jUlY fUn

July was full of typical fun summer stuff: baseball, softball, camps, and pool time.  Read on to catch up on what we did this July...

In between an away double-header, Cadence and the 10u softball girls enjoyed a snack in the back of a teammate's pick-up truck 😀

 

Here are some shots of Cadence at bat during a tournament near Findlay, Ohio.

Her confidence, as well as her skill, has grown tremendously over the last season.

Colin enjoyed a week at Sandlot Camp with Mason & Brantley.  They spent all day at camp and played a lot of games and went on field trips.  He loved it and had a blast with his buds.

They went to the same gym where Cadence took gymnastics as a kindergartener!  Check out that flip on the trampoline!

They went to a pool in Westerville - look who they bumped into!

I'm really going to miss these pool days with the cooler weather creeping in now...

We enjoyed huge, beautiful, purplish-blue hydrangea flowers all summer. They were nice to trim and bring into the house!

Colin and Mason attended a 3-day baseball camp at Ohio State.  They had a really good time meeting the past players that were there helping out (they also got Craig Krenzel's autograph - his son participated in the camp as well).  

Erica and I went to the WNCI softball game for charity - it was nice to just kick back, watch some softball, and catch up.

That weekend, we went to Pickerington to watch Lily in her softball tournament.  It was fun to offer our support!  Their team wasn't doing so well when we were there, so Vince put on his rally cap!

We played around to pass some time in between the games.

On Sunday, the kids helped out the Blendon Woods Little League teams during their game.  The kids in the league have certain disabilities and need a little help playing the game.  Surprisingly, there were more volunteers than players, so our kids helped "catch."

My cousin, Melissa, sent us a really fun puzzle from Amazon!

The kids stopped by Addison and Landen's house with the nanny to drop off Addison's birthday gifts.  I think she likes the Log Cabin syrup the best 😂

We celebrated the end of the 8u baseball season at the Northstar golf club pool.  They were given trophies for being the league champs!

And no post is complete without a Scarlet picture!

Vaccination Station

Back in April...I got the jab.  Danny did too.  I figured I had to document it.  It was the first time, in a long time, that anything like this had ever happened.  To me, it was amazing that, in just about a year, a vaccine (offered by several different companies) was developed and being administered in droves, in an organized manner.  I was able to get an appointment shortly after we returned from Florida.  I would receive the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.  It was a little emotional pulling up to the lines of cars at the fairgrounds -- everyone, just like me, wanting to make this mess better.  Wanting to protect themselves.  Wanting to protect their families.  Wanting to go back to "normal."  Wanting to ditch the mask.  Wanting to stop being afraid.  I felt like I was actually a part of something -- something that was going to hopefully make things better.  I was proud of myself; proud of everyone there.  Thankful for all of the volunteers.  Thankful that enough vaccines were available for anyone who wanted one.  At that point, I wasn't disappointed yet.  I wasn't angry at the people who refused to receive the vaccine.  It wasn't really a political thing yet.  In April, we were all still hopeful that this would all end soon.  

There were a couple of buildings of rows of cars where we had to wait our turn.

Everyone was super friendly and helpful.  I was very pleased with how organized everything was, for such a big undertaking.  

I had to prove I was there!  I sent a selfie to Tyler.  She and Joe had gotten their first vaccine a little before I did.  

Two weeks later, I returned to the same spot, to receive my second shot.  It was much different the second time around.  There weren't any lines and the process was much quicker.  I wasn't sure if it was because people didn't return for their second shot, or maybe many of the people who were there when I was there for my first shot were there for their second?  At the time of writing this (October 10, 2021) about 53% of Ohians are fully vaccinated.  When I received my first shot, I would've thought we'd be further along than that.  I hope that in 6 more months, we're not still talking about vaccinations or counting positive COVID cases, hospitalizations, or deaths.

 

Independence Day Weekend 2021

Sunbury held their parade on July 3rd this year.  We had nice weather, grabbed a spot on the sidewalk near where we usually do, and mom and dad grabbed some Yumee donuts to share.  It was a good time and nice to return to some normalcy (the parade was cancelled last year).  

This sweet dog was with a family right next to us.

Later that day, we hung out with some baseball families at the Browns' house.

They spoiled us with fancy drinks!

Cadence wants a skateboard now.

Colin with his baseball buddies 

(Darren, Peyton, Lennon, & Lucas)

They're known for Jell-o shots.

The Marinellis came over on the 4th and spent the day with us.

It's always fun to end a post with Scarlet!

 

End of the School Year 2021 and Summer Happenings

This post is kind of a hodge podge of sorts.  There are pictures included from Colin at school, to summer activities through the middle of July.  

Colin's 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Gantz, didn't post too many pictures this school year.  I'm guessing it's maybe because the kids were always wearing masks?  Whatever the reason, I decided to save this one to my phone because there weren't many posted last school year.

Colin must've been asked to do this for Mother's Day.  It's sweet 😊

We now have this self portrait of Colin in our possession, but here's the post from his school's virtual art show.  He did such a good job!  He's so talented.

Here are some pictures that were sent to us from the Big Walnut Basketball Camp in early June.  Colin had a front row seat with his travel baseball buddies - Aidan, Mason, Lucas, and Lennon.  I love how they're good buds!

Mason came over to swim - he's always a good time!

The kids just laugh at him constantly.

Some of the baseball siblings showing their support - the morning game was chilly and wet!

Yes, hell has frozen over and pigs can now fly...Danny joined Facebook.  He says it's because of his involvement with sports and being able to reach everyone and be included.  Ha, I think it's a coverup. 😉

Scarlet just chilling and looking so cute!

Awww 😍

The Marinellis came over to swim on the 4th of July.  I'm so glad the kids have been buds since day 1.

Aidan from Colin's baseball team invited us all to the Clipper's game for his belated birthday party.  We had a great time.  It had been a while since we had all been at a game together.  

Colin and I got Dippin' Dots

Colin tested out his pitching speed

I signed the kids up for a cake decorating class one Saturday.  It was held at the Art Barn and their classes usually fill up quickly, so I didn't ask the kids if they wanted to before signing them up.  They were both hesitant about going, and I'm not sure they had the best time, but I think they enjoyed it a little.  I was confused because they normally love decorating cakes at home!

They made fish cakes!  I think they turned out really well.

While the kids were in their class, Danny and I grabbed coffee and walked around Westerville's farmer's market.  We decided we'd head back to Westerville for dinner and enjoy Jimmy V's pretty patio.  We had fun!

Ahhh, sweet summer, how I love you.