weekend, Kevin hung the bucket baby swing on our swing set.  With the swing in place, I decided to let Leyton give it a try.  He is still a little small for it but that did not seem to bother this little guy.

From the moment I put him in the swing he was loving it!

He was laughing,

talking

and smiling the entire time.

I foresee many more moments like this spent in our backyard.