Billy Turned 13!

Last week Billy turned 13 years old!!

The little kids didn't mind one bit being awakened an hour early to sing Happy Birthday  have doughnuts.

Billy got a phone for his birthday.  No internet; that was our compromise.  He seemed happy.

Mary decorated his cake.  He requested the Nike Elite design and she obliged.

He had a baseball game that night.  This was the calm before the storm.  When all of his teammates found out it was his birthday, they tackled him and gave him his birthday punches.

 

They did managed to sing Happy Birthday to him and then got one of these.

They're baseball cupcakes, in case you couldn't tell.

Then it was back home to sing one more time and enjoy that basketball cake and sherbert.

Dad was away, so he called to sing with us.

 The gift that really got the hoots and shouts was the bag of Gatorade, Slim Jims, and gum we got him.  Go figure.  

We're so proud of you Billy!  Thanks for making my dream of being a Mom come true. 

We love you.

Thankful Thursday-Late Edition

1.  Walks and bike rides on a perfect Spring day.

2. Playdates with friends. (for both me and Matt!)  This is Grace, and her mom is one of my best friends.  Love getting together with those two.

3. Cheap but yummy snack stand food that tides us over until a 9pm dinner!!

I hope he ordered up a smile.

4. Reilly--Mary's BFF who was at the ball field at the same time we were.  I don't know how, but she kept 3 of my kids occupied for the 2 hours I was watching the game.  Thanks Reilly!

5. Other kids at the ball field that keep the kids occupied.  Love how they can pick up and make friends so easily there.

6.  Skype for when Dad's away.

and probably the most important....

7.  Bounce dryer sheets and the "Freshen Up" button on the dryer.
Sometimes I forget to wash the baseball uniform before the next game.  Need I say more?  Don't judge.

Opening Day

The weather couldn't have been better this weekend. It was perfect for the boys' Little League Opening Day on Saturday and Billy and Mary Kate's first track meet.

 I had the pleasure of taking Billy and Tommy to the field for pictures early in the morning. A quick stop at Dunkin Donuts for a large coffee and my morning was off to a great start. It took about an hour or so for them to be done with their team pictures, but the atmosphere was full of excitement.

 With no time to waste Billy had to head back to the car to change from his baseball uniform into his track uniform!

What a dedicated athlete. I usually have a rule here.....one sports activity at a time.  Not sure what got into me the day we decided he could do both track and baseball. Anyway, I digress.

Bill came to the field just in time to whisk Billy away for his and Mary Kate's track meet while I stayed there for Opening Day ceremonies with Tommy. Just Tommy. Just me and Tommy. To enjoy. Sitting on the bleachers by myself, with my big ol' coffee watching that cute kid run onto the field with his team, waving his hat, listening to the National Anthem and the Little League Pledge. (am I being subtle enough that it was enjoyable being there without the other children? )  It was so nice to watch.  It's a great organization we've got here and I am amazed and very grateful at the dedicated people who run the league like a well oiled machine.

When we were finished there we rushed to see the rest of the track meet. Bill had everything under control....meaning, he raided the snack stand and sat Ann and Matt down with loads of junk food so they'd be happy campers.

I came just in time to see them do most of their events, and they did a fantastic job!

Did I mention that Billy, Mary Kate, and I are signed up for a 5K on May 5th? (I'm mentioning it now to hold myself accountable)
These children of mine definitely didn't get their athletic skills from me. Maybe they'll rub off on me. After all, they already inspire me!