Ready for summer!

3 more days of school. Only 3 more days until summer break (or summer madness)!

I still don't know which way is up or down and feel like I have been smacked with a baseball repeatedly so guess I can relate somewhat to how Kelsey and Ryan feel on the ball field. Averaging 7-9 games per week, I am not ashamed to admit we are all exhausted. I don't know about the rest of the family, but I am ready for a break from any kind of sport that has the word BALL in it!

Kelsey loved softball and the coach called her a "beast" because she was one determined little girl and tried her hardest every time at bat. She has quite a swing and definitely is going to be a competitive athlete no matter what the sport. Even though her team was mainly 5 and 6 year old's, there weren't enough in that age group across the association so they played up and competed against 7-8 year old's. Despite the experience and size difference, the girls held their own!

Link to Softball album:

https://picasaweb.google.com/116296574454447859483/CloverHillBullDogsSoftballSpring201402?authkey=Gv1sRgCMDJupyKs76JSQ#

Ryan has really come into his own. Just over the past week, something clicked and he has turned into quite the ball player. He is blocking the ball like no one has ever seen before and consistently hitting. Of course I am a bit biased but even the toughest of the coaches out there (yes, coach dad) is speechless and is beyond impressed. Despite his new found confidence and talent, it breaks my heart to see my little man get hurt. I can imagine myself still wanting to run out on the field every time he gets hit when he is in high school, but instead I sit back and clinch my teeth and fight back the tears until I see him get up and get right back in the game. I truly understand what my mom means when she says, "you will always be my baby". Ugh, I don't want him to grow up. I want him to stay this age forever.

I guess I need to accept that if both kids continue to play BALL, my life will consist of long days and nights at the ball field and hours devoted to cleaning sweaty socks, dirty uniforms and stinky "cups". It will all be worth it as long as they are having fun and staying active and I will be OK not having much of a life for now because I know it won't be like this forever!

Ryan's big catch

So proud of my little man...

Winter Time Fun

It only took a few months but I finally uploaded the pictures from Christmas, basketball, Daddy/Daughter dance, etc. Check out the links to view the albums and a few below.

https://plus.google.com/photos/116296574454447859483/albums/5970406058621562769?authkey=CMLAivvB4dnRzQE

https://plus.google.com/photos/116296574454447859483/albums/5983389019283836273?authkey=CL_2reuQ_LfU-wE




Riley is growing so fast!

 

Ski bums!

 

Basketball Stud!

 

 

Little Princess going to her first dance!

Welcome to the family!!

Some may say it is too soon, but for us it was the perfect time to add to our family and with Casey's "blessing" we are proud to welcome Riley to our home!!

Born September 23, 2013 in Winston-Salem, NC, little miss Riley is a sealed reverse brindle boxer who has already won the hearts of everyone in the house. She brings such great energy, love and of course unimaginable cuteness and this little 5 pound bundle is already growing and changing before our eyes.

I will admit it has been a bit of an adjustment to be a mom to a "newborn" again, but it is all worth it when I see the joy she brings to everyone. We are working hard to train her and she is adjusting well. She has such a sweet disposition and we are excited for this new journey!!

 

 

 

Ha! That last one makes me laugh so hard...

Ghosts, Goblins, Cinderella and a Crash Test Dummy?

Halloween Fun in the burbs!

 

  

...and a small tribute to Casey girl -

 

Saying goodbye...

It has been a sad few weeks in the Grant household as we had to say goodbye to our first baby, Casey, on October 7th. Casey was an unforgettable pet, friend and playmate for over 11 years. Our little jumping bean, snuggle buddy, horsey, cone head...you can rest peacefully now and hope you know we will miss you dearly and will forever keep you in our hearts. 

Sleep well Casey girl...we love you.

 

 

 

 

School and Baseball, Baseball and School...oh my!

School is back in session and Kels Kels is in KINDERGARTEN. Can you believe it? KINDERGARTEN. Where does the time go? She loves riding the bus with her big brother and is making new friends which is so exciting!

It is so fun to watch Kelsey and Ryan grow more independent each day. To watch them both ride away on the bus takes my breath away and makes me step back and reminds me to appreciate and cherish each day with them. Of course this can be challenging with all of the sibling bickering and daily battles with homework and the daily routine, but I manage to find a minute or two to soak in these fleeting moments of pure peace and happiness amidst all the chaos.

 
With school comes all of the activities and this fall Kelsey is joining in the ranks with her brother and decided to give T-ball a try. She is a rock star and is fearless, loving every minute of the action, going up to bat, throwing and catching, and tagging people out (even though they don't call outs in T-ball). Of course she is still 4 (for a few more hours), so she does have her moments of kicking the dirt, picking flowers, and busting a move during the long games (yes, I witnessed her breaking out into a silly dance routine by herself on the field), but that is all to be expected.

 

I find such gratification just watching her be a kid and learn the game in a non-stressful/non-pressured environment which is much different than where Ryan is these days.

Ryan is playing travel ball for Richmond Elite, which is year round and involves weekend tournaments. He gets so nervous and is a perfectionist with his form, yet such a natural so I can only encourage him and hope his confidence shines through as he learns more about the game and relaxes a little (and stops worrying about everyone else and trying to impress Coach dad!)

My little babies are growing up right before my eyes and my heart breaks a little each day because I know one day I will have to let them go, so for now, I will continue to take deep breaths and will laugh under my breath at the glares, the "mean mommy" comments and the constant challenges of parenthood and will remind myself to find humor in it all!!

Many more pictures to see, click here: https://plus.google.com/photos/116296574454447859483/albums/5924401866043542513?authkey=CKGn7P2iy_GuNg


Until next time...