All In The Family

First Adam worked at the baseball fields in Iowa City, then Blake did. Jacob finally got his chance to groom the field for the Kernels baseball team in Cedar Rapids. They drew his name after we were there another night and got chosen that night for a timed competition stacking tires. This day he got to groom the mound and path to home plate, paint the pitching rubber, the town logo and home plate, put in second base and water the field. It was lots of fun plus he got a Tshirt and hat and the rest of us got to watch. He even got on the megatron. Then we stayed to watch the game.

State Champs!

Jacob played city-rec baseball this summer. We got a whole 8 games in before the flood came and washed the fields away. Then Jay and a couple of other dads decided to coach the 10 and under all star team where a couple of kids from each team try out to play. With only 3 practices on fields begged, borrowed and stolen around town, the state tournament started. There were 8 teams there playing double elimination. Over the course of 5 days, we played 6 games. We lost to Manchester once, and then the last day had to beat them twice to win the tournament, and they did it! Many of these other teams also play club ball and have played like 40 games together this year. This was our first time together and they gelled well. Everyone did great, there was great sportsmanship and it was lots of fun to watch (and a little stressful). Now we go onto the regional tournament in Colorado where 10 other states will also be. We'll let you know what happens. If you're interested in helping send us, mail it to Iowa City Baseball. Thanks!

Fourth of July

Our annual fourth of July breakfast started early this year. About 7am we started cooking for about 40 people. It's always fun to see who will show up, it's different every year. It started about 20 years ago at Morrison Park. The most memorable thing from that year was Alex at 2 years of age rolling into the pond. After a breakfast of eggs, pancakes, juice, bacon and sausage, etc. (you get the idea), we moved about 50 feet to watch the parade. Tons of kiddos and candy. 143 floats later, we all chilled out for awhile. Then we met back again for supper on the football field. A few games of wiffleball and bocce ball got us ready for sparklers and fireworks. It's a fun tradition that should go on for many more years....We missed Adam, Laura, Blake (who was visiting them) and Alex this year, they were starting their own traditions, but they were here in spirit.