All Good Things...

After both boys played today, baseball season is officially over for our family. And what an exciting season it was! Sam finally had his All-Star game~



These pictures are really washed out - it was very sunny today! But this one is so sweet of the boys during the Star Spangled Banner~

Mary in the bleachers...

Scott caught this of Charlie coaching third while Sam was on base~

After Sam's game, we ran home to eat, before heading back for the first game in Charlie's playoffs. Cheering section~

Although Mary is getting a little restless~

And Maddi was happy to spot her on the 'beam' ~

Mary is almost 2, and it's showing. She doesn't want any help, with anything~

Charlie's game was very close. They started off strong, but came into the last inning down a couple of runs. The Mets were starting to rally, but by the time Charlie was at bat, they had two outs. He popped up the ball, which was caught, bringing a disappointing end to the season. Honestly though, both boys had an amazing season - we saw a lot of improvement in each of them. We're still debating on whether or not to play fall ball...

Mary, though, is ready to say "so long" to the game~

Swing Batter!

Blue Lake

We returned home tonight from our trip to Blue Lake. Blue Lake is a fine arts camp in western Michigan which offers a Suzuki family camp. This was a fun opportunity for Sam to work on his cello while the rest of us enjoyed swimming, biking, and crafts :)

Six thirty am on Sunday morning~
We realized as we were leaving that the last time we woke Mary this early was the day of her surgery. She is still all smiles~

Daddy, our fearless chauffeur~

Four hours later, we made it! Sam found a little friend right away~

There are several rustic building where sessions are held. It's really beautiful to walk through the woods and hear all the music~

Mary checking out the pool~

The boys - always playing some sport involving a ball~

The camp is located right on the shore of Little Blue Lake~

Our main mode of transportation were our bikes (and occasionally our feet). But Mary loves riding~

Of course, what would a trip anywhere be without ice cream?

Mary gets a bedtime story with John, while the big kids played capture the flag near our cabin~

On the second night, Sam was chosen from over 200 students, to be one of only sixteen to perform in the honor recital~

I don't think I say it enough, but we are so proud of him. I can't imagine getting up in front of a huge crowd and playing an instrument~

Sam's teacher from home, Mrs. Ourada, along with a favorite from blue Lake, Paul~

Another great teacher, Andrea~

The last afternoon, there is a performance with the entire camp. It's kind of like being at Ravinia, with the huge bandshell~

Although, the food left something to be desired, and the sleeping accommodations were not entirely suitable for our family (only twin beds - not much room for Mary and I to co-sleep), we all had a great time! I think as Mary gets older, it will only get easier and more enjoyable. We'll probably try to go again next summer :)

I know you will be and I hope you are an excellent man, and I will love you absolutely if you are not.

The title is from "Gilead" by Marilynne Robinson. I gave that book to my dad several months ago, because it really spoke to me, and I knew he would like it, too. We both loved the book! I can totally picture Scott or my dad saying that line. It's beautifully written. Another exceptionally wonderful book I recently read, and shared with my dad is "Peace Like a River" by Leif Enger. I can't say enough good things about this book. I think "Peace" just may be the best book I've ever read. But I highly recommend both books. Either would make very meaningful gifts for one's dad.

Tonight we had our annual fish fry to celebrate Father's Day. Mary started off with a butter appetizer, mmmmm~
Here's Sam eating the bass he caught in Arkansas~

After dinner, the boys enjoyed a game of bags~

Mary giving Grandpa some of the clover she picked on her walk with Pam~

And a kiss~

Mary loves her daddy~

And her grandpa~

We had strawberry shortcake with homemade buttermilk biscuits. The boys saw these candles yesterday and wanted to get them for Scott~

What a great dad~

I have set my rainbow in the clouds...

We had quite a storm tonight. It was fun to watch, until Daddy convinced us to step away from the window. We saw this tree branch came down right across our front steps~
Once the storm passed, we headed outside to assess the damage. Mary with our neighbor, going to fetch some more umbrellas~

All the guys hacking away at another large tree that was blocking someones driveway. The tree belongs to the same people who suffered really terrible damage during last year's storm~

Mary loved the rain~

After everything settled down, I ran to the library to grab a couple of books for our upcoming trip to Blue Lake. As I turned onto Main Street, I was blown away by a beautiful rainbow. I called Scott and he tried to grab a shot of it. It wasn't as bright from our house, but you can see a bit of it here~

It really was breathtaking when I saw it - people were commenting about it in the library.

Mixed Media

Sammy won a contest at the library! They chose several entries of original drawings and turned them into mouse pads for the computer stations~

Batter Up

Sam with a nice hit today - I found out afterward that he was running funny because he had his cup in his underwear, rather than the special shorts...

And here's Mary, coloring with the other team sisters~

Short Stop

Fresh Paint

Sam's All-Star game was rained out today, so in a fit of rainy day doldrums, we decided to make over the boys' room. Right before Sam was born (6+ years ago!) we painted the room with a blue sky and grass~
Tonight, after picking paint (and determining we have hardwood (hurray!!!) under the carpet), we got started. This is real life, though, not Trading Spaces, so I probably won't have any 'after' pics for at least another week. We're also planning to build a loft bed...