Baseball Coach presentation

This is a late post but I wanted to be sure to add it.  Dang surgery got in the way. 

Here is Coach Tacker presenting a game ball to Collin.  He says:

"Ok, ok, this is one of my favorite games for you.  You had a lot of moments this year where you did really well.  My favorite game was against the Bulldogs.  Again, a lot of ...against the Bulldogs.  If you would have had another at bat, I think he would have hit the cycle...double, triple and home run.  Unbelievable game.  Kept us in there the whole game.  Awesome job!"

Kindergarten Graduation

Even though there is a week of school left, this morning was Kindergarten graduation.  Collin was excited that Mommy, Daddy and Grandma H would be there to hear the songs he learned and was to perform with his class this morning.  A few nights ago, I caught him singing before going to bed.  I asked him about the song and he quickly stopped saying that it was a surprise and we had to wait to hear the songs at graduation.

Graduation was in the cafeteria.  All four of the Kindergarten classes were graduating together.  Before walking across the stage, the kids sang a few songs.  Collin was not feeling it this morning and was singing, kinda.  I think he was nervous and did not like sitting on the front row in front of all of the parents.

His class Mrs Mitchell's class was first to walk across the stage in alphabetical order.  When it was Collin's turn, he was focused when he walked up to Mrs. Mitchell.  He did turn and look our way for a picture but the usual smile was not there.  After the rest of the classes got to walk across the stage, we went back to his classroom for cookies and milk.  I did not stay long because I was really not feeling well.  I did make sure I took a few pictures with him before Daddy took me back home. 

We have a 1st Grader now!!!

Collin is in the middle on the front row (grey shirt and black shorts)

Looks happy to be there, right?

Even though he does not seem to want to be there, he is still REALLY cute!

Collin, Elliot and Brody

 

Getting his diploma from Mrs Mitchell

Look at that happy face

There's my smiling little boy!

Transition Campus

Collin's school will be torn down as soon as school is out next Friday.  It will take about 15 months to rebuild it.  In the meantime, the students will attend a transition campus that is in the area but not as convenient to our house like his current school.  We are excited about getting a new school but not about attending the transition campus while the new school is being built.

Tonight, the students and parents got to walk through the transition campus.  Collin took his phone to take pictures for me because I could not attend (still recovering from my recent surgery).  Knowing that he cannot take less than 150 pictures when he takes them, I was interested to see what pictures he came back with.  I am always interested in his perspective.

Daddy and Collin were gone about an hour.  When he came home, Collin was excited about the campus, especially the cafeteria and gym.  I love the angles of the pictures he took....but did he have to take 458 of them?  Daddy deleted most o them but here are some of the good ones.

One of the desks

The yellow crates from his current school.  He has talked about these a few times.

One of the 1st Grade teachers

Nice covered playground

Library

Cafeteria

Gym

Swim Team Update

Collin has improved with his swimming.  He is fast and consistent with freestyle. He still favors breathing on his right side but at least he breathes regularly and generally after every second or third stroke.  He has gotten so much better with his backstroke.  He still swims to one side and has to correct himself but he does not give up and makes it all the way down the lane.  After practice, he said he legs were really tired after all of the kicking.  I bet they were tired.  Practice is 30 minutes and he swims at least 80% of that time. 

He said he prefers freestyle over the backstroke.  I assume that's because he is better at it than the backstroke.  We will find out Saturday during the Time Trials how he compares to the rest of his team members.  This is when they all swim both the freestyle and backstroke as fast as they can so the team knows how to place each team member during the Swim Meet which is in two weeks.  Collin is excited about the Time Trial because he likes competition and wants to know if he swim faster than his buddy Brody. 

"This Has Been Awesome"

I had my 5th surgery in 15 months this past Tuesday as part of the overall treatment of breast cancer.  This should be my last surgery so I was looking forward to getting it over with and onto recovery, again. 

Waiting for surgery.  That smile must be because I know I can eat soon.  :)

So that Collin would be occupied and allow me to be able to rest like I needed to when I got home from surgery, we made sure that he had plenty to do after school.  Thursday, his buddy Brody road the bus home with him.  Mimi took the boys to swim practice and then Brody's mom took them to soccer skills clinic and then dinner.  Collin got home after 8pm and still had lots of energy.  He did go to sleep close to 9:15pm so not too bad.  Friday, he rode the bus home with Ford, his friend from school and baseball.  The boys played and swam until close to 6pm.  Today, Collin would hang out at Brody's for a few hours and then spend the night with Oliver.  While waiting for Daddy to get ready to drop him off at Brody's house, Collin told me that these have been the most awesome days.  I asked why and he said that he has had so much fun with his friends.  "First there was Brody at my house, then I went to Ford's and now I am going back to Brody's house.  I spend the night with Oliver tonight.  That's what's awesome."  I am sure he has noticed that I am sitting around, A LOT, since I have been home.  I was really happy to hear that just because I could not be active and play with him did not result in him being bored.  I loved seeing the excitement in his eyes as he was talking about today and what he hoped he would do.

Kindergarten Picture....At Last

Thank goodness our school has pictures taken twice a year.  Somehow, I forgot to order a set of pictures from Collin's class picture at the beginning of the year.  So, when the order form came for the second picture, I made sure I placed an order.  I actually forgot that I did until the pictures came home with him today. Yeah me!!

Here is our little man.

 



 Look at this cute, precious face....and that smile!  I love this guy with all of my heart.

Silver Bracket Champs!!!!

The Lugnuts did it!!!!  They boys won the championship game 16 - 1.  Again, the boys surprised all of us.  We knew they had been improving so much.  However, we did not expect that the boys would win by such a large margin.  They did fantastic.  There were at least three double plays both on first and second.  Their hitting was just as good as the last several games.  The boys that did not hit as much in the beginning were hitting consistently. 

After the game, the other team gave all of the boys a sucker and congratulated them on their win.  Then, the coach presented a trophy to each of the boys before taking a serious and then fun team picture. 

Congratulating the Owls on a good game



The boys before their trophy.....and cookies!

Collin excited about his trophy

Very excited about the win.....and the trophy

Proud parents

Collin wanted a picture with Clayton and then with us.

Collin and Clayton

After the game, Collin asked if we could eat ice cream "at that place that I really like" but could not further describe the ice cream place.  We ate at a local pasta place knowing that there was an ice place a few doors down.  When we walked into the ice cream store, Collin let us know that this was not the one he was thinking of...but was fine to eat the chocolate ice cream with gummy bears on top. 

He carried his trophy to into the restaurant, sat it on the table and brought it to the ice cream place.  In the car, he sat it on his lap and then took it to his room when we got home.  He then counted his trophies...he has 9 already.  He then said he did not have one for swimming but knew he would get one after swim team was over. 

When was tucking him into bed later, we talked about the game and his day.  Only at this point did he realize that he would not be playing baseball with his Lugnut team mates again.  Well, he could play with some of the boys next season but not everyone on the team.  He did not like this answer and I could see his lower lip begin to quiver.  "Will I be able to play baseball with Ford again?  What about William?"  I explained that he could be on their team again and, in the meantime, we could get together with both of those boys and others to play baseball for fun.  He seemed to like that and asked other questions...that I don't remember at this point.  ;)

What's Mother's Day without a Race?

I wanted to race one more time before being out of commission for a couple of months due to my last surgery next week.  I had heard the TriGirl triathlon was fun.  They have an option of a triathlon or duathlon.  I am all about the duathlons.  I knew I would enjoy that especially because my TriBesties, Georgia and Bonnie, would be racing too.

I was surprised when Daddy said that he and Collin would be going with me.  There were at least 8 ladies from the bike shop Tri Club that planned to race so he thought it would be good to have a team tent and to be there to watch me race.  Now...I was really excited about this race because both of my boys would be there to cheer me on.

It was a really humid morning because of the rain yesterday and expected light showers today.  Oh no....I don't care to race in humidity.  I am slower and these days, I run more hot anyway because of the fun hot flashes I have been having.  No biggie because I was not pushing to place this morning but that would have been even better if I did.

The duathlon was a .5 mi run, 8 mile bike and then 2 mile run.  For the .5 mi run, I was out in front the entire time and was 6th back to the transition area.  Yeah, it was time to get on the bike which is where I am strongest.  I knew that I was up front because of where I came in from the run.  I passed, one, two, three and then four ladies on the bike.  Here I come!  I had never in out in front like that before.  I was so used to looking ahead to see the cyclist up front and to see where the next turn was.  Now, that cyclist was ME!  A few times, I did have to yell out, "which way do I turn?" but it did not slow me down much.  As I was coming back to the transition area, there were my boys.  I could see on their faces that they were really surprised to see me so fast.  They were both yelling for me.  Daddy was saying, "You are second on the bike!"  Collin smiling face was awesome to see. 

Next was the run.  I have been only running once a week so I expected the run to be challenging...and it was.  It was warmer out and the humidity was making the air so thick.  I was getting passed a few times but by ladies not in my age group.  Maybe I still had a chance to get an award so I did push a little harder.  I was SO happy to see the turnaround point.  Here I come boys!!!  I need to see you both.  I finally saw the finish line and kicked it as hard as I could.  Collin came over to give me a hug......and then wanted to wear the Finisher's medal that I had not even had a chance to put around my neck. 

Instead of looking at the race results as soon as they were posted, I chose to wait until the awards were given out. Several people came up to me and told me "congratulations" so I knew I won at least 1st through 3rd.  Based on coming in 2nd on the bike, I assumed 1st in my age group.....and I was right! 

I love this guy

OK, what was this for?  Good thing I had not raced yet.  That would not have tasted good.

Glad to be finished!

Georgia and I

The Three Amigos

Tri's make you a little crazy

1st Place

In the afternoon, Mimi, Pappy, Nancy and Grandma H came over for a visit and go out to dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant. 

Baseball Playoffs

We had no idea that the Lugnuts would make it to the baseball playoffs when they first started.  I guess no team really does but you would not have guessed it watching the team when they first got together.  There were boys that could not hit the ball even after 20 hits.  Same thing with catching.  They were really cute trying but they could just not get it.  So, we we started the playoff games this week, all of the parents were trying to talk positive to the boys thinking that the first game would be it.  We did not want the boys to be crushed too bad when they lost....but they did not lose.  On to the next game. 

Same thing when the second game started.  This time though, the boys let us know they meant business.  ALL of the boys hit the ball even though at least two of the boys either never hit the ball during the regular season or only it once.  Not only were they hitting the ball but also doing great out in the field.  Outfield was stopping the ball and throwing back to pitcher.  It was clicking...and just in time too.  The second game was close...and then Collin got up to ball with two team mates on base and two outs.  Mommy was WAY more nervous than Collin.  He had no idea was this hit could mean.  The boys get six pitches before being called out.  Collin had already missed four pitches.  "Come on Collin!"  I yelled.  He hit the ball started running.  He did not stop until he made it home.  Yes, he hit a home run AND that hit won the game. That's my boy!!!

This afternoon was Game 3.  OK, we know we did awesome the last two games but this was the game before the championships.  I just wanted the boys to have a good time.  After the second inning, the Lugnuts were up 11 - 4.  The parents were more stressed and excited than the boys were.  Where they going to do it again?  They might because not only were the boys hitting, they were making double plays which held the other team from getting more runs than they did.  Then, it happened....one of Collin's team mates hit the winning home run for them to win 17 - 9.  The boys still wanted to play so Coach let them play positions they had not played before.  Collin played 1st based and made two outs.  That showed me he WAS paying attention from his usual Right Center position.  The Coach was really excited about the plays he was making and yelling "Great job Collin!". 

Headed to 1st after hitting past Right Center

Rounding to 2nd after a great hit

He is really moving!



He made it to 2nd - no problem!

Collin playing 1st base

Hot boy after a great game

Congratulating the other team.  Great job boys!!!!

Swim Team...Get Ready for Collin

Collin has been going to swim camp since last Monday.  Camp is to help the kids improve their stroke, breathing, getting across the pool and learning to touch the wall under water before getting out.  It's not practice yet but, instead, is to help the kids improve before the "lap test" at the end of camp.  Collin has improved so much that he did not have to take the "lap test" today.  He made the swim team and was told to show up to practice starting next Monday.  Because I never did swim team, I am looking forward to watching Collin and his team mates....and learning what it's all about with Collin.

He really likes swimming but especially loves that several friends are there with him.  Brody and Collin swam in the same lane yesterday.  The swim coach was getting them both confused with each other because they look so much a like.  Collin did not mind but Brody kept correcting the coach.  They both swim really similar and look like twins when they are wet so I could see how the coach was confusing them. 

Good News From Teacher

I saw that I had an email from Ms. Mitchell titled "Touching Base".  Oh no, what is Collin up to now?  He had gotten sticker for the last few weeks.  I could not think of what she needed to tell us.  I opened her email and was happy to read what she had to say:

"I just wanted to let you know that Collin has been doing a great job in class.  He is listening nicely, following directions and completing his work.  I am super proud of him!!

Smiles, Ann"

I was so happy to read her email!!!!  I immediately shared the news with Daddy and he was proud of Collin, too.  When we got home, Daddy told Collin that Ms. Mitchell sent an email.  Collin looked a little scared and asked, "What did she say?" but you could tell he really did not want to know.  Daddy told him what teacher said and then followed it with how proud both of us where of him.  He smiled....and then wanted to play Wii.  I am sure he was happy with himself and did not want to make a big deal of it. 

Watching the News is Fun!

Collin was getting dressed for school this morning and watching the news station that was on.  They were showing a shark biting the side of an inflatable large boat.  The people on board were taking pictures and videos of this.  "Is this real?"  I told him it was.  Then, they talked about a guy driving his car through Police tape because he was distraught after learning his son was killed.  "Why is he doing that?  This is real too?"  I told him it was and to continue to get dressed.  I walked back to my room to get dressed and Collin came back to tell me that it was going to rain today (he must have seen the weather as well) and that this was OK with him because our plants needed the water and would be happy after the rain.  "Mommy, watching the news is really fun because it's real and you find out things."  Very true Collin....however, I don't think he will be giving up watching his cartoons anytime soon.

Last Games of the Seaon

Saturday was Collin's last game of the season before the playoffs.  Before the game, their record was 3 wins, 1 tie and 6 losses...and most of those losses were really close...sometimes losing by one point.  This was a game of firsts for Collin:  1) he played Catcher which he HATED ("I don't like having to catch all of the balls") and 2) he struck out for the first time (or at least the first one I remembered).  The game was really close but the boys ended up losing by 3 points.  They do advance into the Silver bracket tournament which is next Tuesday night. 

He's "baseball ready!"

Ready for the ball in Right Center

First hit of the game

So mad at me and the coach for playing catcher. 

Today, he played in his last soccer game of the season.  Collin was not interested in playing which was the first time he has been like this all season....and maybe even since he played for this soccer league.  I think he was tired from having a friend spend the night Friday night and he spent the night with a friend Saturday night.  If that was not enough, he did play baseball yesterday, attend a birthday party and then have friends over to swim in the pool and have dinner.

Daddy did play Collin because the other boys needed a break.  After the second half, Daddy gave both Collin and Ben a pep talk about getting the ball back down the other side of the field.  Wow, that did it.  The boys did much better and scored four goals in a row.  They did still loose 4-10 but played great the last 20 minutes.  After the game, Daddy talked to the boys and told them how well they did.

I was able to get some great action shots of Collin: 

High Five for the last game and end of the season

Holland team:  Collin, Ben Antony, Pablo and Aiden