The Park Where Dreams Are Made

I'm not talking about Disney World. I'm talking about Cooperstown, NY where baseball players' dreams come true! Cade had the opportunity to travel to the park for the annual 12 year old tournament that is hosted for teams from all over the nation throughout the summer. Only Bobby and Cade made the trip because the thought of riding in a car for 18 hours with the rest of everyone else made me feel nauseated. It was some good father/son bonding! 

The MAD Mayhem

One of the big things to do was to collect pins from all of the teams represented. This is Cade and his teammate Blake looking through their wares.

All of the boys and coaches stayed together in dorm style housing. I'm pretty positive that this thrilled Bobby to no end.:)

Cade put the perfect swing on a pitch and rounded the bases for a homer. It was surely one that he'll never forget! 

Grandma and Grandpa made the trip too and they were there to see every swing and pitch. Talk about dedication! 

How cute is this shirt my mom found? I know she sported it proudly! 

There was a little down time too and Cade and Bobby and some of his teammates went to the Baseball Hall of Fame. There was a ton of really cool stuff to look at. I think Bobby was way more into it than Cade since he's had more time to fall in love with baseball and it's greatest players.

Overall the team did really well finishing out 19th of 104 teams. I consider that pretty remarkable. Most of all there were memories made to last a lifetime! 

That One Time Cade Played Varsity

Cade got "pulled up" from the JV team to play varsity for the District Tournament. The honor was nice but it was sorta a bummer because well, we knew that that meant he would forgo his starting position on JV to be a bench warmer for Varsity. He did get to play one inning in the outfield and got one ground ball that he threw in to second. Good job Cade!:) Then he spent the next whole game putting on and taking off his helmet to be the pinch runner for the catcher who never got on base:/ Oh well. We wore the uni and rubbed shoulders with the big dogs. Good times:)

SWAT Baseball Wins!

Rhett's team pulled out the Gold Minor Championship this weekend in Murfreesboro. I was so proud of Rhett because he had to pitch in both the semi-final and final games. Rhett has shown a level head under pressure this season and it seems that if there are zero outs, bases loaded, and the game it tied he's the "go to" man. 

I captured these pics from the semi-final game and I was SO happy I did. Rhett struck the last batter out on a change up to end the game and he and his catcher were beside themselves. It was the cutest thing EVER. 

Rhett came in and closed the championship game as well. I said he was pretty much like Craig Kimbrel with pretty much none of the velocity (or the fat payday:) ) 

It was a super exciting game for the SWAT and I was so proud of how they played. Not to mention that it was absolutely freeeeeezing the whole tournament. I've gotten myself a Little Buddy heater and he is my best little friend! Way to go Rhett and SWAT! 

That Gal Can Throw!

What do we do when we're not playing/watching someone play baseball? We're outside....playing baseball! 

I'm not even lying or exaggerating when I say that Elaina would do this ALL day if someone will oblige. She is always wanting to "practice her pitching".  

And, I will admit...her arm is impressive. Quite impressive. I'll catch her tennis ball throws and by the end my palms are red. She can't wait to be on a team of her own. 

This fall it will be her turn. I'm anxious to see how all of her practicing translates to the real field.

All my cute baseball lovin' kiddos:)

Cookeville Baseball

Remember that one time ALL of my boys were playing in the SAME town, at the SAME complex? I DO! I just needed a high rise swivel chair to be able to rotate around and see everyone. It was a great weekend in Cookeville with great weather. I love when this happens! (Which is, like, never!)

Batting Gloves

Elaina is slightly obsessed with her Hello Kitty batting gloves. She has been wearing this one for days. No kidding. She's even eating dinner in it. This girl....baseball must be in her blood!

SWAT Baseball

Rhett played another year of All-Stars on SWAT. This year our team was a pretty solid little group. We got several tournament wins under our belt including winning the district title. We made it to the final game of the State tournament and ended up losing to Lawrenceburg in a game we should've totally won:( It was a great season though! 

I love watching Rhett play baseball. He is in it to win it every game. He has a drive and a passion that is unmatched. (He probably gets it from Bobby:) ). 

As always, faithful fan and grandpa was there for nearly every game...only missing because he was at one of the other boys' games. This picture was on father's day and where else would we be?? Good times! 

Surge Baseball

Grant played for Surge again this year. It was the team's first year as a "modified" travel team. That meant that we played in Cal Ripkin as an all star team but we also played in tournaments outside of Cal Ripken. 

 Grant did well this season playing some center field, catcher and a little second base. He had some good buds on the team as well and that always makes for a fun season! 

Elaina spent all of her baseball days running the field after games. As long as she came home completely dirty she felt like she had done her job:)

Destin Game Days

We spent lots of hot days at the baseball parks in and around Destin. Elaina was content as long as there was a concession stand and as long as I kept saying "yes". I did give in to an early morning sno cone run so I could watch the game in peace:)

Cade played a solid third base throughout 9 games and the Mavs came through with 9 straight wins! 

The team got a huge trophy!

And, the boys all got super bowl sized rings. Look at that tough face:) 

It was the perfect ending to a great season. I honestly had no idea how being on this team would turn out but it has been a fantastic learning and growing experience for Cade in his baseball career. We were blessed to get to hang with a great group of boys and parents and that made the season so much easier to adjust to our new team. I wouldn't trade the season for anything and I'm pretty sure Cade would agree! 

Shadow

This picture is an accurate representation of Elaina and her baseball love. She is constantly the first person to ask to practice and even when brothers are practicing she is right behind them listening to every word Bobby says and she copy cats. I hope this passion leads to some scholarship or something!:)

She's always wearing her game face!