All-Stars Game 1

Andrew had his first All-Star game against Ankeny on Tues. He has 3 more games this week and IF his team wins their pool, then they'll move on to districts.

Andrew is batting 4th and hit a single here in this photo.


Trying to steal his way home.





SAFE!!!!


You can't tell from the photos here, but a storm quickly blew in. The game was able to be called in 4 innings since Johnston won by 10 runs. Final score was 13-3.

Clare playing in a pick up game next to the field Andrew was playing on.


Ruth calling out to her brother in the dugout. So cute!! He is standing in front of #8 talking.

4th of July

We spent our 4th in Ottumwa to celebrate my grandpa's 91st birthday. After unpacking our stuff, we headed to my uncle Mike's house for the celebration. Soon we found out that the guest of honor was sick. BUMMER!!! This was a first for my grandpa to miss the celebration. It wasn't the same without him. My mom, Chris, and I went to visit him the next day and he was feeling better.

My grandma came for a little bit but then went back home to be with my grandpa.


Natalie, Ruth and Olivia


Sara and I


My mom and I


Ruth liking slide on the bounce house.


The boys hangin' out.


Checking out some of the fireworks.


Happy Anniversary Chris and Sara!!!!

Park and Paintin' Nails

In our neighborhood park, there is a family that owns a horse and its fence backs up to the park. This is the first time this year Ruth has seen 'Brownie.' She was over checking it out.





After the park, Clare and her friends came back to our house. They wanted to paint their nails. Ruth was up for it as well, putting her feet out for someone to paint them.

Love for her Daddy and Freezie Pops

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.

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.

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.