July 4th

We traveled to Maryville to celebrate July 4th with Phil's side of the family.  I can't remember the last time we ALL had been together.  Usually there is at least someone missing when we do.  Because of the holiday, we had no baseball so that meant all 6 of us could go to Maryville.  

The kids had a blast at grandma's.  She always has a cabinet full of treats and fun things to do.  Here are a few pictures to recap our time there. 

 Clare with Cecilia

Ruth getting set to take down Uncle Danny.

Ruth helping out Gramma Mary in her kitchen.

Ruth stylin' John's hair into a mohawk.

Trying to get all 7 kids looking at the camera at once.  Didn't happen.

 

Who said marshmallows are only good for making and eating smores?  For the Nord's, they are good for a marshmallow fight and to play baseball with.  This served for hours of entertainment.  

 Getting ready for fireworks and sparklers.

Happy Birthday America!!!

Baseball in Okoboji = Fun in the Sun

Andrew's last baseball tournament for the Aces was in Okoboji. For this trip, I had my mom come stay with Ruth and Clare.  This allowed me to hang with the moms on the team rather than swimming in the lake with Ruth.  In a way, it was a little vacay for me, ha.

On our way up to the lakes, we traveled through Algona, Phil's hometown.  We drove by several of his favorite spots in town.

We stopped at McDonald's in Algona for a late lunch.

Once we arrived in Okoboji, we met the team at Barefoot Bar Marina.  The kids were walking around the marina, and the adults were enjoying some adult beverages before checking into the hotel. 

At the marina

While waiting for everyone to settle in, the kids and Coach Dave are having fun playing hacky sack.
Then it was time to get the kids some food and take them to Arnold's Park.

Games were played on Saturday and then we headed to one of the teammate's lake house for the rest of the day.  The kids hung out on the dock, swam, kayaked, eat plenty of food, played foosball, made smores, but unfortunately no boating or tubing.  The weather was iffy and waters were choppy to take them out.

Sunset

The kids on the Maui Mat

The MOMs-very windy out...our hair is blowing back in the wind.

The DADs

Sunday...game time once again.  The team made it to the championship game after an early morning rain delay.

Won!!!! the tournament

The team did well this season, record 41-5, not too shabby.  Man...that's a lot of baseball games.  And this is only 1 of the 3 teams Andrew is on. 

It was a nice little get-away.  Andrew has loved being on this new team and can't wait to play together in August for their last and final year of USSSA baseball.  Then it will be high school baseball. 

Pool Time

Our summer days are wrapped around a lot of baseball.  Andrew was invited to play on another team in a World Series Tournament in Omaha.  We watched Andrew play 2 games but then headed south to visit and stay with my friend, Wendelin.  She has a pool and the girls were dying to go swimming.

Olivia trying to get a tan, or I should say burn. 

After swimming, we headed to Glenwood to see my other good pal, Amber and her son play his baseball game.  Miss these two ladies!!

USSSA State Tournament-13U Majors

A few weekends ago, Andrew's USSSA baseball team, Aces, had their State tournament.  This is where all teams around the state come to compete for the State title.  After 3 pool play games, the teams are place in bracket play.  I usually bring the girls to the bracket play games, which happened to have been Father's Day.  We spent all day at the ball field because if the team wins, the boys play another game.  Three games later, 9 hours later, it was all said and done.  13U Aces were the State Champions!!!

Andrew pitching in one of the games to move the team on to the championship game.

Soon to steal for 2nd base. 

Waiting for the perfect pitch.

Here is one of Andrew's coaches with him after his 2nd home run this tournament.

Laying in some shade in between games.

Happy Father's Day!!

CHAMPIONS!!!

Me and my boy

Abby's Pacers

On Saturday, June 14th, the Nord girls walked in support of Ruth's friend, Abby.  She was born with a congenital heart condition at birth and needed a pacemaker.  She is the miracle baby in her family.  By just looking at her, no one would know she has a pacemaker.  Abby is so spunky, full of energy and a go-getter.  With routine check-ups, she always comes back with a clean bill of health.  In a year or two, she will need to have a new pacemaker. 

This is me with Abby's mom, and another friend from work.  30 plus friends came to support Abby in the Heart Walk.

These girls crack me up!!  Here they are singing and trying to dance while walking.  Abby has a wireless speaker in her hand and a song from Frozen is being played.

Another friend of mine also walked.  Olivia is giving Jacob a lift.

All done!!!! We did it!!!  Walked 5 miles!!!!!

Ruthie couldn't have a better friend!