Sweethearts on the Hill

Charlie's 2014 doesn't differ too much from Sam's 2014, just because we kind of bundle them together in the same stinky little package. And I think they're okay with that :) So, here is Charlie on the great Rangers team of 2014. He is a hot mess, that's all I can say. As all of the other kids nervously go up to bat, hoping and praying they get a hit… Charlie casually meanders his way to the plate, balancing the bat on his right hand, paying no mind to the fact that he is holding up the entire game. He's pretty hard not to love! The assistant coach on the team would occasionally sing "Na-na Na-na, Na-na Na-na Charlie's World!" (to the tune of "Elmo's World") Charlie actually hit very well all year long - and in the few times the ball was hit near him, he did a good job getting it to the infield. We'll take it! Here he is being an exceptional big brother as always. Luke loves him some Charlie! Being crazy cute ...

My final two posts to get me up to the here and now are going to be about Sam and Charlie.  Here is a little summary of what the second half of 2014 held for Sam. He and Charlie were on the same spring baseball team in Vance's League at KYS, coached by Matthew Sterchi.   Sam got to play second base all year and did a great job! This seemed to be the year that it all clicked for him.  I do believe that the 6 and 7 year old league falls within the sweet spot of those few years when you have a perfect balance of "good" competitive baseball but still with sweet, supportive parents from all sides. Richie and I have absolutely loved this league… and having both boys on the same team made it even better. They made it to the semi-finals when they lost a tough game to the White Sox, coached by Casey Loftin. It was a really great season. He finished up his first year of cub scouts, in the Tiger Den. Richie kind of got tricked into being den leader - but he did ...

As I was pulling all the pictures together for Luke's first birthday, I thought it would be fun to look at all three boys' first birthday parties. It's amazing how fast they grow! Here is Sam entertaining the crowd   Charlie sportin' his famous drool covered clothing   And baby Luke… a perfect mix of his two brothers Here they are going after their cakes… Sam Charlie   (mommy forgot to put on Luke's birthday hat… boooo) And some more of those sweet cake faces Sam Charlie Luke And of course, I have to share their show cakes! And smash cakes Love all those sweet chocolatey cheeks!!