Hey Now, You're An All Star!

Well, the baseball season is officially over today. There's so much to say about how the season went. There was plenty of drama (touchy parents), plenty of running around the field (chasing Palmer), and plenty of really great baseball. Connor's skills have really taken a step up and his focus and patience have improved immensely.

Along with his personal growth and maturation, his advancement this year is also attributable to two very important things. One, his Dad was not his coach. He helped out a TON, but he wasn't the primary authority figure on the field and Connor really needs that separation. Two, his coach was fantastic. We live in a place where many people step up and give of themselves, but Rich Abdinoor does better than that. It was clear to every boy on that team and every parent that he loved the game and he wanted those players in it all the way and to be positive and thrive on the game. The chemistry of those two men---his Dad and his Coach Rich---really made the difference for Connor. I am grateful to them both for the love and patience they showed.

Although it was disappointing that the regular season Dodgers lost in the first round of the playoffs, we were appeased by the fact that Connor made the Dulles Little League Single A National League All Star Blue team. The All Stars played a few games over the past days and today, Connor's team won. And even better than that, Connor got the game ball. He went 2 for 3 with a double, had 3 RBIs and pitched a shut-out inning.   What a great way to end the season.  Congratulations my big man!

My Mamas

Over a fateful few weeks in 2003, I met some women that have made my life so very rich. We all came together in a new mother's support group after having our first babies and we've been together ever since. This year we snuck away for a weekend at a beach house in Fenwick Island, Delaware. It was lovely. The house. The women. The beach. I cherish all of it and all of them so very much.

Third Grade Graduation

This year really sped by. The fastest ever.  Like a superconductor train in Japan, it sped by. I can't believe the school year is over. Connor was recognized for his special achievement in public speaking. I love that. So many kids struggle with confidence in that area. It is truly a gift to just be born that way. Being able to express yourself and command a room is a life skill that is invaluable. If you have to learn it, it is much more difficult.  He is amazing, my boy.  He's socially fearless...which kind of makes everyone fear him.   I can totally identify with this challenge as I have the same affliction. 

  

We love you for how smart and special you are, Connor. But we also love you for being such a goof ball. Congrats!

Camping At Natural Bridge

TaterTown temporarily relocated to a campsite on the James River in Natural Bridge, Virginia for the long Memorial Day weekend. We went with five other families and enjoyed absolutely perfect weather. Hot and sunny days, cool and moist nights. It was everything camping should be...full of hard work, great fun, and lots of freedom for the kids to be kids. They were unplugged from their devices and ran wild.

We couldn't enjoy the river as much as I would have liked. Last weeks rain had it running high and fast. But I trudged out into it nevertheless. Next time, Connor and I are going to do a tubing run. To replace it, we spent time both days crawling on our knees up a creek bed hunting crawfish and salamanders. My friend Sharon has now been dubbed the "Crawdad Whisperer" for her tutelage and skill. I am pretty sure our sons will never appreciate their mothers.  They think its totally normal for moms to crawl on slimy rocks with buckets and tiny nets in ice cold mountain creeks.  I'm fine with that.

At one point, we took a ride to see Cave Mountain Lake. I'd seen the sign and it was four miles away. Four miles. Sure. Four miles and a whole 'nother planet. I've never seen the Garmin go blank like this.

Palmer spent most if the weekend pretty dressed up, as you can see. Totally redneck toddler, I know. He had a great time and did so much better than last year camping at Williamsburg. The heat did bother him a bit, so he took his naps in the car with the AC on just to maintain his sanity.

On Sunday we took a drive to the Safari Park with is a huge drive through wild animal preserve.  Its really kind of out of place and amazing and you feed the animals from your car.  Both of the boys loved it, and Connor got to drive the car (steer) for about 30 minutes, which totally rocked his world. Palmer liked the animals very much, be he liked the animal feed more.  It pretty much comprised his breakfast. 

It was a fun weekend with lots of great stories.

Good Morning, Campers

The boys, all over me, on a flat air mattress. 

It's Fake...Just Like My Accent

Connor spent several hours fishing this weekend with boy from North Carolina, after which he was stunningly compelled to "talk like James". He's got some kind of southern accent going on. Now we just need to work on the manners.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Pom Pom!

Pom Pom is what you call yourself.  Palmer is too much of a mouthful, so you point at your belly and say "Pom Pom" when I ask you what your name is.  Just like everything else about you, it is absolutely adorable.  And I'm not saying that just because I am your mom.  We can't go out of the house without strangers gasping for breath to tell me how cute and charming you are.  Just yesterday, you had two 17 year old girls in absolute pieces on the floor at the Smoothie King after they watched you march in as if you owned the place and make your way to the life-sized cardboard cut out of some hot chick on a scale and stroke her leg.  You, my son, are, as they say, a "piece of work".  A piece of very fine work. 

You are not a baby anymore.   You are a toddler boy and with that comes everything that should.  Curiosity, fearlessness, an openness to everything around you...and messes.  Lots of messes.  You are a one-man wrecking crew.  If it can be spilled, smeared, crushed or dumped, you do it.   I have no idea why you are so big and still chubby.  You push food around and grind it into paste in front of you much more than you consume it.

You love your Dada so much.  After Dada leaves for work in the morning, you wake up and just WHINE for him, "Da-------------------da. Da-----------------da."  Your face lights up when you see him more than anything or anyone else. 

And certainly you love Connor...your Brubby.  You want to do everything he does, and for the most part, he's patient and let's you hang around him like a satellite in orbit.

Lately, we've been spending so much of our family time at Connor's baseball games.   You think you are part of the team.  You want to be in the dugout with the big boys and you want all of the equipment on.  Keeping you out of the way and uninjured is a full-time job. 

You make our lives more spectacular and fun than we could have possibly imagined.   All three of us are so in love with you. Happy Birthday, Palmer!