Game Ball

Pop wasn't able to go with me to the tournament this weekend. But, he was able to go with me for their weekday game.  We loaded up and drove 3 1/2 hours there, watched a great game, and then drove back home!

A little pregame sidewalk chalk fun!  Reed's hat game is on point!

This looks a lot like love!

"Hey Pop, let me help you with your hat!"

I'm not sure how we occupied children before cell phones!

And back to the ballgame!  This hit was a double!  That's a one dollar hit!!

But this was a two dollar hit!! Homerun!!

Playing 2nd and showing good sportsmanship!

And she was presented the game ball!!  Way to go!!

Champs

Maddie's 8U softball team recently competed in an eleven team tournament.    They had to win 3 games to make it to the championship game.  Three of the four games were back to back to back!  (I'm going to take the high road on not comment on the most home team friendly bracket I've encountered!)  We arrived at the ballpark late morning and left 12 hours later!!  I'm happy to say that when we left, her team were undisputed champs!!  Their margins of victories ranged from 12 to 17 points!!  Lots of fun and lots of memories!!  Lindsey packed lots and lots of snacks, and we all pitched in and entertained the little ones!!  They were quite the troopers!  Lillian took a little nap, but Reed was full force all day long!!  After the first game, several of the families went to a local restaurant on the lake!

Prior to game one, everyone got a little snack! If you can keep them fed, you can keep them happy!

Game one-Forgive me,  but I'm going to brag!  This one has gotten her hitting figured out! I'm afraid I'm going to need a loan, since I'm paying a dollar per hit!  Her only out was actually her best hit of the day!  The third baseman made a great catch on a line drive down third!

More snacks for the little ones!  I swear I don't know how they afford to feed these two!

And back to the game! Another hit!  And another score!

Centerfield is wrapped up tight!

Fun in the wagon!  Also, Lillian is not sleeping!  She likes to take my phone, and slip and watch youtube.  We have both  gotten in trouble for that from time to time!

Game one is in the books!  We headed to eat at a nice little restaurant on the lake! Then we came back and hung out awhile!  Did I mention there was a three hour wait before they played the next 3 games back to back to back?

The restaurant had lots of fun games to occupy the little ones!

Game 2-More hits, more runs and more fun! And another big win!

And more snacks and a little nap!!

Game 3 -  This little one was getting tired, but she still played like a champ!!

And these two continued snacking and playing!

Another win in the books!  I'm not sure what secret Lillian was sharing with her dad!

Game 4- For some reason, I don't have many pictures of this game!  Trust me, it was a good one!!  12 hours and 11 teams later, they were crowned champs!!

All it took was a shiny medal to make this long day totally worthwhile!!  They have two more tournaments in addition to their regular games!  Whew! Let me also say that I really like her coaches.  I think I like them so much, because they coach like her Pop!

One of Maddie's coaches is the stepdad of a very special player on the team.  She was involved in a tragic auto accident in December.  In spite of a broken leg, TBI, other injuries,  and an extended hospital stay, she is playing catcher and an awesome batter!  She is truly a miracle, and I am honored that Maddie is able to be on the team with her! Below is her sign that hung on the dugout!

Play Ball!! After this tournament, they are 9-0!

Built by Bama

Over the years, we have been to countless Alabama football games, baseball games, and gymnastics meets. For some strange reason, we had never been to a softball game. Jeff and Adrienne (Josh and Lindsey's sweet friends) suggested we meet there. I am so glad we did! Our seats were in the brickyard, and couldn't have been more perfect! You can bring your chairs, and there was plenty of room for the little ones to run and play. There was even a hill for them to conquer!! Not only did Alabama win, we also got to see a grand slam! This is something I plan on doing often now!


Beautiful day and beautiful stadium! As long as there is a concession stand and a hill, these babies are happy!

This is an activity I hope to do again and again!


And on another note, progress is beginning to take shape on Caleb and Taylor's yard! Also, the granddog and I have been hanging out together! We are buddies!! Spending the day with Nana wears him out!!

Next up - more softball from Maddie! I had forgotten how much fun it was!!

Batter, Batter, Batter!

Pop and I were talking about all the baseball games and softball games we have attended over the years.  Between Lindsey and Caleb and now Maddie, we figure we are well over 1000. Wow!!  There is not much we have not seen or heard at the ball park, so little surprises me.  I have to admit, I watch the games a little differently now.   In one aspect, I am still highly competitive, but I could also care less if Maddie wins or looses.   I want her to be well coached (and she is), learn about the game, and enjoy playing.  With two little ones also tagging along to the ballpark, it can be quite entertaining and challenging!  They played the same team one afternoon and again the next morning.  To make things more interesting, both teams had lime green uniforms!

These two, especially Reed, are all about some eating!! That also keeps them entertained! It also doesn't hurt when there's a fun hill to play on!

Lindsey helped out in the dugout!   Maddie was getting ready to play!

When  Uncle C was little, he and I had a little pay to play deal!  He got a little money for each hit!  Maddie is now getting the same deal - A dollar for each hit and two for each homerun! One year, Uncle C actually bought a tv for his room with all of his earnings.  I don't think I ever told him, but we were planning on getting him a tv for his birthday, so we both came out pretty good that year!

Running the bases and headed for home!

That's a cute little three year old under that blanket watching a little Mickey Mouse!  And a cute little 22 month old eating everything he can get his hands on!!

Back to the ballgame!  Another hit and another score!

They won big and ended with prayer!!  

Game two!  Same two teams, but this time they played at Maddie's home field. This  time Reed and Lillian get to take a little wagon ride - and enjoy  another snack! Before we left home, Princess Anna stopped by  for a visit.

Just a little pregame fun with the coaches!

And a little more fun entertaining these two!

Maddie is the youngest on a team that consists mostly of girls that also play on a travel ball team.  She is doing a great job!  She is having a great time and learning so much!

Another big win is in the books!!  She has 5 games in 5 days!  Nana is headed back next week, and just can't wait!