Ode to Emily

Emily doesn't like to have her picture taken. She will inevitably blink, turn her head, make a wierd face, or just downright not cooperate. Today, for some reason, she requested that I take some pictures of her. So I did. And the above mentioned still happened. Even still, I was able to get a few nice ones. So, because this is rare, I post these pictures as an "Ode to Emily"- because I love her.

Baseball Championship

Mike plays baseball. Mike loves baseball. He really loves baseball. I had no clue this was the case until about 4 or 5 years ago when a patient of his invited him to join their city-league team. One game, and he was like a little kid again. He's been playing consistently ever since then. Coaching it, even. And complaining-- every single week--someone can't make it , can't find a replacement, saying he'll never do it again. But then he does. And says how much he loves to play.

We usually don't go to many games, because they are late at night, and I don't enjoy being the bleacher police to our children who turn into wild monkeys once we get there. Anyway, I guess his team is usually pretty good. They've made it to the league play-offs a few times, and even won their division last year. This year, they were in the championship game again, and since it was this morning, we were able to go--yes, the whole gang. It was held at a stadium in Scottsdale where the San Francisco Giants play their Spring Training games. It was a really nice stadium, and I think all the guys felt totally awesome playing there.

During the game, Mike hit a bomb off into left field -which I missed- because I was in the bathroom for an infinite amount of time with Emily and Dylan. (The automatic handwashing sink was just too fun.) I could hear cheering and knew I was missing something. Thankfully, Hallie brought her camera, and video taped his hit. At least I saw it that way. (Scroll down to watch the action..for some reason it loaded on the bottom of the page and I don't know how to move it).

In the end, they barely lost. They needed one more out and they would have won the game, but alas, the ball was hit, runners ran in, and the game was over. They were disappointed, but still got a nice runner- up trophy. I'm sure it won't be the last we've heard from these baseball stallions!

The 'BLACK SOX'

This is what Sydney did the whole game

New Bike

Dylan got a new bike. It's a push-bike, which means it has no pedals. The kid pushes it, Flinstones style with his feet. The idea is to learn how to balance first, then try and ride a real bike with pedals. My sister in law, Rebecca, used this method with her kids with success, and I just saw a segment on tv about these bikes. I thought it was worth a try. He seems to like it. I think he mostly likes that it's his own bike that he chose, not a "used" bike from one of the older kids.

The other nice thing is, it's adjustable, so Emily can use it also, and eventually Sydney. Look how cute he is on it! (And check out that little skinny body- I love it!!)

This is Dylan's new "picture" smile.

Springtime Fruit

Do you know what this is? I'll tell you....baby plums!! We've had this plum tree for about 2 years now, so it's mature enough to produce fruit this year. I had no idea they were even there until Hallie told me today. The unfortunate part is that we lost quite a few due to some crazy wind we had. I counted 8 that were still safe. Hopefully some will survive the next few weeks and we'll get to taste them! As for the other fruit trees- nothing on the apricot tree (maybe next year)....no tangerines, and the lemons never came, either. Which is wierd because we had a few lemons last year. I want to get a peach tree, but there's nowhere in the yard to plant it. For sure, in the Spring, I want to start a square foot vegetable & herb garden in the courtyard. How fun would that be?

Retarded birds better not eat all my plums!!