OPENING DAY!

Well it is officiall. We are in full gear now with baseball. This morning was opening ceremonies for our little league. Along with the parade of teams each of the boys had their hit-a-thon and team/individual pictures. (Actually Ethan didn't have his hit-a-thon and Chandler didn't have pictures. They are both scheduled for other times.) The hit-a-thon is how the league makes their money. The players go out and get pledges and then everyone hits off a tee and whoever hits the ball the farthest, in each team, gets a new bat. And, depending on how much money you raise there are various prize levels. We had to be at Big League Dreams, Redding's baseball park, this morning at 8:10 am. Chandler had his hit-a-thon at this time and he did well. The ceremonies which consist of the flag salute, parade of teams, and prize handouts for top money collectors, started at 9am. The parade of teams is fun and neat. Each team in each division (t-ball, coach pitch, machine pitch, minors and majors) comes out as a team all in their uniforms, with their banners and are announced. Usually they have this at a school's baseball field where the games are played. This year they had it at the city's baseball park and it was very cool. The park is beautiful. The grounds are very well kept up, there are 4 baseball diamonds all with nice seats and it really makes you feel like you are at a pro field. So, they had the hit-a-thon at two of the diamonds going on all day. Pictures were being taken in a field and they were having minor and major teams playing on the two fields right by the snack lounge. So, after the parade we went into the snack area to get warm and get something to eat. It was nice to hang out there and just relax while we waited for the next picture or hit-a-thon. With three boys doing all these activities we were there all day. Got there at 8am and left at 3:30pm. While we were waiting for our times we sat and watched one of the games going on. At Evan's hit-a-thon he got 3rd! Way to whack that ball! Great job buddy! Finally, after the last activity that we needed to be at the boys went to the batting cages there and each did a couple of rounds. Ethan even got in there and was hitting like a pro. It was a great day! We all got a little too much sun and are all very tired but overall it was a great memory maker day!

We were all having fun watching the big boys play.

We can't forget mom and Chase. Yes we were there too and having a great time! I love this picture! Chase was an angel boy the whole day. What a happy baby!

My three players and coach!

This picture was taken at the end of the afternoon. Ethan had absolutely had it. He was done. Had no more smiles or fun left in him. This picture just makes me smile.

What great looking boys. Ethan's uniform is so big on him it reminds me of the 1930's players. Too cute!

Evan taking his individual pictures. Looks great!

Evan's team is the Washington Nationals (machine pitch). Evan is in the back row, far left, right in front of the coach in black.

Ethan is on the Red Sox (t-ball).

Ethan is so excited to finally be on his own real team! He's in the front row, bottom far right.

Chandler's team the Cubs (coach pitch) walking onto the field for the parade of teams. Ryan is one of the assistant coaches for the team. He loves it! (Ryan is the coach in the middle. Not sure what one Chandler is.)