Discoveryland

Some friends invited us to Discoveryland a few weeks ago. I'm pretty sure had I suggested this, Rick would have never agreed. In the end, it was nice to experience something different than our traditional summer activites and nice to share an evening with friends. The kids had seen high school students perform the play, "Oklahoma" earlier in the year so they felt they were quite the experts.

This girl is from Skiatook!

Sweet Summer

Yesterday was officially the first day of summer. Unlike the past few weeks, it was a gorgeous day so we headed to the park for a picnic. Maybe what we've enjoyed most about summer is the ability to just be spontaneous, be it going for a bike ride, the park or just staying up past our bedtime. As you will see, we've started the summer reading program and have spent our fair share of time in or near the pool.

I've already seen backpacks out in stores and online. When I see this, I just cringe and look the other way. We still have many more lazy days to enjoy!

Family Reunion 2011

Say the word family reunion and most conjure up images of "older" people and lots of casseroles. However, this is one family reunion that we have come to look forward to. Many of my very extended cousins in my mom's family meet up every two years at Lake Murray for a weekend of outdoor fun.

Unfortunately, this year we had a scheduling conflict; after some discussion and a little girl begging, we decided that Delaney and Rick would go to her state softball tournament.

So, the boys, dog, and I all headed to Ardmore on our own. Baylor worried that I might not be able to drive that far by myself!
























It was 100+ outside when we arrived, but the boys were ready for a camp fire. Jax also thought that this was the "our" wood pile that we had collected two years ago.




















Considering the warm temperatures, we spent time by the pool. The boys really enjoyed the weekend adventure. Uncle Patrick and Aunt Julie took them for a round of putt-putt golf and they spent lots of time being boys outdoors. They especially enjoyed spending time with Justin.

Aunt Glenda tried to get everything in line for our next reunion in 2013.























The wind actually kept us from building a fire so we had to use the grill for s'mores.

For the Love of Softball

When you play SEVEN games in one day, not to mention the summer heat, you have to truly love the game. The Diamond Divias played two games in the morning for pool play, earning a second seed for the tournament. We left the park a little after noon to eat and then returned around 1:30 for our 2:00 game. From 2:00 on the girls played 5 straight games. For the most part, we were playing "fresh" teams, who had some sort of break. Even when it would look like the girls were down and out, they would come back.

During our fourth straight game, we were down by five runs, and up for last bat. We tied up the game, but had two outs on us. Another girl hit a single and then Delaney was up to bat. Even though she hadn't struck out since the first game of the day, I still was very nervous for her. She ended up hitting a double and then the girl following her hit the ball to knock two runners in, to win the game. The beauty of it was the girls had no idea what was on the line and were just playing ball. I love the innocence and the fact that they can just continue to have fun and play ball without the pressure.

Delaney did her fair share at playing catcher and didn't complain once. Honestly, she was still going strong in the last game. Our girl is turning into quite the softball player. You can just see the determination in her eyes to make a play.

We finished third and couldn't be more proud of these girls for their determination and perseverance.

Recital 2011

This year was Recital Rewind, featuring favorite dances over the past 20 years. Even though she dances throughout the year, there is still a different sparkle about her recital night. I love watching all of the girls perform. It just keep getting better every year.

Car Wash

Wind Beneath My Wings

Group performance: Raining Men

And because it's the best of the past 20years and a crowd and dancer favorite, Thriller. I've gotten my use out of this $5.oo costume.