Beisbol

The inaugural season of school ball for Colin has concluded! We weren't sure what a season of baseball would look like without parent coaches. It was interesting, to say the least. We had fun watching Colin and his teammates play, even though the competition from the other schools was subpar. We knew it would be that way going into the season, but figured reps are reps. The boys' record this season was 13-2. The coach was very, um, old school, to put it nicely. Let's just say we're looking forward to the 8th grade season 😀

Spring weather in Ohio is always keeping us on our toes. This picture was taken on April 11 - it was warm when the sun was out, but chilly in the shade with a breeze.

This picture was taken on May 2 - no sun and very cold!

Colin in action behind the plate! He does a great job acting like a wall back there!

The boys looked like twins one night - both on their laptops. Colin was designing a custom glove for his birthday gift. Aww, sweet Oden was there, too - in his favorite spot.

Veronica sent me this pic from when they went to go watch one of Nolan's games!

Warming up before another game.

After each home game, the boys had to tend to the field. I like that tradition!

Team pictures after the final game.

During the nail-biter of the final game, a bald eagle flew across the field. We knew it had to be a sign! They ended up winning against Centerburg, 5-4.

The boys from the travel team - Leo W. played for Centerburg.

One of the moms from the team took some pictures of the boys during the season with her fancy camera and shared them with us. We're so lucky when parents do that!

After the last game, the boys begged for us to let them stay at the school. They created their own game, called LaTosse - it's a combination of lacrosse and tennis. One of the parents stayed to watch the game - the boys even paused for the National Anthem. They were legit about this game!

I think the boys would tell you that a lot could be improved upon when thinking about the last season, but I also think they'd tell you they had a lot of fun and truly enjoy the company of one another!

Easter 2026

The day before Easter, the kids went to the Rileys' house. They decorated some eggs that turned out pretty cool!

Our Easter morning shenanigans started out like they typically do! I love that they still race around to find the Easter eggs!

They both got the coveted Nee Doh Nice Cubes in their baskets.

Colin immediately put on his new sleep shorts featuring Bart Simpson.

We had fun dying eggs the traditional way after brunch!

GSM 2026 Spring Break

For spring break this year, we wanted to get away, but something drivable. We decided on the Great Smoky Mountains! We had heard things about Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, but had never been and decided to check it out for ourselves. We knew the weather would be warmer and there should be plenty of things to do.

On our way (and on our way back), we stopped at the infamous Buc-ee's for some lunch (and to see what everyone's been raving about). We were first timers! It was amazingly busy and we couldn't believe how many bathroom stalls and gas pumps they had! I was told we had to try the banana pudding and I'm glad we did! It did not disappoint. 

We stayed at a cute cabin rental for the long weekend and we were able to take Oden with us! On the first full day there, we took him on a hike with us. He LOVED it.

I still can't believe this adventurous pup isn't with us anymore. I'm glad he was able to tag along on this family vacation. He was living his best life out there - hiking in the woods, hanging out on the big wraparound porch watching squirrels, and snoozing with us on the couch.

This was my view for most of the hike -- way behind the others. Hiking is not my thing.

But the views at the top sure are pretty.

That night, we tried out a mountain coaster - it was my favorite part of the trip!

We found Dolly's statue on our way back to the cabin.

 

I didn't get any pictures of the next full day there, but we enjoyed ziplining (we saw gorgeous views), checked out Gatlinburg, and explored the touristy areas before we had some bbq for dinner. It was a nice getaway as a family!

Feb & Mar Stuff

February was fun with some random activities - read on!

On Valentine's Day, Cadence went over to Nolan's house and they cooked dinner (chicken fettuccini alfredo) together. Jim sent us this pic - too cute.

Colin was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. We had a good time shopping for his outfit for the special ceremony. We're so proud of him! When he filled out the submission form, he didn't think he was going to be accepted. 😀

Cadence and I took advantage of the nice weather on the last day of February. We had to stop and check out the "Klondike" horses on the way 😂

The kids went to Cora's dance competition. She won so many awards she needed their help showcasing all of her trophies!

I think Colin had woken up by the time I snuck this photo, but it's still cute nonetheless. Gosh, we miss Oden so much. He was the best snuggle buddy.