The Tree!

The first fall we lived in this house we planted a live oak tree. We've planted trees every fall since then as well. But, as this was the first tree we consider it special and I take a picture of the tree and Michael (sometimes Domino as well). So, here are the pictures from this year and the previous three years. As you can see, our little boy has grown quite a bit (not to mention the tree).

2005


2006


2007


2008



What a difference 3 years can make when you're growing about 3 inches per year.

Fall Ball Ends

Well faithful readers Fall Ball has once again come to an end. The Rockhounds suffered an unexpected and surprising defeat at the hands of the Red Sox in their final game. The season ended with a record of 7 wins, 3 losses - but we'll get those 3 next Spring! Following the game the Rockhounds held their traditional end-of-season picnic and party. The boys had a great time playing football, kickball, water balloons, eating (of course) and, even more importantly, getting their much deserved trophies!! So, now the slow season starts for us with only once a week ice skating and guitar lessons - stay tuned for an announcement of Michael's first concert!



Getting instructions from the football coach.


Waiting for the next water balloon volley.

Weekend Activities

Once again we survived a busy weekend. The weekend actually started on Thursday with a make-up game from our Monday rain-out - way to go FMYSA for getting that rescheduled so quickly. The Rockhounds soundly defeated the Raptors and Mama ran off to the airport to spend a beautiful day in McAllen on Friday. Saturday we ran over to play another ball game against the Rangers. Unfortunately the Rangers got the better of the Rockhounds and defeated us once again. Only one more game for this season and then it's off to other fun and exciting events. Saturday evening we finally carved the white pumpkin Michael conned Aunt Kathy into buying us. Michael and I cleaned it out, Edd and Michael (mostly Edd) did the carving. As it was a white pumpkin Michael insisted on a ghost carving - Edd found a very cool picture of a flaming ghost and, if I do say so, it looks pretty cool. Taking a picture of the cool pumpkin in all of its glory is a bit difficult but below is a fairly good one. Sunday we helped Kathy and Chris with the installation of a new garage door opener and then witnessed the Sidewinders wipe out the Mud Dogs in Southlake followed by a nice visit with the Howells at Boston's. Whew...

20th High School Reunion for SGP!!

Hard to imagine but it's been over 20 years since this blogger graduated from high school. So, I drug my faithful spouse to the reunion on Saturday night. Got to catch up with and see a lot of old friends, some of whom I hadn't seen in at least 10 years (the last reunion) and others probably the full 20. It was a lot of fun (wasn't it Chris?) and nice to see everyone. To honor the occasion I allowed my picture to be taken with a group of my running buddies from the "good 'ole days" - Barb, Chris, Trlica, Jill & Melody - all good memories and hopefully it won't be another 10 years before I see some of them again... (HINT HINT!!)

1st HOME RUN!!!!

In a stunning defeat over the A's - the Rockhounds had a round of excellent hitting. There were three home runs but number 12 on the roster, number 1 in your heart - hit his FIRST!!! He finished it off with a wipe out after rounding third base and a close slide into home plate. He wanted to make sure mom got to deal with both grass stains and mud in one fatal swoop. He's very proud and was awarded a game ball. Here he is showing off his prize - the first of many I'm sure.

Fall Ball 2008!

Well folks, it's that time of year again - FALL BALL!! The Rockhounds are back and in good form. We've had 4 games so far and won all but one of them. The rules changed a bit this year which is hard on the boys but they're adapting and growing as a team. It's going to be a great season.

Michael is SEVEN!!!!!!

Hard to imagine but my baby boy has turned 7. We had a party at the house with all of his friends and we tried to keep them from killing each other jumping in and out of the pool and running around like NUTS!!