Baseball 2012

Baseball season 2012 has come and gone and I must say, machine pitch is far more legit than tee ball.  Hank has really found a love for baseball this year.  He has such a knack for the game.  I am so impressed by his natural talent and athleticism.   

Bless Randy's heart for coaching these 12, sometimes out of control, 7 year old boys.  He has the patience of a saint and makes it his main objective to see they have a great experience.  

I can't believe Hank's eye black trend didn't catch on! 

 

Hank was the lead off hitter in every game and didn't disappoint.  He only failed to get on base once the entire season.  

He is such a competitor, always gives it 110%.  It's so fun to watch.

He seemed to be the only kid on the team that knew how to play catcher.

Hank can always count on having the biggest cheering section there.  This particular game included most of my family but throughout the season Randy's family made an impressive showing as well.  

Coach Griffin always had some wise words of wisdom after the games.  We were so sad when we found out we would be out of town for the Royals final game.  Good thing I have the most supportive, awesome family to pick up the slack.  Sarah took her picture taking job seriously and captured some great moments so I felt like I was there. 

I guess his mom forgot to pack his Royals hat...oopsies.  Go Cavemen?

Such a great season buddy!  I am so proud of my little Hanksta.  Such a stud.  I am looking forward to many more seasons of baseball with my boys.

If you are wondering where Randy and I were...

Vegas Baby!  Randy had an work trip with Safeco and I gladly accompanied him.  It was such a big deal for us to get away for a couple days.  We haven't left Hank overnight since his diabetes diagnosis over a year ago and the fact we had willing family members to take on the challenge, meant the world to both of us.  My mom and dad handled it like seasoned pros and made it possible for Randy and I to have a relaxing, rejuvenating vacation.  

We always have a great time together.  I'm so glad we had the chance to enjoy each others company, uninterrupted for 3 whole days.  We filled our days with golfing, eating delicious food, lounging by the pool, gambling, and dancing.  It's just what we needed.  I can't thank my family enough.

Rodeos, Water Fun, and Camps

I'm trying so hard to keep my blog up to date but things have been nuts around here.  This has been one of my craziest summers to date but I am loving every minute of it.  As the Lehi Round-up Rodeo approached this year, I made sure we kept up the tradition and rallied the troops.  Summer just wouldn't be complete without some cowboys and bucking broncs.  

Max liked the rodeo much more this year.  My kids will never admit this but I promise their favorite event was the girls barrel racing.  They were out of there seats cheering them on.  It was awesome.

Sam sat the rodeo out this year and had fun playing with grandma Jeri instead.

I had a brilliant idea to take the family up to Sundance for a leisurely picnic on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  When am I going to learn that nothing is leisurely with this group of hooligans?  Hank and Max love to drive each other crazy these days, Sam wanted to get in the river, and Randy was exhausted after an hour of dealing with all the fights and tantrums.  It seemed like a good idea.  At least the pictures look like we had a relaxing, stress free afternoon!

July has been HOT!  There isn't a place I'd rather be than the pool and my kids are always down for some water fun.  Remember how I spent hundreds of dollars on private swimming lessons last year?  Money well spent, since Hank and Max won't get in the water unless they have life jackets or it's less that 3 feet deep.  I found the perfect solution.

Kiddie Pool!.  It's shallow, cheap, and in my back yard, genius.  It's safe to say we've put swimming lessons on the back burner this year.  Hank would much rather lounge in 6 inches of water with his cousins anyway!

Plus Hank's been too busy going to sports camps.  He has made a new best friend this summer.  Dallin lives across the street and they spend every minute of the day together.  They went to golf camp together last week.  These two kill me, kindred spirits for sure.

Hank was a little bummed they weren't in the same group at camp but they made up for it later with a ride around the neighborhood.  I could hear them laughing all the way down the street.

Hank has turned into quite the little golfer this summer.  I love our golf dates. He has all the confidence in the world when he approaches the ball.  He can crush!

After two days at golf camp he had the chance to attend baseball camp at dear old AF High.  I have to say, dropping him off at my alma mater, made me really consider moving to American Fork so he can attend high school there.  It was crazy going back.  He had a blast and the Ingersol's took great care of him.

He even walked away with a Diet Coke from Jason's secret stash.  

The following two days were spent at diabetes camp in South Jordan.  He was certain diabetes camp sounded like the lamest idea ever but he was pleasantly surprised and had a great time.  He even made a new friend who lives in Highland. I had a chance to meet some great parents and attend some meetings as well.  It felt good to be surrounded by people who know what it's like to live with this disease day in and day out. 

Max and Sam endured early morning wake-up calls all week to cater to Hank's demanding schedule.  Max was a trooper as he was carted around to the mall, Costco, and the store.

I had to reward him with his new favorite breakfast food, a croissant.   He is the funniest kid around. 

Hank fell asleep about 10 seconds into the car ride home from diabetes camp.  As you can see, things around here are non-stop.  You sleep when you can.

I'm working the kids over pretty good this summer.

4th of July in Zion's

Every time I have the chance to go to Zion's, I am amazed at the breathtaking beauty. It is such a perfect location to have some quality family time. I enjoyed hanging out with my aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, and of course my little family. It's so great to reconnect with everyone. I have the most incredible family ever. Grandma Joanne was sorely missed this year. I thought about my grandparents so much. They would've been so touched by the efforts made by everyone to be together. I wish we could have stayed longer. The amount of crap we packed could have lasted us a week!  We really tried to make the most out of every moment there.  Once we arrived the kids were itching to get in the pool.

Their adorable grandparents were more than willing to play.

Hank spent as much time as possible in the pool.  He was so entertained playing catch with everyone.  I noticed out of the corner of my eye that he was diving through a tube in the pool.  How amazing...he just tried once and can dive now.  I'm pretty sure I spent an entire summer trying to learn how to dive.

Max swam for a few hours but decided he need a nap before dinner.

Later that night we enjoyed delicious food and spent hours catching up. Sam and Tom made an undeniable connection.  Once Tom gave him some bread , they were instant buddies and remained inseparable the rest of the vacation.  Too bad his new best friend couldn't spare me off during the night.  Sam had a bit of a rough one as evident by his awesome bed-head.  

The next day we enjoyed a home town parade.  It's by far the most pleasant parade experience I've ever had.  I've never shown up to a parade 5 minutes before it started and had a front row seat.

Hank, Max, Gabe, Chloe, and Dylan

I think I saw my dad dive for a tootsie roll during the parade, all while holding Sam.

Our group quickly dominated the parade route.

Besides perfect seating in the shade, a good parade requires LOTS of candy and my kids weren't disappointed.  Max frantically collected every morsel he could see.

My little diabetic with his hat full of candy.

After the parade which lasted approximately 10 minutes (another plus), we decided to tube the river.  The river guide warned us that the water was pretty shallow and it may require more work that last year.  Max and Randy decided to sit it out and Grandpa Curt graciously babysat Sam.  

Hank, my mom, and I forged onward, excited for the adventure.  I've kinda always wanted to be a river guide...little known fact.

Here are the brave rafters.  From the left Dylan, Chloe, Zoe, Jill, Jessie, Polly, mom, Annie, Hank, Shellie, Jeff, Riley, Gabe, Jil, Phil, and Larry.  

It took close to three hours and lots of maneuvering around rocks but we made it.  Hank handled it like a champ and my mom was quite a trooper.  Despite the effort it took to get down, it was worth it.  Anytime I can be in water, looking at the beautiful surroundings, I'm down.  I'm always up for an adventure.  It makes for great memories.

Hank jumped on grandpa's motorcycle when we returned and we headed off for some delicious Mexican food.  I swear Hank is the energizer bunny.  He never stopped the entire day.  The second we got back, he was in the pool until it was time for dinner.  Max and Sam needed to rest up a bit before our next adventure.

We had some delicious appetizers before dinner courtesy of Phil and my mom.  As long as there are carrots (Sam), teddy grahams (Max), and diet coke (Hank) my kids are happy.

Hey mom!

My dad kept Sam occupied with ice cubes and his crazy facial expressions!

Larry and Becky provided a fantastic BBQ at a near by park later that evening.

Sam was more interested in studying faces than smiling for pictures.

He is admiring his grandma's beauty here.  Such a darling picture of of my mom.

Hank and Gabe were pretty much inseparable.  They had such a great time together.

We even managed to take a decent family picture.  Man I love my boys.

We couldn't watch fireworks but Keith entertained us with some tunes.  Gabe, Monet, Riley and Hank had front row seats.  

Sam and his buddy Tom, danced along.  Tom even offered to watch Sam while the rest of us went on a hike the next morning.  Sam almost jumped into his arms when I dropped him off that morning.  Tom might be a better mom than I am!  I didn't worry one second, I knew he was well taken care of.

We did a small hike, actually the perfect distance with little kids.  It was overcast which felt awesome.  Randy, Max, mom, and I brought up the rear.  Max likes to dilly dally.  Hank on the other hand, blazed the trail with Gabe and Zoe.

Max called this the bear cave.

Everywhere I looked, was incredible beauty.

Max managed to drink his chocolate milk as he walked.

He climbed up to join the trail bosses when we finally reached the top.

It wouldn't be an outing if Randy didn't do his famous pose.

Love this pic!  My little boy is growing up.

Gabe and mom

Here is our early morning hiking crew minus Michael, Shellie and I.

Thankfully we didn't attempt a longer hike since Max made Randy carry him the entire way back to the car.  Sam had a blast with his new friend and was ready to nap the second we returned.  

Unfortunately, we had to check out by noon and interrupt his heavenly nap.  The kids continued to play in the pool for a few more hours and then we made the trip back home.  We had such a fantastic time, I didn't want to leave!  Next year, we are staying at least one day longer. This was a summer highlight for all of us.