Wednesday, July 15, 2015

District 3 Champions

Johnston had to play against Ankeny in the District Championship game Monday night.  The game was delayed to play at 7:00 since a heatwave has hit the state the past few days with temps feeling in the 100's. The game was a nail biter all night for everyone, but pulled off the win to move on to State July 25th.
Andrew hit a double, trying to score home.
Score!!

OVER...Johnston WINS!!

Feeling pretty happy
Andrew with his buddies from the Aces.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Last Year for All-Stars

This will be the LAST year for Andrew to participate in All-Stars.  Next year he will be playing baseball in high school, so no more Little League.  Can you hear a sob?  He has been playing LL for the past 9 years, where has the time gone?

Last week was pool play. Andrew played against his cousin's team.   Kip even pitched to Andrew while at bat.  It was hard for them to stay focused and be serious in the game.  Unfortunately, Andrew hit a home run off of him.


My cousin's family came to DM to watch the BIG game between Kip and Andrew.

Bracket play started today.  It was a scorcher of a day... heat index of 106.  Good thing there were a lot of trees for shade but after 2 hours, Ruth was ready to go home.  Johnston beat Ankeny 9-3.  They'll play again tomorrow.   Whoever wins tomorrows game will be the District Champs and move on to playing at State. 
Playing shortstop

July 4th

July 4th is a tradition for my family to get together for great food, company and of course fireworks.  Not only do we celebrate our America's birthday but we come together to celebrate my grandpa's birthday too.  August 2013, my grandpa passed away.  With this holiday being a tradition of getting together, my family likes to have a cookout and getting a bunch of fireworks to let off in memory of him.  Here are some pictures to recap our time together.
Pretty table decorations

My mom showing the girls her latest cross stitch work.
My uncle has a HUGE yard for the kids to play in.
Just chillin'
Happy Anniversary to my SIL and brother.  My brother couldn't get away from work, so he didn't come down.  Sara's mom, Myrna joined in on the festivities.
My cousin Michelle and I with my sweet grandma, 94yrs old.
 Grandma with most of her great grandchildren.
Andrew with Kip and Brett
Mom and I

The FAMILY
Eat Up!!

4th of July Parade

I took the girls to the July 4th Parade.  This parade is popular for many locals and hard to get a spot.  Luckily the night before I put out a blanket on the curb to save a place for us.  I'm not the only crazy one who does this.  The whole street is lined up with blankets and chairs the day before the parade.  Fifteen minutes before the parade, Phil dropped us off and our spot was empty, just waiting for us to arrive. 
Our neighborhood friend noticed the girls and brought over a handful of candy.
There is Olivia walking in the parade with her friend.
Time to pack up, the parade was winding down.
Here's to another Urbandale July 4th Parade down in the books.  Off to Ottumwa to celebrate the 4th.

Long Time No See

Last Friday, we had some visitors.  Phil's brother Danny and family stopped over for the day for the kids to play and also to have lunch.  It just so happened that their cousin Jill and family just moved to Des Moines area the day before.  We invited them over for lunch and to have a little mini reunion.  We met Jill's children for the first time and all of the cousins had fun playing and being together.  We last saw Jill in April while interviewing for a job but Danny on the other hand, hasn't seen Jill in years.  Now, with Jill living closer, hopefully we won't go years without seeing each other. 

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Aces at STATE

This past weekend, we were in Cedar Rapids for Andrew's baseball tournament.  It was like a mini-vacation, watched some baseball, I saw some friends from my college days, ate out several times, and I only had Ruth me, which was so easy!  We also visited with Phil's Uncle Mark.  Actually, Ruth and I stayed with him while Phil and Andrew stayed at the hotel.  Here are a few pictures from our weekend.



Phil and his uncle
Blurry because I moved the camera too quickly once I knew Andrew hit a home run, which ended up winning the game.
Just another hit
Drumsticks for dessert




 Pool Time


Killing some time in the van while we wait out a storm nearby.
Lunch date with Ronald
While we were over in eastern Iowa, Ruth and I headed to Blue Grass for a college reunion/pool party with my friends.  The boys stayed back since they had another game. 


Adina and Colette
Ruth with Colette
The girls chillin' after their swim
Iowa Roomies
Since Phil and I drove over to CR separately, I took this time to visit my cooperating teacher from student teaching, Michelle.   I know I've seen her once since I left her classroom, but it had been about 15 years.  We've kept in touch after all of these years with our Christmas cards.  We'd both say we'd visit but it just never happened.  She is still teaching in the same school, same grade, and lives in the same home I remembered.  Ruth had fun playing with her grandson, playing with some Barbies, and riding in the Gator around her property, which is the county side.  Michelle and I had a great visit, and am so glad I stopped by.
photo taken by Ruth