the fitting

We are being held in house arrest by the oppressive heat today. One of those three digit days that makes even the air hurt when you breath. So forgive me if I'm in a bit of a musing mood. That and in my boredom I went to town on the shower scum in the bathtub and might just be a bit high on the fumes.

Boys and Girls are different. But not as different as you might think. Brides spend days finding just the right dress and then days more making sure that it fits to perfection. Hey I had five (yes 5) fittings on a dress made to order to my measurements. Boys are fitted with equal fervor for football equipment. Remember a few weeks back we were measured. Well today was the fitting. Every piece carefully tried on and adjusted to make sure that it's prepared for the marriage of crushes and tackles that will soon be inflicted. Then the boys went in search of football cleats. Such calculated choices. Forget the Manolo's, Jack's football cleats are the most expensive piece of footwear in the entire house. (and his baseball cleats are probably the second most expensive)

Sleep Over

We spent the night with Deb and the girls last night. We always have such fun hanging out together. Deb has a magic bed ~ a hideaway sleeper that never fails to intrigue the kiddos. That's Charlie the cat taking his spot on the bed.

Jackson sometimes takes the girls toys and transforms them into something creative and amazing. He made them this castle.

See how fascinating he is...... the girls just sit in awe. For long enough that we can even finish a sentence.

Family Day

Sunday was the big Vacation Bible School celebration. The kiddos sang at church, well at least Erin did. Lauren is a bit on the shy side. Then we had an old fashioned church pot luck. I love church food. Erin really enjoyed the olives which she ate with pleasure from her little bitty finger tips.

Then later in the day we went to Deb's for a family dinner. Brian cooked an amazing feast complete with home made blackberry cobbler. Lauren did hair. Oh boy did she do hair. Don't I look fetching. Then it was off to the pool for an early evening dip.

the season finale

They played their hearts out, but took a loss to end the season. Jackson came in in relief and plowed through 2 innings before hitting a wall. He also played a solid third base.

The boys of summer are ready to turn in their hats for helmets - football season starts next week.

My boys. They both make third base look pretty good!

Erin and John sharing something funny after the game.

Erin hit the dirt.

1.2. 3 strikes yar out

The Pirates live to see another baseball day. We move forward in the tournament after another fun game last night.

I sometimes forget just how big my boy is. Check out those big beefy hands compared to those of his catcher Kyle.

And check out the bruise he got when he tripled and the center fielders throw to third base found his jaw instead of the glove of the third basemen. If you look real close you can see the seams of the ball.

We celebrated the victory, the game ball that Jackson got, and the end of vacation bible school with ice cream. Erin really enjoyed hers.

Ahoy Mates

The Pirates pounded the opposing team tonight in game three of the tournament. They fended off a late inning rally that drew the game within one run, bases loaded, winning run on second, no outs. Four coaches all over forty thinking they might need blood pressure medication. And one mama so full of nerves that she gave up the score keepers pad and had to pace and whose stomach was lurching so hard it made her dizzy. Maybe Jack has this relief pitcher stuff down. But I don't. Pitching change allowed me to get my breath. Anyway one out at a time we beat back the attack. And then was the victory ever sweet. Jack hit a slam into center field that would have cleared the fence had it been hit to left or right field. (probably 265 feet) He ran it for the home run.

After the game coach Johnny enjoyed the adoration of the girls. This never fails to melt my heart.

Corn

Mom & Harold picked corn in the country and blessed us with some of their bounty. Oh yea. John will be in corn heaven tonight.

Michael Vick is a turd. Almost everyday we think the dogs have had an accident. People who come to our home think the dogs have pooped. But it's just Michael Vick. Which just happens to be Cooper's favorite toy at the moment.

Remember the Michael Vick dog chew toy that I purchased oh so long ago. Well here's what's left of his head and shoulders. Cooper keeps digging him out of the bottom of his toy basket.