Cousins

The kids had fun with the Butler cousins over the July 4th weekend. Lots of water play (in the yard and two different pools), fireworks, and Mine Craft. 

Driving Mike's rhino to the Linder's for a swim. 

Slip-N-Slide fun. 

I think they exceeded capacity!

July 4th Fun

We stayed in Manhattan for the 4th of July and enjoyed the three day weekend.  Although neither Adam or I are into fireworks, we let the kids pick out a few.  They lit smoke bombs and firecrackers while we grilled out for lunch (on the 4th).  That evening we went to the Foltz's where a whole herd of kids played baseball and lit off fireworks.  Only two minor injuries--Miles had a spark hit him on the cheek and Graham grabbed the hot end of a used sparkler and burned his thumb.  We had round 2 celebrations on the 5th at the Butler's house where Uncle Rhett put on his usual impressive show.  

Graham having fun with snappers.

Smoke bomb fun.  I think they were pretending to come out of the K-State tunnel at football games.

Graham "lighting" a firework.  He enjoyed the light and run approach.

The bigs getting their firework safety demonstration.

 Owen lighting something that is supposed to fly.

The last firework on the 5th fired the wrong direction.  We didn't realize it until later, but Miles must have had a spark land in his lap.  

Graham loved the glow bracelets and necklaces that Aunt Michelle brought.  A week later they are still in his room.

Owen Baseball Wrap Up

Owen recently finished his fourth season with the Braves.  I don't know their overall record, but it seemed like they won more than they lost.  As usual, he had a lot of fun with his teammates, and we continued to enjoy the families we have become friends with through baseball.  He continued to play short stop and pitcher, although he caught quite a bit this year as well.  I doubt there's a position he dislikes!  He hit the ball really well, and did a good job in the field although he sometimes struggled mentally when he had to pitch in tough situations.  Some highlights of the season included winning tournaments in Salina and Clay Center, winning their first two games in state tournament play, spending time in KC (for games and visiting family/friends), and the man weekend with Adam and teammate Brett in McPherson.

 Hoping for a strike out while playing catcher.

Leading off, hoping to steal third base.  Personally, I hope he dives or slides in the dirt--to make washing white baseball pants worthwhile :)

Pitching at a couple of different KC tournaments.   Looks to me like it will be a strike!

Some of them don't look very happy, but this was taken after they won the Clay Center tournament.  Maybe they were just tired since we started play at 8:00 AM and finished at 10:00 PM.

Miles Baseball Wrap Up

Miles recently completed his first "real" season of baseball.  This year he played machine pitch with the Manhattan Titans.  He only knew a couple of the boys when the team was formed, but he enjoyed the new guys and made some friends from different schools.  He played short stop the entire season, minus a couple of experimental innings.   His hitting was strong, and he spent most of the season as the first batter in the line up.  Overall, the team did pretty well in their first year. They got their butts kicked by some experienced KC teams, but won (or played close) most of the other games.  

Although having two kids playing traveling baseball kept us busy (and sometimes divided), we loved watching Miles and his team play.  He's already looking forward to kid pitch next year and asking if he can play fall ball.  For now, we will continue to play catch, hit the batting cages, and attempt to strike out fake batters while pitching to his catcher, Owen.

 Playing short stop (photos from Hays tournament).

 Miles with his good friend and teammate, Logan.

 Hustling to first base in Topeka tournament.  Notice he is #9, just like Owen.

Posing with a few teammates after the last league game in Manhattan.