Baseball 2023 Season - Part II

Kade finally got a game in! This is his first year of 7-8 Coach pitch baseball and he said he more prefers being in the field than hitting. 

He very much loves being in the shortstop and second base position. 

For Kade's 7-8 league, after 8 or so pitches, the player gets to hit off the tee. The first few at bats he struggled a bit to get a hit. Of course the third time at bat, the one I did not video, he was able to hit the ball off the pitch!

We've had lots of group baseball time in the backyard too!

Another day, another baseball game! 

Kade got a hit!! He's so fast!

He's so focused practicing his swing!

On Monday, May 15th the Met's (Brock's team) played a game versus the Padres. We had a nice friendly competition - their starting pitcher is a boy that swims with Brock. Brock vs. Chase pitcher exposition.

Unfortunately, his aim was not exactly on point when Chase was up to bat. Oops - poor Chase!

But he did well with the others!

Good pitching overall Brock! Compliment from Assistant Coach Brad "Best pitching you've ever done." That got Brock to smile!

Getting a little hitting coaching from Dad before his turn. 

Chase's turn to pitch to Brock! Alas - he didn't hit him. 

Another day, another view of Brock's hitting stance! It was hot that day, so this is all I took.  

Kade however, had a great evening game!

Kade is doing so much better as the season progresses - consistently finding those hits!

Mother's Day Celebration 2023

Mother's Day this year I asked if our family could take a little walk through NC State's JC Raulston Arboretum. It was gorgeous with everything in bloom!

One of the first things we spotted was this adorable little bunny! 

I didn't even recognize this huge tree as a crepe myrtle! We read about the significance of these trees - five were planted in the 1950's - the oldest ones planted in the USA (two were eventually moved away from Raleigh, but the original 5 are all still alive!). 

Then I just got in a happy place taking pictures of all the beautiful flowers and plant life! 

A bee hotel! Brock was not happy to put his back to the bees. 

My Pacific Northwest born kids - too much sun!!!

He's so good looking. 

This one is another Crepe Myrtle - a yellow bark/leaves type!

Waterfall picture - so handsome!

When we returned home, I took a picture of our own little oasis in our backyard! What a pretty purple flower! 

We had the privilege of having Blaine visit right before he started his new summer work intern program at UNC-Chapel Hill! He joined us for an amazing steak dinner on Mother's Day Sunday right before his first day of work on Monday!

Baseball 2023 Season - Part I

 

Brock's last year of 9-10 Player Pitch baseball was a bit different - this year, Brent decided to sign up for Head Coach! After years of considering, 2023 was the year! March 23rd was the Mets' first practice. 

There were quite a few boys returning from last year, so this was a really good group! Brent was getting a feel for each kids' level of play during that first practice. 

Brock was ready! New cleats for this year - growing so fast!

He had so much fun, they came home and pitched a bit more in the front yard!

We had to take a mini hiatus for Spring Break, but then we were all baseball afterwards - including GAMES! Brock started out as starting pitcher and had a few great hits! How does he not get anxious up there as pitcher in front of everyone - I have no idea.  

A new rule for the 9-10 age this year - after 4 balls pitched by the pitcher, they do not walk to first - instead they get a soft toss from a coach. That way they are still able to "hit" to get on base. Something else Brent had to practice!

Kade watching big brother on third base. 

Good feeling winning that first game 6-4 against the Brewers. 

This year Town of Cary moved up their Baseball extravaganza weekend at Thomas Brooks park to earlier in the season - loved it because it wasn't so ridiculously hot out there like in year's past!

Brock was on his pitching game! 

And it was so nice to have more fans come out to cheer him on! Nicholas (middle) was at a game for his little brother and came over to watch Brock's game too! (Love Kade feeling like cool kid hanging out with the big kids)

Papa joined us for several games this season too!!

Brock and Brent capturing their winning score on the scoreboard behind them - 6-5 against the Reds. 

And Kade did play baseball this season too - poor Kade had his first 3 games rained out!!