Last baseball tournament

The boys played so hard in Wisconsin.  They played on turf which was different in a 3 day tournament.  The first day they won both pool play games.  The 2nd day was intense and they came from behind in extra innings to win (more on that later in blog post).  The final day they came from behind again to win the game that got them into the championship game.  The lost the game for 1st place but we were so proud of the mental grit that got them into that final match up.  The days were hot and boys were up late playing at the water park.

We tried to fuel up on any treat that kept us cool

In Saturday's game (loser out of tourney, winner goes on to Sunday games) the umps were clearly not on our side and we played a team with terrible sportsmanship.  We were in extra innings when Bobby slid home to beat the tag.  I was taking pictures and caught him going across the plate.  The coach for the other team started yelling that he hadn't crossed the plate and the ump decided to side against us and call Bobby out instead of safe for not touching the plate.  Fans/coaches and kids went from celebrating to yelling at the ump.  I had photographic evidence that this was the WRONG call and that Bobby was safe across the plate.  It was maddening....but the game went on and we fought hard to get the outs needed to end their inning and come back to another inning where we went on to score the game winning run.....again.  How amazing that the boys could face such disappointment and get back into the game to win it all over again.  I lost my voice yelling at the ump about my photo evidence but it all worked out in the end.

The hot days of baseball wore out the kids.  They slept on the ride back to the hotel.

Emmy and I got a lot of ice cream at the end of each day.  We took breaks from the baseball action to go shopping and had some nice dinners together.  I enjoyed my time with her and was happy to have those memories.

Emmy is still a favorite of all the little kids at the game.  She braids hair, gets her hair done......anything the little ones ask her to do.

Besties!

St. Mary's bound boys

Coaches

Bobby's baseball fan club

I am usually a hit with the young crowd as well

The sandlot crew

Bobby and his baseball coach dad

Some great napping weather

2nd place finish!

Some late evening walks with an ice cream ending.  I love my girl!
 

Mall of America

We made a stop at Mall of America (mostly for my Emmy girl who loves to shop) on our way to Wisconsin Dells.  Emmy spent all her money in about 24 hours!  We enjoyed rides and some great food too.  Robb could still hold packages with his one good arm.
 

Bobby and mommy's special days!

When we have the chance, Bobby and I have a tradition we like to call, "Mommy and Bobby's special day!"  Since Emmy is away at camp, Bobby has gotten to choose all the fun we have had this week.  Today we go to Raging Rivers and this week we've been to McDonalds (ice cream and cheeseburgers for Bobby), Cherry Berry, Amusement Park for rides and the basketball game (I can still manage to beat him yet), batting cages.
 

More baseball fun

Robb had to deal with the hot temps and humidity as he healed up from surgery to his biceps.  He will be so grateful to get the sling and wrapping off this week.  He could still keep stats with his one good arm!

Bobby has so much fun with his baseball friends.  They played 6 total games last weekend and won 4 of 6.  The two games they lost were super close!  The team played well and Bobby was a hitting machine.  He is playing so well right now and is at the top of his game.  Last night in the double header he went 5 for 6 with a walk mixed in as well.  The team won the Border Battle tournament last weekend and they were happy to celebrate.  We are off to Wisconsin next week for our final tournament.

 

July times two

Our Emmy girl headed off to Triangle YMCA Camp this week.  I've been missing her terribly!  I made sure to send a few care packages as surprises for camp.  I also made a last meal of funfetti pancakes before she went to Garrison ND for her week of independence.  Can't wait to hear about her adventures!

 20 plus years ago, my mom and I went to a JoDee Messina concert and she was back this year at Countryfest so we got to go again.  She gave a great show and we had so much fun.  I wore my old Wrangler shorts that have a long history.  I cut my dad's jeans off back in High school to make jean shorts and I still wear them.  He wasn't happy about his jeans becoming my shorts back then but we laugh about it now.

Bonfire and fireworks

We roasted marshmallows and hot dogs by the fire that evening at the Lake.  We watching the most amazing fireworks from a few houses away.  30 minutes of fireworks kept us very entertained.  Lexi told everyone Bobby was her new favorite friend.  He was so kind and patient with her and they played many games together.  When Bobby would play with Cameron or Mason.....Lexi did not like it.  She would come to tell on him to me.  "Auntie Jody, your boy won't play with me!"  I asked if Emmy (another favorite of hers) could play the game and she told me it was only a game for one girl and one boy.  When the fireworks started Bobby held her ears for her so they wouldn't be sensitive to the booms!

 

4th of July

We always go to the Art in the Park in Mandan 4th of July weekend.  The kids get snacks and sometimes we buy things too.  I went with Emmy to get some Dippin Dots and my sneaky Bobby went back to the shopping stands and picked out a beautiful necklace that says "Faith" on it.  He is so sweet and thoughtful and always trys to spend his money on me.  I'm a very lucky mom!

We spent a great day at the Lake with the Moldenhauers.  They were wonderful hosts!  Chad and Stacy both got in the cold water to help a determined Bobby get up on water skis.  He would not give up until he mastered the skis.  He got up after about 2 attempts and loved it so much he talked Uncle Chad into taking him for another ride at 9 am the next day.

We had a lot of good laughs watching the boys try very hard to stay on the inner tube.  Bobby had sore hands and forearms from how tight he held on.  Sometimes the boat would stop or pause and then Chad would hit the gas hard to catch Bobby not paying attention....and he would tumble right over the top.