Summer Baseball Begins

Tonight Garrett and the U8 Needham White team made their debut.   The starting pitcher was number 8, Garrett Falahee and he started the season with six straight strike outs.  Well done - too bad you could only pitch two innings per league rules.

Garrett's first at bat was a memorable one - an inside the park home run!  Congrats G.  Your team is off to a great start with their first win against Stoughton.  Have a great summer season.  

Fun with Friends

After a baseball Williamsport scrimmage, we had some friends over to the house and then headed out to play some mini golf.  

Thanks to camp counselor Coach Todd he kept the kids moving and trouble down to a minimum.  They all had a great time even with their competitive nature. 

So happy to see all those smiles. 

Happy Fathers Day

We had a great Fathers Day today as we headed out for a run/ bike ride.  We went over 6 miles and had a blast.  

Then we treated Daddy to a milkshake and headed home to continue to celebrate.  

Happy Fathers Day to Dad.  You can't imagine kids how much Daddy loves you and how he goes out of his way to see you happy. We love you Daddy!

Muckdogs Season

Garrett had to play Single A in Needham baseball this year and his team definitely had some fun.  It wasn't nearly as competitive as the Hurricanes but he managed to stay competitive and relaxed.  

With Daddy as head coach, Garrett still managed to learn and get better with friends.  Look at G, Devin and Desi.  

So happy you had fun, my little Muckdog. 

First Swim Lesson

The summer has begun and one mission is to become better swimmers.  So off to swim lessons we go.  

All the kids looked great in the pool and can't wait to see how much they can improve this summer. 

Last Day of Kindergarten

A year has flown by and Emily is officially a First grader.  Here she is leaving for the last day of Kindergarten.

We are so proud of you little lady.  You continue to mature and amaze us everyday.  Keep up that smile and know we love you.  

Major League Championship Game

The majors division in town is made up of 10-13 year old kids.  The Rangers have had a very successful playoffs and are now in the championship game.

Guess who is the starting pitcher?   That's right, Connor.  I am writing this before the game.  I don't care what happens in the game but I hope you know what an accomplishment it is to be the starting pitcher of a championship game.  Congrats - we are so proud of you.

Thomas Jefferson

Connor's classes last presentation was a research project about a historical figure.  Many classmates chose to go with baseball players or sports figures but I was excited to see that you chose a true American Historical figure.  

After lots of research, Connor was able to create a poster of many of Thomas Jefferson's famous quotes and a poster of all the monumental things Jefferson was able to create and accomplish.  

You made a fantastic presentation and you look adorable.  :)  

Here is Connor with his buddies Jonathan and Adam.

Crazy Day in the Life of Connor

Sometimes I can't believe how busy the schedule is for the kids and today Connor proved to be a super trooper.  First off a baseball playoff game, where Connor stayed for four innings and solidly put his team in the lead.

Then with barely five minutes to spare he was off to his band concert where we saw him perform for the first time with his saxophone.

Last up, the fourth grade chorus...

where you can see you were one of the few boys actually singing.  

After all the performances, we were able to check out his artwork.  I am so happy to see all the different facets of your life Connor.  We are proud of all of your accomplishments.  Keep it up. 

Of course, I had to show a picture of you all dressed up.

This all occurred on the same day between 6 and 8:30.  Wow!!

Gymnastics Celebration

Emily was in gymnastics class all year and at the end of the season they hold a celebration to show off what they have learned.  Emily was very excited to show off.

After showing off a fantastic dance/floor routine, the girls performed vaults and showed their tricks on the balance beam.  Couldn't believe when she did a front roll and cart-wheel on the beam.

Looking great girls.

Then, it was time to show off their uneven bars and you can't believe the strength of our little lady. 

 After performing her routing, they showed off doing pull ups, hanging and then pulling up and over the bar.  Simply incredible.  A huge thank you to Coach Rebecca.

Emily you definitely earned this medal.  Congratulations sweetheart!  

A Cozy Home

A mommy Robin has decided to use one of the trees on our driveway as the new home for her eggs.  The nest is an intricate creation and we couldn't believe when Grandma discovered it that there were 4 beautiful blue eggs inside.  It became a waiting game and the best part is that it was like having National Geographic in our front yard.

One day we checked and there were cracks in the eggs and shortly after the four young birds arrived. We watched as they grew and soon didn't even fit into the nest.  Every day we checked in on them and were amazed at their development.  It was a sad day when we checked and they had obviously flown off.

To our surprise, mommy Robin laid another three eggs so we got to watch all over again.

End of Year Celebration

Garrett's class (well actually Mrs. Orlando's class) held an End of Year Celebration so we could see everything that was accomplished.  We toured the classroom to see all the poems that were completed.

Then each pair of children performed fairy tales for the classroom.  Garrett and his buddy Luke Hunsicker selected Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  They didn't disappoint because Garrett walked in wearing a blond wig and then Luke performed in a bear costume.

The pair were the most well spoken and had completely memorized their parts.  Well done...exceptionally cute!

Garrett and Mrs. Orlando

The class celebrating a job well done.  What a great second grade year!

Maine Mania

This weekend the boys and their respective teams made it to the Elite Baseball League playoffs. 

Garrett was playing his games up in Westbrook, ME (near Portsmouth) first thing Saturday morning and Connor was playing in South Berwick, ME about an hour south of Garrett's game.  So it was a divide and conquer weekend.  

This crew headed out bright and early but still managed to be smiling.

Garrett and his team looked like a well oiled machine winning 13-3 against their rivals Team Mizuno Gold.  Their next opponent, the South Maine River Rats, were the number 1 seed in the bracket and we knew this wasn't going to be an easy game.  

It looks like Garrett was selected to pitch and he didn't disappoint.  He managed to pitch four amazing innings and the team beat the number 1 seed 9-8.  Go Hurricanes!

A very happy team after a stellar day!

Unfortunately the Fury team didn't have a lucky day.  They lost 10-5 to Mizuno Northeast Nationals (who ended up winning the championship) and another loss to SU Pirates North 12-2.  It wasn't the day they hoped for but in the end a huge ice cream and some fun raised their spirits.  Connor, I apologize I don't have details and lots to write but I didn't make it until the end of the second game.  I tried my best to get there but the distance and the timing was tough.  We love you!

  

We all met up (Silverman's included) in Wells, ME for the evening.  We went out to dinner at the Lobster Pound Restaurant where we were greatly entertained by the lobsters.

What a fun night and the perfect way to celebrate a great club season.

Garrett returned for day 2 of the EBL championships.  Garrett came to play and used all his intensity and determination throughout the two games.  Garrett lead off the game and he dropped a triple against one of the best pitchers in New England.  He continued the whole day with amazing defense and killer offense.  Unfortunately they had to play the number 1 seed again twice (losing 13-3 and 22-2).  Putting an end to the Hurricanes season.

At the end of the second game, Garrett held strong and congratulated the other team even though he was very upset.  The other teams coaches seeked out Garrett to compliment his play and tell him he played great.  On the way to the car, one umpire drove up to Garrett and told him he was remarkable.  He told Garrett it was like watching his son play and it was an honor to watch him play.  During this conversation, the other umpire came over to congratulate Garrett.  He told Garrett that he mainly umpires 12 year old baseball games and his swing was better than most he sees.  Garrett really appreciated the compliments but the sting of losing will take a while to get over.

Boys you played great and played hard.  Be proud of your accomplishments and know that we are proud of you!