Take Me Out To The Ball Game

The kids have been participating for T-ball/Meshball for the past month. This has been their first experience with this sport. Annie was very excited to purchase a pink glove for herself. There is only one other girl on her team and she likes people to remember that she is all girl all the time! Annie likes to play right outfielder and surprisingly is always attentive.

Last summer Sam would spend an hour each night hitting the ball of the tee in the backyard. I couldn't wait to sign him up for T-ball this year since he seemed to have a natural love for the sport. In the picture below Sam is facing the outfield and not paying any attention to the game.

Although both the kids now have lost their passion for the game and practice that they had the first two weeks, and both kids groan when we say it's time to head out for t-ball, Annie remains engaged the entire time. Meshball is pretty much the same as t-ball but she hits from the coach's pitch and not the tee (unless she misses the first 6 pitches). Annie did better the first 3 games than she has the last two. I think she is getting a little bored and a little impatient with growing her skill.
Annie made it to first base (there are no strikes or outs in t-ball or meshball- everyone hits and everyone runs all the bases). Here she is waiting for her teammate to hit the ball so she can run to second base.

As you can see in the picture below, Sam has decided that t-ball isn't his thing. I hate to admit that this is not the first time he has assumed this position during a game or practice. A little frustrating, but a whole lot of funny. I predict Sam has been given Mark's running genes because Sam will spend 15 minutes running around the soccer fields without stopping. At least we can say we tried t-ball, but I don't think we will be signing up for this sport again anytime soon.

Nashville Post 4: Bittersweet Farwel

There is nothing in the world more wonderful than spending time with friends. I went home with enough good memories from this trip that it is like a slow acting herbal medicine to my soul. It lifts me up for weeks after I have left their company. I loved getting to know Amelia and seeing her parent's wonderful traits shine through her- goofiness, intelligence, curiosity, charm and free-flowing love.

Thank you to my dear friends, Caresse and Christian, for letting the whole Flory crew come into your home- bringing our loudness, laughter, messes, dirty laundry and drum set with us! We slept well, we laughed whole hearted, we ate well (maybe even too much!) and we all drove home with a smile on our faces, but a small tear in our hearts that we had to go. Thanks to George and Tom for taking the risk of hanging out with us for a couple days and for driving so far to get there- it was a magical treat at the bottom of my cereal box to be able to rekindle our friendship and get to know how amazing Tom is as a friend, but more importantly as a husband. I thank God daily for the amazing friends that He has placed in my life.

Nashville Post 3: Back To School

Near the city of Nashville is Belmont University, a wonderful liberal arts college with beautiful grounds that will make you wish this was your Alma mater. Amongst the original mansion and water tower you can find immaculate landscaping, gazebos and enchanting statues.

At Belmont University, young minds come to take on their destiny...to conquer knowledge...to discover the world (literally right at their fingertips!)
We were able to sneak into a women's literature lecture give by Dr Caresse. As you can see by the power point and intense expressions by this professor, this is an advanced class only to be taken by serious students. We were quite taken with this university professor and later asked her for a personal tour, of which she graciously agreed.

These two first year students (they have been first years for 5 years now) stopped their studying to pose for a picture. They really making learning look fun down in Nashville, don't they?

Dr. John also practices medicine in her downtime and will be taking new patients through the end of the year. She works in a large physician's practice and is very pleased to be specializing in enormous plantar warts. No previous medical treatment necessary.

Nashville Post 2: Rockband Ruckus

Nashville, Tennessee has been called the Music City by many. Hundreds of country singers have made their start within this amazing place including Garth, Dolly and Faith and some newcomers to the music scene...

Late at night at the John's Hard Rock Cafe a new girls band is making their way to stardom. Rockin' Robin on bass, Jammin' Georgie on lead guitar and avoiding the camera like the plague is Cacophonous Caresse. These ladies can be seen on the rock n' roll party scene into the early hours of a Sunday morning (or 12:01 am anyway). They are not only HOT but also quite intellectual remarking on their own rhythm's and mistakes throughout their show. (Notice their one and only 'roadie', Tom, enjoying the night's tunes).
A rambunctious group of musical talents graced the John's Hard Rock Cafe in the early afternoon hours on the Fourth of July. Were they playing Yankee Doodle? No, it was Linkin Park's 'What's I've Done." Man, these kids may be young, but they can jam!

The youngest musical guest of this revue was one (cute and adorable) Almighty Amelia. Though she may be the smallest member of this band, her syncopated rhythm and skill on the drums are one of a kind. Keep your eyes open for this young talent in the future. We will definitely be seeing more of her!

Nashville Post 1- Canine Obsession

Citing one: Annie Elizabeth has been seen on numerous occasion soothing one lab/pit bull mix named Clutch. At times of peak k-9 energy Annie was able to soothe this animal into complete and utter relaxation. Some say she soothing, others say she is hypnotizing. We say she is the dog whisperer.
Citing Two: Samuel Richard, who recently turned 4 1/2 on July 3rd, had been accused of making clutch "play dead" at 4:00 on a Thursday afternoon. When later asked about his involvement in the "playing dead" case, he denied any knowledge of the incident. His Alibi- he was playing with the pink castle minding his own business.

Citing Three: Tom, aka Mr Tom, currently residing on the east coast was seen at 7pm on Friday evening whispering "sweet nothings" into Clutch's ears. Tom willingly admitted to falling "deeply" over this beautiful blond animal, but would not admit to currently being involved with a woman named George.

Citing Four: After hours and hours of hard work at constructing a fort of blankets and toys, a warning had been hand-written to a k-9 trespasser. Not to any dog, but to one. When no eyes were looking (and no security cameras in place) one Clutch John was found sneaking into the Pink Bug Fort and even dared to put his head in. After hours of being pet, whispered to and loved, the dog could not help but risk the danger just for the sake of curiosity.

Stay Tuned for Nashville Post 2: Rock Band Ruckus