Slide Into Summer

Not too many people know Clare gave up softball in the fall of 2013.  She played on a select team when she was 8 years old and had a blast. Well, come July of 2013, she had to move up to 10U and that was a struggle.  The skill level increased and Clare's love of softball went down in the toilet.  She was the youngest girl on her team, the only 3rd grader, new coaches to get use to and then found the game boring. At the time, not a lot of action was in the field and Clare struggled to hit as well.  She was use to her coach pitching and not kid pitch.  Phil and I had her finish her fall season of softball but in November of 2013, she said she didn't want to play softball anymore.  Phil and I didn't like that she was not going to play because she is a good athlete.  We couldn't force her.  So Clare didn't touch softball for 9 months.  We didn't even sign her up for rec softball in town either.  Then early July of 2014, Clare out of the blue said, "When are those softball tryouts?"  Phil and I were like "WHAT!!" It turned out tryouts were the next day.  Phil went to Target to get her a bat that night.  The next morning we bought cleats, a new glove and went to the field for a little practice.  Tryouts were hours away.  After paying the late registration fee, off she went to tryout.  We weren't sure how she would do after not playing for so long.  Weeks had passed and we learned Clare made the Johnston Purple team.  Which is the 2nd best team.  We were ok with that. 

Clare started playing fall ball with her 10U Purple team.  Once again, wonderful coaches, teammates,  parents and Clare's passion for softball started to come out.  Phil and I were pleased with how much she improved in the sport or matured with the game.  The year off, did her good. 

Over the weekend, Clare had the opportunity to play for the Johnston Dragon Gold team in a tournament.  Her former coach from 8U,  Eric, asked us if she was available to play with his team.  We knew Clare would love to play with the team and some of her other friends.   Clare fit in nicely with the team and was a welcomed addition for the weekend.  The girls played in 6 games and about 12 hours of softball.  With great teamwork, positive coaching, heart and soul into the game, the girls pulled off the final win, 2-1 with Ankeny Crush.

Look at those pink trophies!

Two Peas in a Pod

As my brother's family was headed out from celebrating Olivia's birthday, Sara(SIL) wanted a picture of Clare and Brett since they were both wearing neon yellow.  These two are only 6 months apart (Brett is older and in the next grade above Clare) and are two peas in a pod.  They are both LOVE their mama, feisty, smart, creative, athletic and always have a great time together.

Clare will go in spells and ask to play with Brett anytime she gets a chance.  She loves that he will play sports with her, go into the woods (even though poison ivy is there) to play, jump on the trampoline, play video games, etc.  They get along so well and are lucky that we live so close to them (only 1 mile away).

Their serious look.

Sweet Sixteen

Our sweet Olivia Marie turned 16 this past week.  Can't even believe Phil and I have a 16 year old now.  It seemed like yesterday I had her in the hospital.  She was an easy going baby,  slept through the night in 6 weeks, so fun to be entertained by her, loved watching her grow into a young lady.  Now our baby is driving on her own!!!

Olivia's birthday is always at a busy, crazy time with school ending, ball games and Memorial weekend activities too.  My mom came up to help watch Ruth and Clare while Phil and I finished our school year.  Johnston schools were done a week before us.  I'm so thankful my mom was able to help out.  Not only does she help with the kids but always has food ready to serve when we all get home.  For Olivia's birthday, Grandma made pulled pork sandwiches, cheesy potatoes (Olivia's FAV), pineapple, strawberries too and lemonade to drink.

The Birthday Girl!!

Pretty decorations for her special day.

My brother's family came over for supper and celebrated with us.

Olivia wanted cookie dough Dairy Queen cake for her birthday.

Kip Turns 14

Last Sunday, Chris and Sara invited us over for supper and cake to celebrate Kip's 14th birthday.  With April and May being quite busy with sports, school stuff, and life we haven't seen the Cullinan's much.  It was nice to get together even if it was only for a couple of hours. 

Best of Friends

Ruth wanted her picture with the birthday boy too.  So cute!!

A Full Circle

Almost 3 years ago, Kati was an associate in my 3rd grade classroom at Jensen.  She liked being in the classroom so much, she went back to school to earn her teaching degree.  As she continued to work at Jensen, she completed her coursework & practicums too.  In March, Kati started her student teaching with me and my little 1st graders at Webster.  May 8th was her last day with me.  It was wonderful to see her grow as a teacher and having the extra hands in the classroom is a bonus too.  Best of Luck Kati in your career as a teacher!!

On Kati's last day, we had a field trip to the zoo.  What a fun day we had celebrating her last day!!

I had Krispy Kreme donuts(her fav), waters and gifts for her.

Reading the cards the kids made her.

A little personalized gift I made for her.  I love how it turned out, J-hawk colors.

Olivia's Confirmation

Olivia's confirmation was on April 28th.  It was a beautiful warm day, perfect for company and to celebrate Olivia's confirmation. 

Olivia chose her Grandma Mary to be her sponsor.  Her Uncle Dan is her godfather, but when she needed to select her sponsor, s/he needed to be at the rehearsal the night before and the ceremony wasn't until 7PM.  So she picked Mary because we knew she would be coming for sure.  Having Danny and Raye travel to DM and having 3 little ones at a 7PM mass would be challenging, so we weren't sure if they would make it.  However, they did and we are glad they made the trip over to witness Olivia's special day.

Over 60 10th graders

Olivia with Bishop Pates

Olivia with her sweet little cousin, Cecilia.  Love their smiles.

Tis the Season for Ball

Since my last post, my evenings and weekends have been consumed with a lot of baseball and softball games.  Andrew's team has been in 8 tournaments since the last weekend of March.  His team has been playing really well and has won a few tournaments.  I love watching all of his games but our weekends are shot with games. 

Running the bases is one of his favorite things to do.

So far this season, Andrew has hit 9 home runs for the Aces. He bats 3rd in the line up.

Unfortunately Andrew's sisters go to pretty much all of his games.  On this particular day, Ruthie found a $1.00 blown on the ground. Her lucky day!!!!  She couldn't wait to go spend it at the concession stand. 

Her purchase

Ruth always asks if there is a park at the fields.  There was this time around.

Clare's Johnston Dragon team started their tournaments in May.   I usually watch Clare play and then if if works out, we then go to Andrew's games.  Now with them both playing on weekends, it is tough.

#34 is Clare

Clare catches in a lot of the games. 

Between rec and tournament games in a week, Andrew and Clare play about 10 games.  That's a lot of playing, watching and washing of jerseys.  Wouldn't trade it for the world!!