Day 181/365 - June 30

Of course, I was on the phone first thing this morning to schedule an appointment with the orthopedic doctor.

What a relief to find out that Avery's arm was NOT broken, just badly bruised. The doctor did say that it would probably be more painful than a break and to expect the entire back of her upper arm to be black and blue.

No break = no cast.

No cast = water fun at the beach this weekend!!!

We had a beach trip with some friends planned for next weekend, but the dates had to be adjusted and now we are going down Friday for a long holiday weekend - yippee!

After getting home from the doctor, Avery and Kathleen decided to "dress up" and apply a little make up. I'm glad to see that crazy expensive Halloween costume is getting a little more use :)

Don't you think they look fab? Avery thought they looked great...until she saw the close up picture!

Day 180/365 - June 29

When I got home from work this afternoon, Avery and Kathleen were playing the Wii with Alexandra. After she left, Avery and Kathleen continued playing while I worked at the desk in our bedroom. It wasn't a few minutes before I heard a blood curling scream. You know the kind...something BAD has happened.

I jump up, rush into the den, and find Avery curled up on the floor. She was trying to sit on the arm of the chair (a no-no to begin with), missed it, and fell backwards...hitting her arm on the corner of our coffee table/teak trunk all the way down. It was the backside of her upper arm and she had limited movement, couldn't put pressure on it, etc. Needless to say, a trip to the doctor was in order.

Based on past experience, we knew it was best to just head to PriMed since it was after hours. They took x-rays and based on those, the doctor thought there was "widening in the growth plate" that indicated a break. So, they wrapped it in a split and put Avery in a sling.

Looks like we are heading to the orthopedic doctor tomorrow.

Day 179/365 - June 28

Avery spent some time with my Mom recently while Paige and Caitlin were here last week.  Since Avery was somewhat restricted on her outdoor activity (due to ball games), Mom took them to Build A Bear.

Looks like Princess likes the home a little more than Avery's bear.

Day 178/365 - June 27

We have all been "patiently" waiting to see Toy Story 3 and finally got our chance today.

I thought it was really good, but don't know that the 3D did anything much extra for the movie itself. Still, we thoroughly enjoyed it! Of course, Mom cried (as usual).

I also made an official/REAL grocery store trip today for the first time in weeks. I just had to take a picture of this aisle sign.

Winn Dixie changed up their store layout several months ago and this is one of the biggest things that doesn't make sense to me!

Day 177/365 - June 26

Is ball really over? We didn't actually lose last night did we? I must admit that it was nice to have a day with no requirements...Wes and I both took naps!

It rained and rained and rained some more today.

Lots of rain!

Not exactly how I planned to spend my first official weekend of summer (with no softball), but I'll take it.

Day 176/365 - June 25

It sure looked like rain all afternoon today. 

Can you see the differentiation in the sky? Notice the blue sky against the gray rain.

Another day, another game. After deciding I was just too worn out, there were not any "favors" for tonight's game.

Our girls played hard, but came up short in tonight's game against Roanoke and were eliminated from the tournament.

Following the loss, each girl was called onto the field and recognized.

Afterwards, Wes took a few minutes for his post-game talk with the team and they finished with their final huddle of the season :(

Earlier today, Wes suggested I stop and pick up some Silly String "just in case we lose tonight." He thought it would be a good pick me up for the girls to let them attack the coaches with it.

I'd say he was right! Talk about turning some frowns upside down :)

Day 175/365 - June 24

Tonight was our first district game and I decided to make a little favor for the girls.

I think they turned out pretty cute.

I wish I could say that our game turned out as well, but I can't. Although our girls played super hard, they came up a little short tonight and lost 10-8 against Beauregard.

Let me add that I seriously don't know how those girls can be 9/10 years old because many of them were as tall as me and developed. It was beyond crazy to look at our girls compared to all the other teams we saw! I know our team is young (only four 10 year olds and the rest are 8 or 9 year olds), but still it was unbelievable!

I was so proud of our team though because we were down 10-0 going into our at bat in the third inning and we scored 6 runs. We held them in the fourth inning and scored 2 more runs. Going into the fifth inning, the score was 10-8! We held them again and were really thinking we had a shot to pull out a come from behind win. First batter up, a TRIPLE! Yeah, that's what I'm talking about!!! Next three batters, all struck out :(

Game over.

That's OK. It's only one loss. The tournament is double elimination, so we will be back again tomorrow night playing out of the loser's bracket this time.

I still can't stress enough how proud I am of the girls - they played SO hard and didn't give up...even when they were down ten runs.

Day 174/365 - June 23

Whew, after a SUPER late night editing photos from last night's win, I finally rolled into bed early this morning.

I was trying to get everything reviewed and edited so the stats and pictures could be sent in to the papers and one of the local websites that updates tournament information.  Imagine my surprise to find that they posted one of the write up (thanks to one of our awesome parents) on their site today!

Seriously, how exciting is that?!?

It's hard to believe we only have a one day break before the District Tournament begins tomorrow! Wes originally said the girls could have tonight off, but several parents expressed interest in at least batting practice. After a little prodding (from me), Wes reluctantly agreed to hold a voluntary batting practice. Imagine our surprise when TEN girls showed up for practice tonight! Talk about dedication!!!

Day 173/365 - June 22

It's game day ba-be!!!

The girls were not very happy to find out that after a coin toss last night, we are home team tonight. We have been visitors both games in the tourney and they feel we "have better luck" as visitors - silly girls.

To top things off, there was an orientation/open house at Forest Avenue for new families that Wes felt I needed to attend. Of course, it started at 5:00 and our game started at 6:00 - waaay away from the school. Needless to say, this mama was not very happy! 

Luckily, the meeting only lasted an hour and I made it to the game within the first half hour. Let me tell ya, I had not missed much! I did make it in time to see my sweet baby strike out though.

It broke my heart to see her so upset!

The game was scoreless until the 4th inning. Suburban West scored 4 runs and then it was our at bat. Let me tell ya, everyone was on the edge of their seat! 

First batter - walked (thrown out at second) = 1 out

Second batter - single (unassisted out at third) = 2 outs

Here we are, down by FOUR runs with TWO outs!!!

Third batter - walked

Fourth batter - single

Fifth batter - walked - bases are now loaded!

Sixth batter - double - 2 RBI's, runners on 2nd and 3rd

Seventh batter - walked - bases loaded again!

Eighth batter - walked - score is now 4-3

Ninth batter - walked - score is now tied 4-4

At this point, the other coach calls time out and brings in a new pitcher.

Avery is up to bat with a tied score, new pitcher, bases loaded and two outs. Nervous mom? Heck yeah!!!

Avery - Tenth batter - single - line drive just over short stop's glove to bring in the go ahead run!!! 

Eleventh batter - struck out to end the inning

All of us thought the game would be called since they played 75 minutes, but there is NO time requirement in All-Star tournament play. Everything is based on innings - 5 inning games. This hadn't effected us before due to the 10 run rule after the third inning.

So, into the 5th inning we go. Our third pitcher for the night heads in since our other two had pitched two innings each. She had been patiently waiting for her chance to pitch all tournament long and let me tell ya, she delivered tonight! Four batters and the inning was over.

We won the game with a final score of 5-4!!!

This is by far my FAVORITE picture of the entire tournament!

Following the close of the game, each girl was presented with trophies and certificates.

Then, the entire team was presented with the championship trophy.

Of course I had to grab a picture or two when we got home as well!

Day 172/365 - June 21

I had to run out to the grocery store tonight to pick up a few necessities - milk, bread - ya know, stuff you HAVE to have.

Look at the surprise I found in our driveway when I returned home.

I almost ran over it. Wes told me that I should have because it will end up in the backyard and one of the dogs will eat it. Do you know what happens when a dog eats a bullfrog? All I can say is that it's NOT pretty!!!

Day 171/365 - June 20

Look what I found tonight.

Just perched up on top of the refrigerator as happy as can be.

Day 170/365 - June 19

Woke up this morning and realized it wasn't a dream...we really DID win last night!

Oh, and how could I have forgotten to mention that after we got home last night, Avery decided she wanted her hair curled. Really? Of course, I was wired and not going to sleep anytime soon, so I pulled out the rollers and curled it up for her.

This morning she had fruit kabobs for breakfast and next thing I know...

Yep, she's a walrus :)

Now, how to keep twelve girls cool and semi-rested for a 7:30 game tonight?

Take them to see a movie, of course! Karate Kid just came out and luckily, most of the girls wanted to see it.

We had seven players (plus an extra friend) come along. It was a great remake of a movie I loved growing up! And I must say, mission accomplished. The girls stayed inside during the heat of the day and enjoyed spending time together!!

It STORMED during the movies and of course, I left my windows cracked in my car :) The seats were SOAKED!

Several of us stopped to grab a quick dinner at Chappy's before changing and heading to the game. I seriously love how close we are to this place!

Another great game tonight. Montgomery Gray Angels defeated Suburban West 16-4 in another called 3 inning game! We jumped out to an early 9-0 lead, held them to 10-2 in the second inning, and then closed the game with another 6 runs and only allowing 2 in the third inning.

Avery had a great hit - a strong line drive double that brought in one run!

Back to play at 6:00 Tuesday night in the Championship Game!!!

Day 169/365 - June 18

Let the games begin!

It's official, sub-district play has started.

What kind of cheering section would we be without decorations?

Our girls played SO great tonight! They defeated Eclectic 11-0 in a called 3 inning game. Our pitchers did amazing, allowing only 3 hits the entire night (all of which were thrown out at 1st)! They did such a good job adjusting to a slower pitcher too, though the first inning was a bit of a struggle. By the time the third inning rolled around, our girls went 16 batters (WOW) and scored TEN runs. Simply a perfect game to watch!

Avery walked both of her at bats, but I couldn't be more proud of how she watched the ball and didn't swing at bad pitches! Way to watch - especially with a full count both times!!!

This is probably my favorite picture from the night.

The team huddled on the pitcher's mound ready to cheer following their first win of the tournament! Hopefully there will be more to follow!

Next game, 7:30 tomorrow night. We're in the winner's bracket baby and man, it feels good!

Day 168/365 - June 17

Tonight was the final practice before our sub-district tournament begins tomorrow night. Wes decided to make the practice short (if the girls cooperated) and end it on a fun note.

I would say he was successful! Each girl (and Wes) was given a can of shaving cream and it didn't take long for a mess to be made! The other coaches scattered quickly too - I really didn't know they could move so fast :)

After cleaning up a little bit (not very successfully, I might add), the girls enjoyed Nutty Buddies and then I handed out these little goodie bags that one of the other moms and I brainstormed together on.

The bags were filled with candy and the poem referenced ball and each type of candy. I think they were a big hit with everyone!

To wrap up the night, most of the parents decorated their cars with window paint that we brought. Nothing like a little peer pressure, huh?

And here is the window that Avery painted all by herself!

I "think" we are all ready for tomorrow night. I know I'm pretty excited and anxious myself!

Day 167/365 - June 16

Avery has been begging to eat dinner at Chappy's for weeks now. With ball practice every night, it's pretty tough to eat out let alone eat dinner!  However, I agreed earlier in the week that after our 6:00 practice tonight, we would stop in for a quick bite.

Wes opted out of going. He's not too big on going places after spending two hours in the heat drenched in sweat. Not really sure why?

Avery invited Caroline and her family to join us. The kids sat at a booth by themselves and thought they were big stuff. Avery and Caroline even ordered root beer for their drink.

How cute are they?

Day 166/365 - June 15

I heard about Kraft First Taste through another blog a while back and signed up. I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of my coupons for FREE stuff!!! This week, I received my coupons in the mail! However, they were delivered on a nasty, rainy day and got soaked. I had to let them dry out for a few days before attempting to open them to ensure they didn't tear.

I can't wait to make my next trip to the store and pick up some free groceries!

Day 165/365 - June 14

Practice, practice, practice makes for tired, tired, tired people. 

Wes and Dosie curled up on the couch together - so sweet!

Day 164/365 - June 13

Today was our regular season softball end of the year party. Confusing? Not really. These were the girls that were on our regular season team that won the league and tournament. We wrapped up our games back before Memorial Day, but due to scheduling conflicts weren't able to have our end of the year party until now.  

Lilly's family offered to host the party at their neighborhood pool and we just ordered in pizza along with drinks and a big cookie cake. The girls swam for several hours, ate, and had a great time playing.

They were each awarded a medal for their performance during the season and Wes said a little something about each girl when presenting it to them.

There were four girls that weren't able to make it, but we still had a great time!

The team also presented Wes with a big plaque that had a team photo in it along with a gift card. How sweet was that?!?

Whew, what a weekend! I seriously think I need to go back to work tomorrow just to catch my breath and recover.

Day 163/365 - June 12

Talk about an early start to the day...we had to be at the ball fields across town no later than 8:00 this morning for warm up. That meant we had to leave in time to pick up a few things and top off the cooler with ice. On top of that, it was CRAZY hot today!!!

Our first game started at 9:00 and the girls had a one hour break between games with the second one starting around 11:30.  Here is a picture of Avery cooling off with a slushie between games.

After our set of games, the entire team headed over to the Purvis's house for an afternoon of swimming and grilling out.

It was a great time for the girls to blow off some steam and just have fun together and also allowed the parents to relax and chat for a while.

To wrap up the night, I stopped by Hardee's and picked up this delish chocolate shake.

Words simply can not describe how good it tasted on this hot night!

Day 162/365 - June 11

Wes arranged a practice game for us that turned into a jamboree over the course of tonight and tomorrow morning. All together, the girls will play 3 games. One game was tonight and two games are tomorrow.

Avery took a HARD pitch to the thigh that sent her straight to the ground. It was not pretty at all and you could actually hear the thud when the ball hit her. It took several minutes for her to collect herself and get back up. The worst part was that Wes made her take her base even though she was the 10th batter and the inning was over. I completely understand the reasoning behind it, but you should have seen the look she gave him when she realized that she hobbled down to 1st base "for nothing" and then had to come right back to the visitor's dugout along 3rd base!

The big read mark is where the ball hit. There is a big whelp there as well.

Our girls played extremely hard tonight and ended up with a tied game. They only played 60 minutes no matter the ending score or place in the inning or batting order.  It was good to see how they compared against other teams in the area that weren't in our sub-district.

Day 161/365 - June 10

After a mad dash to get all of our uniforms handed out and all of the girls changed, we had team pictures tonight. It's always such a rush because you are required to have a team identification photo for your credentials book before your first game. Our first game is next weekend!

Here is Avery's individual photo.

And here is our full All-Star team.