June

We still had lots of activity going on in June but thankfully it was calmer than the past few months.  We were able to celebrate a milestone birthday for a good friend and even more exciting we got to celebrate Father's Day with one of the best!  Special doughnuts, a custom Avery faced lovie and a day at the baseball field... what more could he want?

We decorated a friend's patio while they were out of town with some items a lady who moved left behind

Avery (7 years, 10 months) - Based on the picture Avery did 2 main things this month... (1) sports and (2) hung out with EK.  Avery was definitely dragged to her fair share of ballparks but she has also made almost daily visits to the pool.  And she took part in a Braves softball clinic where she got to see several of her friends from the Spring, hang out with some college softball players and even met some Braves alumni who signed autographs for all the girls.

Braves autographs and she had the GT player sign her hat

She also spent time almost every day with her BFF to the point where they seemed to regularly match their clothes.  Highlights of "their" month were seeing Frozen at the Fox (thank you Mimi!), a trip to the local waterpark and a camping sleepover.

Zombie fashion show

Parker (10 years, 7 months) - Parker spent most of the month playing baseball and running around with his neighborhood friends.  But he did get to go to see Zac Brown (mom was also there) with his buddy Brendan from school and baseball. They had great seats and even got to go up on stage for a bit during the opening act.  

Carter (12 years, 1 month) - Carter finished up his baseball season with a final tournament with his travel team from the past 3 years.  Carter mainly played second base and had a strong showing at the plate.  His team won the tournament which was such a great way to end the season! Thankfully most of these boys will play together next year under a new team so more from this group to come.  Carter also did some off season wrestling conditioning this month and is looking forward to competing again at school next year.

He made himself eggs for dinner and was so proud! He even picked fresh herbs for a garnish.

Siblings - No school means lots of time for these kiddos to hang out!

Day at Six Flags

Hanging with friends

You know it is summer when the KV bike gang is out in force

Parker has been doing traveling snow cone sales

And lots of time at ball fields!

Parker changed his number to 16 for the summer so when the boys stand next to each other they make our street address (1216)

Parker's Allstar Baseball Season

Based on his performance in rec ball this Spring, Parker was selected to play on an Allstar team this summer.  His team practiced/played 6 days a week from mid-May to the end of June and played in 3 all start tournaments plus the local Little League district tournament.  His team was made up of several boys Parker played with in the past and several that were new friends. Colin was selected as an assistant coach.  

Parker mainly played catcher but also spent a few innings in the outfield and pitched as well.  He has developed into quite the competent catcher and really enjoyed the position.  But Parker excelled with his batting.  He led the team in every batting category - average, OBP, OPS, slugging, hits, RBIs and runs. Baseball has been a huge confidence builder for him which is great to see.

Overall this was a wonderful team of boys and families to hang out with! The boys all got along great, played hard and improved tremendously over the six weeks.  The won 2 of their 3 tournaments only losing to the eventual winner in the 3rd one.  It was such a fun team to watch with every boy performing and a team that picked each other up when needed.  Their coach also taught the boys a lot of nutrition and mental toughness and it was so funny to see them willingly forgoing sweets and sugary drinks for their time together.

Their first tournament was the 42 Classic (after Jackie Robinson's number).  The team started  0-2 on Saturday but battled back and won their bracket on Sunday.  They were all so excited for their champion rings.  Parker declared that he had accomplished on of his life goals which was to win this tournament.

Parker catching

Parker wore his ring on a necklace for a few days

Their next tournament involved two very early games so Parker enjoyed Waffle House to go in the car.  On Saturday, the team lost a close game and then won the next one 21-0 earning themselves a pot in the Gold bracket.  Unfortunately they lost their first game Sunday to the same team from Saturday but on the bright side that team ended up winning the tournament and their two games against our team were their closest ones of the weekend.

Up next we played against the other 10u Smyrna Little All Star team in a few games at our home field.  It was fun to see friends and their families from our community and while we didn't win we will be cheering on Smyrna Blue in the State Tournament!

We finished the season with one more tournament and the boys were unstoppable.  They run-ruled both pool games and earned the number 1 seat in the Gold bracket.  After a convincing win in the semi-final game, they were ready to bring home the championship in their final game together but unfortunately mother nature had other plans.  Based on their performance they were declared the overall tournament winner earning themselves more rings, an amazing team jumbo ring and a fun team dinner to celebrate.

Boys and dads with matching socks

Coach surprising the boys with their jumbo ring

Supportive siblings posing with the ring

Moms and the ring

Overall this was such a fun team and experience.  We had a great time hanging out with these families and watching Parker shine.  Hopefully we see everyone on the field again soon!