End of Another Season

Payton wrapped up his second season of baseball this week. And although he says he "might" want to play again in the Spring, I am happy to have the rest of this holiday season be baseball-free. That will free up two additional days in our week, and with all that goes on around Christmastime, it's nice to know that our schedule is freeing up quite a bit.

The main team coach hosted the end-of-the-season party at his house. It was perfect because they have a huge backyard where the kids could run around and be crazy, but they also had a huge outdoor patio area where the adults could hang out and talk.

I ended up collecting money from everyone and purchasing the coach's gifts. I think they turned out pretty cute.

After the kids filled up on chips, pizza and Capri Suns, they all gathered for a few more encouraging speeches from each coach and then trophy presentations (definitely the kids' favorite time of the season!).

Payton was so excited to get another trophy!

 (Sorry for the crazy look, he was just really excited!)

Then they all huddled together for one last "Gooooooo Yankees!"

What a cute bunch of kids. And what amazing coaches we had this season!

Until Spring, we bid adieu to baseball!

Recently

Life has slowed down significantly in the past week. Within about 10 days, we had our last baseball game (e.g. no more weeknight practices), our last Bible study (that we hosted in our house every Wednesday evening), and Payton completed his first year of Cub Scouts (which also means no more weeknight meetings).

Maybe this is a little taste of what life will be like in a couple weeks when school lets out. Only 16 more days left... not that Payton's counting or anything. :)

So, with a little more freetime on our hands, we've been...

Attending a LEGO workshop at our local library with Payton's budding, Max & Quinn:

 Playing "baseball" on the back porch:

 He's definitely been watching his brother!

 We just have to remind Payton that if he wants to hit off the tee, he has to go outside. That kid can whack a ball!

 Painting with sidewalk paint:

 Which of course includes painting yourself too!

Rollerblading while letting go of helicopter balloons:

(What? Like that's not normal?)

Going to the park and experiencing nature:

And getting big-boy haircuts:

 He looks so big to me now!

 Of course he wouldn't sit still for a good picture, so this is all I could get.

Totally shows his personality though. :)

And while our calendar has let up, don't think for one second that life in this household has slowed down one bit. In fact, I think with little man practically running now, life has sped up quite a bit!

The Season Finale

This weekend was Payton's last baseball game of the season. And although we were sad to see it come to an end, we sure were proud of how awesome he did!

Both sets of grandparents came in for his last game, which was so very special for all of us!

 Clearly Parker was very interested in having hi picture taken. Ha!

 How cute are they??

 Again, cute photo... minus Parker who wasn't cooperating one bit with my attempts at picture taking.

After the game, the Coach held a pool party at his house.Wow, was it incredible! Baseball-themed everything! From the balloons & cake, to the plates & napkins. They even got a waterslide bounce house. The kids were in heaven!

 My parents were able to spend the night, so after the party, we got to spend the afternoon together.

We played in the front yard...

We played in the backyard...

 Thanks again Dad for helping us hang this new swing for Parker! He begs to go in it every time we go in the backyard. I'm so glad you were able to figure it out. :)

 

We even got to have a little Cinco de Mayo celebration with homemade guacamole, Skinny Girl Sangrias and a full taco bar. Yum!

 And of course, we couldn't forget to watch the Kentucky Derby!

We all picked our favorite horses (based solely on names and the jockey's shirt colors of course) and I think Payton's horse was the only one that placed in the top 10. Good thing we were only betting each other. :)

What a fun-filled weekend. Thanks to all the grandparents for making it such a special game for Payton. Your love & support means the world to us!

Congratulations Payton on your 1st baseball season. We couldn't be more proud of how you played, how you supported your teammates, and how you embraced learning a new sport. We love you so much!