Sunday, June 05, 2016

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!

Monday, May 30, 2016

School Picnics and Play dates

KASE picnic day for Emily.  They performed two poems and showed off some artwork.  
Then it was picnic time with friends and family.  Thank you Grandma for being there for Emily and making her smile so big.
Emily, Chloe A, Victoria and Diya
On the first hot day of May (in the 90s), we headed to the zoo...probably not the smartest idea.  We did manage to have a fantastic day and despite the heat the animals were out and about.  The giraffe came all the way over to us at the fence.
Look at this crew of crazy animals.  
Here you are with George.  
Second Grade Picnic to celebrate the end of the year.  
Garrett, Luke, Mason and Tyler - what a crew
Emily and Chloe even fit in a little play date.  
Never a dull moment lately.  I am just thrilled to see all these smiles and fun times.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Second Competition

Today is Emily's second competition with her dance team and she was so excited.  They were like old professionals today and were so comfortable with the whole situation.
The girls performed absolutely flawlessly and earned High Gold Awards for both their dances today.  
Emily made so many new friends and enjoyed every minute of the day.  What a fantastic experience!

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Dance Recital 2016

Today is the big day and Emily is ready to roll.  Bun in place, a little make-up on and competition uniform on and Emily is super excited. 
Emily you were beautiful and so fun to watch.  We are so proud of you.  
Emily's friend from kindergarten, Garret, brought Emily a flower.  She was so happy. 
Proud Papa and Grandma. 
What a beautiful picture of father and daughter. 
Connor was quick to congratulate Emily. 
Proud parents. 
When Garrett got home from his baseball game, he gave Em big hugs and kisses.  
Emily you did so great. We love you!!!

Friday, May 06, 2016

Mayrathon

It is that time of year again at Newman school - the Mayrathon which is raising money for cancer research this year.  Our kids were ready to go this year and couldn't wait to start.

Garrett was the first to run with second grade this year.  He was off the starting line like a bullet and didn't quit.  
Garrett ran the entire five laps around the school in a dead sprint because he had his own personal goal of winning the race.  He did not disappoint himself and came in first.  He was definitely tired and a little hurting after the race but it didn't take him long to recover.
Dabbing and celebrating with his friends.
Class photo with Mrs. Orlando
Garrett's #1 cheerleader was there to root him on.
The next race was for the kindergarten class and Emily was primed and ready to go.  Emily was off an running.  Look at that stride.
Emily completed her laps and was happy to know she was the first girl to finish and only had three boys finish in front of her.  Great job sweetie!  You look great out there.
Emily and her friends.
The kindergarten class
Last up for the day was fourth grade and after years of participation, they all came out ready to run.
Connor did amazing running, finishing all his laps and still smiling at the end.  
Mrs. Winer's class picture
I couldn't be more proud of you all.  You took the challenge seriously and had fun running.  Go Team!!

Sunday, May 01, 2016

Lowell Tournament

Tournament number 2 for Garrett and this time it is in lovely Lowell.  Day one the boys came out and proved how good they are by easily winning both games.  And on Day 2 they made it to the finals.  The final game took place in a down pour and the kids brought the excitement.  Every player brought their A game and the boys just came up short with a final score of 14-12.
The team was very proud of how well they performed.
Look at our man in the middle.  You should be very proud.
When Garrett started this team, we were very worried because he was an 8 year old playing in a 9 year old league.  Garrett quickly put our worries to rest and his performance showed that he definitely belonged.  

Fury and Majors

This is Connor's first year playing club baseball and he is loving his Fury team.  The boys play hard and still manage to have fun with each game.  They are a month into the season and are doing great.  
If you can't see, Connor is third from the left in the back row.
Connor is also honored by being a 10 year old in the town Majors league.  So as usual, he is juggling multiple games at the same time.  This is the Needham opening day game and he definitely didn't want to miss it.  He started off with a rope over the short stops head.  There he is on first base.  Look at the size differential - he is playing with kids that range in age of 10-13.  
Connor - you looked great out there and we love to see you smiling.  Your skills are remarkable and it is due to your hard work.  Keep it up.  We are so proud of you and love you!