First. Second. Third. Home.

We have had an eventful few days.  First up, Cole-Man's first baseball game of the season!  He is playing on the Grasshoppers team in the 7-8 year old machine pitch league in town.  Our season starts much later than some other leagues around East Texas, so our boys were anxious to get out to the diamonds this year!

I am SO proud of this kid. For many reasons, one of which is his teancity and braveness.  He bats first on the line-up.  First up to bat at the first game of the season and he struck out.  Tears filled his eyes (and mine) as he walked back to the dugout, but the next inning he walked confidently out to Home Plate and hit a double!!

Mike is helping coach both Cole and Tate's teams this year, and I know he loves to be on the field just as much as they do.

Cole started at Shortstop and did a GREAT job.  If you remember, he played catcher and outfield most of last year.  He is older, stronger, and an improved player this year -- one of the best on his team -- and is loving being in the middle of the action at shortstop.

He did pinch catch the last inning after Breckin had been in the catcher position for the prior 4 innings.  He can still make great stops!

We had a really cute cheer section with Saige

and Kate!

The Grasshoppers beat the Rangers 13-2, thanks in part to this run by Cole!

Second up... Tate's first T-Ball game of the season with the 3-4 LSU Tigers.  This kid loves baseball. LOVES.

He played at pitcher (who gets most of the balls hit off the tee) and first base. I don't think it is any surprise that Tate is one of the best players on his team by far.

His really good friend, Knox, is also good and smacked a ball to the outfield!

Look at these two: they are incredible friends, teammates, and players.  I honestly hope they always get to play together in Little League!

Cutest First Baseman I ever did see!  Everyone wins in Instructional T-Ball, but Go Tigers!

Third up... a visit from Peggy and Cole's third piano recital.  We are always excited when Baca comes to visit.  We went swimming [Baca jumped in, but I swore I wouldn't post the pics!], and the kids had a blast shooting her with water guns.

We also celebrated Mothers' Day a little early.  Tate loved opening her gift for her, but kept asking why we weren't having cupcakes... ;)

Cole participated in Mrs. Cool's piano and flute recital this year -- his best so far! He received the Mendelssohn award for his third year recital.

Listen for yourself to his amazing talent... 

Cole and Braxton... I hope the world is ready for these two because they are ready for the world!

Second Grade is a strong grade, and had more than any other grade in the recital.

Savannah, Julianna, Landon, Cole, Braxton, and Gracie S. [not pictured]

 

Tate wouldn't let Baca have a photo with just the pianist... :)

Finally, it is with a heavy heart that I write about our Ruby going Home... We lost her on Saturday at only 6 months of age.  It really isn't fair to lose a 6 month-old puppy -- I can hardly muster the courage to even write this.  2015 has not been good to us, having lost Barley a few months ago, then Mike's dad, and then Mike's granddad, and now the boys' Christmas puppy.  We are devastated.  We are ready for summer, ready for a change of pace, and ready for some peace.