Saturday, June 25, 2011

Friday at the Ball Park




The coach is pitching to the team now. Clare's nickname from her coach is 'slugger'. She hits the hit easily past the bases. She is likes the balling being thrown to her more than it sitting on a tee.


A little dirt action.

Going home


The kids were getting antsy so they went to play at the nearby playground.



Wednesday, June 22, 2011

LOTS of BASEBALL

Andrew's tournament team typically plays teams around the Des Moines area, but this past weekend the Dragons played in Iowa City. It felt like we were on a mini-vacation, eating out/hotel/swimming, but missing the girls. My mom came up and watched them. I was worried about the weather and how Ruthie would do with a day full of baseball.


Phil's Uncle Mark came down to see Andrew's first game. Then he treated us out for lunch. Andrew picked Milos, just like Jimmy Johns.


2nd game-Andrew hit is first home run over center field. I was so excited that I couldn't get my camera out fast enough. All I was able to get was him at home plate with his team mates hugging him. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to help the team win. They lost 4-3.

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Game 3



The team wasn't able to win their 3rd game either, 6-8.
Despite the losses, Andrew had a ton of fun playing one of his favorite sports. He has made some great friendships. The parents on the team are awesome as well. The Dragons have one more tournament to play over July 4th weekend. That will wrap up the season.
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Andrew gave Phil a baseball wishing him "Happy Father's Day". Andrew personalized it for him.

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On Monday, Andrew's Little League team, Cubs, had their championship game to play against the Braves. Andrew pitched the first 4 innings, giving up one run. He had to pitch against two of his Dragon teammates. The final score ended up being 3-2 Cubs WINNING!!!!! It was a nail biter of a game. It was a great season. Baseball continues for a few more weeks for him. He made All-Stars so he'll have two weeks of practice and then his first game July 5th.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

A High School Friend

My friend Kim and I have have been friends since junior high. She recently move back to Ottumwa and with my family coming home over the weekend, we were able to get together. We had a great time visiting and hanging out for the evening. We went out to eat for supper and ran into some other classmates. July of 2012, we will all be coming back to town to celebrate our 20th Class Reunion-1992. After dinner, we went over to my cousins house for a bonfire. The kids had a great time playing with the cousins and eating smores.

What a Surprise it Was!!

My Grandma turned 90 years old on Sat., June 11th. She was totally surprised by the birthday party my mom and uncle planned for her. Invites were sent out w/o her knowing and so it was all hushed. Everything worked out perfectly. My Uncle Mike told my grandparents he was taking them to an Open House John Deer was hosting for family. Mike went to pick them up and on his way back into town, he had to stop back at his house to get his ID badge. What Grandma didn't know was that Mike's house was full of family and friends of hers. She was totally caught off guard and had a blast visiting with everyone.

Greeted by Betty and Rita, grandma's younger sisters.


My mom with the Birthday Girl


Grandma getting hugs from Olivia.


Grandma with her kids


Chris and I partying with Grandma


Grandma with her sister-in-law Ethel, Betty and Rita




Kids enjoyed playing some wiffle ball in Mike's backyard.


Cheering on the teams.


Grandma and Grandpa are the same age for only 23 days. Grandpa turns 91 on July 4th.


Olivia snatching a picture of her and Natalie.


Ruth having her 1st juice box. She was in heaven.

More T-ball

Clare had another game this week. She is loving her games and looks forward to the next game.


Clear to run home.


Gotta have snacks at the games to keep me there.

It Won't Be Long...

that Olivia is as tall as me or taller. It was time to work on completing the kids' school memory books. There is a spot for height and weight. Phil measured Olivia's height, 5 feet and 3 inches. Then Phil measured my height, 5 feet and 4 1/2 inches. Pretty soon, she'll be able to wear my clothes. Her feet are about the same or if not bigger than mine.

Stopping Over

for a visit....Ruthie's baby sitter Lori. Now that we are home for the summer, Lori missed her birthday. She gave Ruthie her birthday present. Ruthie isn't really into character things right at this point. Well, Ruthie received her first Dora doll. She sings a Happy Birthday song and what is great about this doll is that the clothes can't come off. Which Ruthie likes to do, strip her babies with nothing on them. Then we lose the clothes. Thanks for stopping by Lori!!! We miss you.

Monday, June 6, 2011

2 year Check-up

Here is Ruth with her pediatrician. She hasn't seen Ruth since December. Most of the time when Ruth had been sick, it was due to her ears and we'd take her to a clinic that is open in the evening. Dr. Beetler remembers little Ruthie b/c she is the only Ruth she has ever had as a patient and her sister's name is Ruth too. Beetler complimented Ruth for doing outstanding at the visit. The only thing she was afraid of was standing on the scale but she sat in bucket seat scale w/o hesitation. Ruth allowed her to look in her ears, teeth(2 of her 2yr molars are coming in), listen to her heart, check her tummy and feet. All looked great!!! Ruth even gave Dr. B her baby doll to be looked at as well.

Johnston Tournament

Andrew had a baseball tournament in Johnston over the weekend. His team won only 1 game out of 3. They didn't play as well as the team had hoped. At the tournament they had a Derby for the kids, and they could do one event. Either a throwing at a target, hitting home runs, running around the bases the fast time. Andrew entered the running event. He ran around the bases the 2nd fastest and won a trophy.









Sunday, June 5, 2011

Birthday Girl

I made a birthday cake for Ruth, even though we celebrated birthdays last weekend.

She was afraid of the candles, saying, "HOT, HOT!"


Birthday girls, 10 years and a week apart. Ruthie LOVES her big sister "Ya, Ya". That name come from when Clare was a toddler. She called Olivia 'Ya, Ya' when she was learning to talk. At first I didn't have a clue to what she was saying but when you say "O-liv-e-ya" she put together, 'ya, ya'. Now, that is what Ruth calls her big sis. She is always looking for her to be with. Olivia does a great job of including Ruth while playing in her room or doing other things. What a special bond these two have.