Softball and a Birthday

We enjoyed a recent trip to see Lillian play a couple of softball games and to help Maddie celebrate her 10th birthday.  The visit was extra special because Uncle C, Aunt Tay and John Sawyer were able to join us.  Pop and I are actually headed back tomorrow for another softball game and a soccer match. These trips can be slightly tiring, but I am so thankful we can do it.  The smiles make each mile worth it!


Pop doing a little through the fence coaching!  Her little team is undefeated so far.  She is lead off batter and plays either shortstop, second or in the pitcher's circle.

John Sawyer's first game.

The cheering section!

Congratulating Lillian on a great game!

Maddie's birthday supper at her very favorite Mexican restaurant!

Smiling at his cousins!

Feeding Lillian his chips!

Sweet Reed!

Playing Peek a Boo!

Uncle C with the Birthday Girl!

 Love this sweet birthday girl!

Senioritis's  ready to blow out the candles!

Enjoying the celebration!

Present time!

We blinked and ten years passed!!

Ten

I had heard for many years how wonderful it is being a grandparent.  But it wasn't until Madelyn Grace Smith was born 10 years ago that I realized just how amazing it really is.  Maddie is super smart, inquisitive, nurturing, patient and succeeds at everything she chooses to do. I love that she likes trying new things.  Right now, she's into martial arts and loves it. My grandmother and I had such a special bond, and I am so thankful to be so close to her, and all my grandchildren. There is no greater blessing!


A few recent pictures-

And a few from the past!  I literally could choose from thousands of pictures of her.  I will also admit that I got a little teary eyed going through the pictures. Time really does fly!

Oh my!  She's not the only one that's changed in 10 years!

I feel like we blinked and a decade passed! 

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!  You are very loved.

Grey Wolves

Pop and I traveled across the state yesterday to watch the Grey Wolves in action.  I am happy to say that they did not disappoint!  I know the word precious is not used often in sports-but maybe it should be!  They were just that-precious!  I have to say that it's a lot like herding cats at this age.  Maddie has the hardest job on the field.  She's the bench coach, and she definitely has her hands full!


So proud of these three!  The sun was super bright!



A little pre game warm up!

I think Reed's offering his dad a little free coaching advice!

This was actually the second of his three goals!  The first one I was jumping up and down, and totally missed it!  Pop got the third one on video.  He was simply awesome!  He has gotten the hang of it, and is having a ball!

Way to go Buddy!

After his game, we headed across town to catch a little of this cuties practice. 

We are heading back this weekend for a couple of Lillian's games, and to celebrate Maddie's 10th birthday.  More on that next!

Spring Fun

With Spring comes Spring sports!  With Spring sports comes lots of road trips across the state.  I actually traveled 6 hours to watch a 24 minute soccer game this week-and loved every second of it! Josh is the head coach, Maddie is his assistant, and Reed is the cutest little soccer player ever!! Lillian is loving softball!  She is on the team with many of the same players from last year, so that's lots of fun!  Maddie began martial arts a few weeks ago, and is loving it!  John Sawyer is just his cute, precious little self!

What's up with this little duck? You just never know what Pop is going to come up with...…..

I guess you call it "duck fishing!"

Way to go Maddie!

We are so proud of this sweet girl! She got a new belt.

I just can't believe this one is old enough to be participating in sports!  Time flies-and so does he!!  My favorite part of watching him is this sweet smile!

Josh truly has the patience of a saint!  He was made for this job!  His assistant coach is pretty awesome, too.

Cheese! (Check out that tooth of Lillian's.  It's been hanging sideways for quite a while now.)

This one is a framer...….

Warming up...……

For This!!! His first goal ever! And the crowd goes wild!  Well, at least his momma and Nana did!

This little one is doing awesome in softball.

 This so reminds me of her mom!  As soon as she crossed home, she looks over at us!

She had the pitcher circle locked up!  She also played short and second.

And last but not least, this one has us wrapped tightly around his finger.  He is growing and talking up a storm!  He was watching Pop work outside the window, and chattering non-stop!

Now that's some really good sleep!

Next up, more softball and soccer!