Saturday, June 30, 2012

Spring is for softball!

All three girls played ball this year, much to the pleasure
of their ball loving mom, dad, and grandpa!

Claire was coached, again, by Grandpa Johnson.  She had
a great team and they had lots of fun. She worked really
hard and even did some pitching toward the end of the season.
My favorite part was watching her get to enjoy being
part of a "team".  Our swim team is certainly a team, but
there is still so much pressure to do well individually.
It was fun to get to see her relax a little and just have fun!

Ella had a great team made up of Walnut Hills and Shuler girls.
She didn't think she'd know anyone, but it turns out she had
several friends from her WH days on the team.
They were so excited to see her, which melted this mama's heart!
Ella had a great time and proved, once again, that she
is quite the athlete.  Her coach pulled me aside after one of the
first few practices and said, "you'd never know by looking at her, but
she is strong!  She's a great batter!"
We all really enjoyed watching Ella have fun and succeed with her team.
She had two excellent coaches that really went out of their
way to help the little girls learn to love the game.
Coach Kent even took Ella and a couple other girls to Pella
to watch the Simpson softball team.  What a fun road trip!

Avery started her career with the Giants T-ball team.
As rowdy, strong, independent, aggressive, and fun as Avery is,
I thought she'd love tball.  Not sure I was right about that.
I would say her general impression was that is was
"hot, boring, and weird boys!"
My favorite quote was when she was walking off the field
after having batted and made her way around the bases.
She walked into the dugout and said,
"so what should I do now, just sit here!"
I think "real softball" may be a bit more up her alley.
We'll see what she says next year!
Oh Avery!

We started the season with some practice at home.
Ella is a hitter!

Claire learning the art of pitching


Dave showing them how to bat?!?!

Aves just plain looking cute!

Ella making her way around the field

That girl can bat! And she took it very seriously!

Fielding was a little tougher!
The coolest part was the party after their last game.
Her coaches had medals and a certificate for each girl,
which they read out loud. Then we all had ice cream
sundays together.
The Giants!


Such a wonderful, happy smile!

1st day of tball practice!

Learning proper throwing technique.  Avery has
a great arm, no surprise.  She just has to 'want'
to throw you the ball!


Big hit!

Coach Dennis, aka, Grandpa rallying the team!

Claire doing a great job pitching!


I had the great honor of helping coach Claire's team this year.
It was so awesome being a part of all the fun.
Unfortunately, that meant I didn't get a lot of pictures.
But, the memories are forever burned in my head!
Thank you to everyone, family and friends and strangers,
that helped watch Aves during Claire's game. : )