Nathan's Birthday

Nathan turned 15 this summer.   Hard to believe it.

 And of course, we are still having Star Wars Cakes.   Good thing I figured out how to make gray frosting!   This cake is the Darth Maul duel at the end of Episode I.    See Obi-wan hanging onto the projection?

 The weather was very nice for his birthday party.   We were able to take a walk in the woods with our friends and have cake and ice cream and presents on the porch.

 Happy 15th Birthday Nathan!

Baseball

We had a good baseball season up here. This year, we only had two boys playing. Aaron broke his leg and was in an ankle cast for most of the season. Stephen's season was in May and we have a few games that were pretty cold. Deb is under the purple blanket.

Stephen got to play 3rd base and outfield and had a good season. His team won 2 games which was a pleasant surprise since this was the first time in this age bracket for most of the boys.

We thought that Nathan wouldn't be able to play because there weren't enough boys in our township to make up a Junior League team. Then he found out that the neighboring town had an opening. He jumped at the chance and had a wonderful time.

His team was pretty good and came in second in the league. Nathan got some great plays in the outfield and at first base. He had a couple really great hits. Here's my best action picture ever of him stealing home. He was safe by the way.

Nathan's best game was his last one where he preformed a triple play. The batter hit a hard line drive and Nathan leaped up and caught it (out 1). Then he tagged the runner trying to return to first (out 2). Then his alert shortstop was on second calling for the ball. Nathan threw it to him and the shortstop got the runner trying to return to second base (out 3). It was beautiful to see.

Last Baseball Fling

Our local minor league team did well this year and made it to the playoffs. At the last minute, we bought tickets to one of their playoff games. It was a beautiful night. We got there early which turned out to be great. The concession lines are sure short when you get in when the gate opens!

The line for playing on the big playground tower is also short! Aaron and Deborah had a great time on the structure and really liked being able to go all over it without having to stand in line.

It was a great night for a ballgame and we almost won. The team rallied in the 6th to come within one run of tying but couldn't muster enough runs after that to win. There is always next year!

The Last of the Baseball pictures

Here is the last batch of baseball pictures for the year. First is a great game in which Nathan pitched well and batted well. They won as you can see.

During one of the last practice and games for the boys, the minor league player that came to last year's baseball picnic showed up to watch the boys again. Nathan was thrilled when he hit fly balls out to the boys in the field.

After Aaron's and Nathan's game, he talked to all the boys.

At the end of the season, we participated in the All Star Team Tournament. Nathan pitched all three games and pitched well.

Aaron playing second base.

Our teams didn't do too well but the boys still enjoyed being on the teams. They even got All Stars shirts that they can keep.

So farewell to baseball until next year!

The Shed

Our local baseball club finally got enough funds to build a new equipment shed. Since our club doesn't have a lot of money, they needed a lot of volunteers. We came in during the painting. That's another advantage of homeschooling. We could come paint during the day when the paint and the other volunteers were there.

This is the first time that I've let the children actually really paint. And they did a pretty good job for first timers.

Nathan and Stephen worked the rollers for a lot of the primer coat.

Then two days later we came back to put on the first coat of green paint. This time, Aaron and Deb took a turn with the roller. Aaron was content to roll a couple of times and give it back to me. But Deb really enjoyed it.

Maybe she takes after her mother.

Ah! One coat of green paint is done!

A Week of Baseball

This past week was the week of baseball.   Together with both teams, we had 7 games.   One night had both teams playing.   It's almost enough to make me tired of baseball.

We did have two games that were fun to watch.   Nathan's team beat a team that we've never beat before.   He pitched two great innings and stretched a weak single into homerun.   The shortstop overthrew first and the first baseman overthrew second and Nathan ran fast.   

Aaron's and Stephen's team actually tied one of the best teams in our league.   I was amazed.   This town's teams are always very very good.   We played well and we hit well and tied.   Aaron hit a great double and Stephen hit a wonderful triple.

UPDATE:   On the 19th, Nathan's team actually beat an undefeated team!  8-7!   The boys played very well and Nathan's pitching kept the other team from gaining any more runs.   I don't know who was more surprised by the win - the other team or us.   

Take Me out to the Ballgame!

The snow has just barely melted and we are in the middle of baseball season.      

Nathan

Stephen

Aaron

Both teams won their first games!   A good way to start the season.   Especially when we usually lose.    But this year, both teams are experienced and I think that helps.

Stephen on third and about to come home.

Aaron on second (after he stole it on a passed ball).