Whenever Kip and Brett are over to play, you can always find the boys playing in the backyard. They all love the sport of baseball. Yesterday was another beautiful day. Kip, Brett, and Andrew were playing against Phil. It was fun watching them play and take pictures of them playing.




The boys ready for Phil to hit another grand slam.


Brett pitching



You're Out Phil!!!


Andrew up at bat.


Now on 2nd base.


Come on Brett, get a hit!


Kip at bat.


Looks like Murphy, our neighbor's dog, has this ball.


Andrew running to 3rd base.


Score!!!!


Time to cool off with the hose.




Buds Forever!!!


I even batted for Team Phil. Ha

Let's Play Ball

Andrew had a big weekend playing baseball. Andrew's coach from the Royals asked Andrew to play on his AU team since two players were out of town. Andrew loves to play baseball and took the opportunity to play with the Dragons. The first game was on Friday, but he was unable to play b/c he had baseball practice for different team. The Dragons lost their first game. Then on Sat. after a morning rain delay, it was game time in 90+ heat. It was UNBELIEVABLY hot out. Mary watched the girls while I was able to join Phil in watching Andrew play. Usually I'm trying to keep Ruth happy for 2 hours for each game. Even though it was hot out, I enjoyed watching the games w/o interruption. The boys on the team were able to keep their cool and pulled off winning both games. Sunday was the next game. After another rain delay, the first game was at 2PM. I had Phil call me to tell me how it went. Another win advanced the Dragons again. During the next game, I called Phil to see how the team was doing and he was sure the Dragons were going to win. Sara offered to watch the girls if Andrew played in the championship game. I packed up the girls and headed to watch Andrew play. It was an excellent game to watch. Out of 6 games, the Dragons won 5 and ended up winning the state tournament for his division. Andrew pitched, played 1st, 3rd base, caught, and played left field.

Playing 3rd base.

Way to Go Dragons!!


Andrew and his coach

Goin' to T-Ball

With two rain cancellations, T-ball finally arrived. Clare has been anxiously awaiting for this day. She wants to play baseball just like her Big Brother Andrew.





Running to the dugout.


Hitting the baseball to the outfield.


Running to third base.


Home plate

Finally...I did It!

Off and on this year, we'd show and practice with Clare on how to tie shoes. Today was the day. It was time for the big kids to read, and Clare went to the basement to grab the tie book we have for practicing how to tie and started working at it. Dad was working with her but she was easily frustrated. Then she just figured it all out.

I was upstairs with Andrew reading, and Clare came rushing in with the tie book showing me what she can now do. She is so proud of herself. I then had her get her own tennis shoe to tie and she did it. Good Job Clare!! She can't wait to tell Karen and her good friend B.




Yeah!!!!!

Splish Splash

Now that R. is walking, she wants to be outside all the time. She now screams if she sees her siblings out and she isn't with them. Today was a nice, pleasant day and I could tell she wanted to go out and play. Olivia filled up Ruth's pool to go swimming. She LOVED it and had so much FUN.


I just LOVE her smile!!




Look who came to swim...froggy.

Father's Day

This year for Father's Day, we had Phil's brother, Dan, and family come for a visit. It had been a VERY long time since they have been to our home. Now that Baby Joseph is here, they are up to traveling again.
We had a really nice dinner for the dads. Phil grilled a seasoned pork loin, while I made mashed potatoes, broccoli and cheese, strawberries and dip, rolls, and a salad. For dessert, the dads' favorite, Dairy Queen cake.



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Love to hold Baby Joseph


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Since Dan, Raye, and Joseph weren't able to come to Ruth's and Olivia's birthdays when we celebrated them, they brought the girls' gifts.

A new book and an pretty dress for Ruthie.


A new binder and dividers to play school with and a Target gift card.

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Time for bed


Monkeying around with Uncle Danny before bedtime.

Favorite Book

Ruthie's favorite book to look at and to be read is Brown Bear by Eric Carle. This book as been around our house for a LONG time. It was a gift given to Olivia when she was a baby in 1999. All of our kids have liked this book.
Ruthie will sit and turn the pages and look at the animals a lot of times by herself. If I say go get Brown Bear, she knows what I'm saying and go get the book. I think it is so cute that if the book is on the floor and she walks by it she'll stop and spend a few minutes looking/reading the book.

Below is Clare reading Brown Bear to Ruthie.