Fall Ball - Generals Style

We thought we would be at the football field this fall.

However, if ANYONE says, "Baseball," to Carter - 

he is there.

So we found ourselves at the ball park again this fall and loved seeing the boy in action.

He played a little short, first, pitcher but he was MOST excited about playing catcher.

I love watching Carter play any sport, but there is something about him playing baseball.

You can see the love for the game in everything he does.

Here are some of my favorite shots of the season.

A Little Night of Baseball

With LB at camp, this was the perfect opportunity to take Carter to the 

Jackson Generals' baseball game.

They are our minor league team in town and we enjoy going whenever we can.

We are super excited that Hayley is in Jackson this summer and she was MORE than

happy to meet us at the game.

Connor's brother, Stephen, is back with the Generals so he gave us tickets to the game.

It was great!

My one wish for the game was to see Stephen pitch.

Every time I go, he doesn't pitch.

Damon and Connor (who we were texting during the game) were quite the pessimistic 

guys saying Stephen wouldn't pitch for MULTIPLE reasons.

I only wanted ONE pitch to ONE batter just so I could say I had seen him pitch.

and....

what do you know?

9th inning...

2 outs...

and look who comes in....

STEPHEN!!!!

I was thrilled and got my EXACT wish - 

one pitch to one batter!

I can cross that off my list now!

Carter was thrilled to get to talk to him afterwards.

By talking to him, he also got the game winning ball, batting gloves and another ball.

What a night!!!

Another Season Comes to an End

I really don't like senior days, but this one wasn't AS bad

because my 2 seniors are coming back for an extra semester!

I did cry.

It's not a senior day if I don't.

Proud of all of our boys!

Best of luck!

We love you!

A Beautiful Night for a Ballgame

We are always up for a baseball game, and Dollar Night at the Jackson Generals is always

a hit.  We get our tickets from Stephen, but dollar hot dogs, drinks and popcorn?  Sign me up!!!!

We went with my aunt, uncle, Tonya and Keegan this night, and had a blast!!

Carter got to meet some of the Tennessee Smokies (Cubs AA team).

The kids just enjoyed being together and loved talking ball during the whole game!

Isn't this just beautiful!!!!

This was my protection for the night from foul balls. I did not feel too safe!

The Generals were losing and were NOT putting in Stephen much to my chagrin.

Our family is a huge believer of the rally cap and Carter tried to help out a bit

but it didn't help . . . 

We were super pumped when we bought a pack of Generals baseball cards and whose card happened

to be in there - STEPHEN'S!!!!!!!!

Despite the Generals' loss . . . 

Despite the fact that Stephen did not pitch . . . 

It was a great night for baseball.

but when isn't it a great night for baseball?

West TN Sliders Season Ending Tournament

We enjoyed our last weekend tournament for the summer this weekend.

The boys have come so far and did a great job!

We played 3 games on Saturday and Carter pitched in two of them.

BE. STILL. MY. HEART.

I actually did better in the game he STARTED than the one where he came in as a reliever!

Go figure!

Here are just a few shots from the weekend. . . 

Like I said earlier, this was a difficult decision to move to travel ball, but I really feel we made the best decision for Carter (and for us).  We really enjoyed not having to be at games during the week and we loved our Slider family.  Carter grew so much as a baseball player and, if it possible, his love for the game grew as well.  So, for now . . . we are taking 2 weeks off and then we will get back at it for the fall.  As always . . . .

Go SLIDERS!!!!!

Boys' Trip!!!!

Carter's baseball team took a trip to St. Louis this past weekend.

They got to see the Cardinals play the Rangers.

LB and I decided that it needed to be a boys' trip, so we stayed at home and said,

"Happy Father's Day and Happy Birthday to Damon!!"

Yes, we dress in FULL gear when we go to the games!

They got Yu Darvish's autograph - the WHOLE goal of the trip!

and there it is  - somewhat!!!

My boys - after a 3 hour rain delay!!!!!!

We have been so blessed with Carter's team this year.  There are such good boys and families on the team.  We have loved our Slider family!! Carter and Damon enjoyed the game after the 3 hour rain delay and yes, they made it awake for the ENTIRE game (which did not end until about 1:00 in the morning).  Best part (besides Yu Darvish's autograph) was THE RANGERS WON!!!!!!!

Back to the Generals

Damon was a dear and took the kids with some of our dearest friends to the 

Jackson Generals game again the other DAY - not night - DAY!

Carter was pumped and still a little mad that last time he did not get to see Stephen pitch, so

he made this sign to take with him.

You know because I am SURE the coach is looking into the stands to convince him who to put in the game!

I did not get to go with them because of a previous engagement, but the kids had a HOT day at the ball park.  However, the Generals are so smart.  They take care of things like that for you.

Today was Super Splash Day. We kept wondering what that was all about.

Here's the low-down.

Super Splash Day = the Fire Department being there with the fire hose to spray the fans down EVERY half inning.

Super Splash Day = 4 Happy Kids!

They were drenched but they had oh so much fun!!!

Let's Go, Generals!!!

We have always enjoyed going to the local double A Mariners baseball games.

We especially love going now because we have someone to cheer for - Stephen!!!

Stephen is Connor's brother and he is fabulous to leave us tickets when we want to go.

We never know if we are going to see Stephen play or not because he is a relief pitcher, but we enjoy

going.

LB will say she does not enjoy the ballgames but she does.

Tonight though she was ALL about the food!  On the menu was Dippin' Dots for sure.

Then, she and her friends screamed loud enough they got an ice cream sandwich!!

A great night for a ballgame with great food and friends!!!!

Take Me Out To The Museums and Ballgame

Our last day in DC was a COLD COLD COLD one.

So we spent it in the Museum of American History and the Museum of Natural Science.

We saw a lot of great stuff!!!

Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz

We LOVE Kermit!!!!

WICKED!!!!!!

Finally found Jackie Robinson!!!

He was NOT fond of the WWII helmet.

Laura Beth the Riveter!!!  She said it was HARD work! 

with Grant's carriage

President Carter

President LB

LB and Carter with triceratops  

An elephant's leg bone compared to LB

Aunt Imo and Uncle Jim joined us at the Natural History Museum

We did tried some "touristy" shots before we headed to Nationals Stadium for the ball game.

Carter was THRILLED to finally make it to Nationals Park for a game verses the Phillies.

We were so appreciative of our tickets that Mr. Brian (Connor's dad) left for us.

It was a BLAST!!!!

Not dramatic AT ALL!!!!

 While Carter and Damon watched batting practice, LB and I hung out and got to meet the presidents.

LB and George Washington

LB with Thomas Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt

LB and Abe Lincoln

LOVED our seats!!! 

He was so excited!!!!

What a great last day we had together!!!!