All around player

Branch had her first tball game not long ago and it was an experience for ME! I didn't realize the "rules" would be as they were! There are two innings. All the kids bat once in each inning. They do not count strikes (the kids can swing at the ball on the "T" as many times as it takes to get it hit). They do not count outs. They do not keep score. One team might have 10 players and the other might have 16, but they all will be on the field or having a turn to bat EACH inning. Thank goodness it is TWO innings!

But, the main thing is that the kids have fun. I think that a lot of fun is happening when they are sitting in line waiting their turn to bat. They are talking and giggling and having fun. One month left of two tball games each week!!

Branch hit the ball on her first try, and she was off and running...

and SAFE and happy to be on first base!!

This little turkey was keeping an eye on me and seemed to always know when I was going to take her picture! I was beginning to wonder if I would get any "candid" shots other than her at bat!

She was third base(wo)man and was on the ready! Finally... a candid!

Her friend just went over to the batters box/circle to take a few practice swings... she seemed lost without her!!

But, then it was her turn again! And she smacked it hard and got to first again!

Branch's last fielding position was catcher. She didn't like it very much. She said that the helmet was too tight on her big noggin! So, she has requested playing other positions!

I am so proud of Branch. She is one of the few kids who pays attention and knows what is happening and where the ball is at any given time. The coaches have told me that she does a great job of following directions and is so helpful. {SMILE. GRIN. Sigh.} I love my big girl, Branch!

The sun will come out

TOMORROW, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow - there'll be sun... (thank you little orphan Annie!)

BUT, I am hoping for later this morning or even early this afternoon!

The fog rolled in and it is thick. Here's to hoping it burns off soon, or this will be a _____________ (fill in the blank) overnight trip.

Home is Where Some Love is...

Blossom is like an alarm clock. Although, she is set to different times on different days. When she wakes in the morning (which is usually before I have dragged my sorry self out of bed!) she comes down to our room and crawls into our bed. Some mornings she is quiet and just likes to run her fingers through my hair. Other mornings she is silly and says the most off the wall things. Yet, other mornings, she is talkative and expects us to talk with her! (Uh, I'm not such a morning person and I don't talk when I wake... so, this is quite challenging for me.)

Today was one of those mornings where she expected me to carry on a conversation with her. I lay there a bit and thought what could I ask her about. Hmmm. Well, she is nearing Preschool graduation at the local YMCA, so I decided I would do a bit of quizzing to see what our preschool at home will need to entail next year! Here is how it went... sort of - remember, it was early and I am NOT a morning person.

"Where do you live?"

"OREGON!!"

"Good.  Do you know what town in Oregon you live in?"

"A long ways away."

Pops gives a clue and she screams our little town's name. I am shocked that her noise has not yet woke the rest of the neighborhood at 6:45 am.  We talk about other things for about 10 or 15 minutes and then I revisit the topic.

"Do you remember where you live?"

"OREGON!"

"Yes. Do you remember where in Oregon you live?"

"SEATTLE!"

"Uh, no. Who lives there?"

"GEEMAH!!"

"No. Geemah doesn't live in Seattle, but she has flown through Seattle to go home to Illinois. Do you know why it is important to know where you live?"

No response.

"If you were ever to get lost and someone was trying to help you, you could tell them where you live and they would be able to help you get home to your mama and daddy."

"Oh."

"So, can you remember where you live?"

"No. Yes. Illinois!"

"No. Geemah lives in Illinois."

"That's ok. I'll go live with her if I get lost!!"

Batter Up!!

Bud's first baseball game was last week. He played a few different positions, but I cracked up when he was pitcher (coaches pitch to their own team). He kept count of all the strikes and made sure to let his teammates know the count!

However, his favorite part appeared to be batting...

and running the bases! 

Pops has been standing in as third base coach. Run home, Bud! Run home!!!

There are many more games for the season. Lots more balls to hit, bases to run, balls to catch, outs to make...