A CRAZY BUNCH OF THANKFULNESS: BASEBALL AND DOGS

What a day it was! Saturday was Huston's T-ball game and the end of the season is nearing. I love going to his games. Though baseball is my least favorite game (usually I say I hate the sport...just don't get all the scratching, spitting, testosterone stuff), but I do love watching Huston and his team as they play. There is something about little 3 and 4 year old kids out on a field with little uniforms, not knowing what in the world they are doing, all running around like little ants chasing each other that just cracks me up.

Anyway, today was no exception. But, today was a little different for Huston. It began with Jimmy deciding to go to the game. Jimmy doesn't make as many games as I do. He goes to some, but sometimes, when his week has been full, stays home to work on the yard or other errands that need attending to. But today, being a beautiful day, decided to go with me. AND, being such a beautiful day, AND seeing that the game started at noon, he decided to drive the vet. We went first to Clark and Alix's to caravan with them to the fields. Jimmy decided that Huston could ride with him to the game since he liked to ride in "Jim's" race car. Best ride before the game and before Huston's shoes were all dirty....you know...gotta keep the car mats clean!

Huston was thrilled to ride with Jim to the game. However, he warned Jim on the way to be careful and not get stopped by the police and get a ticket. Hmmmm, wonder why he would mention that? Does he know someone that has happened to? Has he been in the car when that has happened to someone? Perhaps I should ask him? Very interesting!

I rode to the game with Clark, Alix and Emery. I rode between 2 car seats next to Ems. She was hysterical! Alix calls her her little dog. When she tells her to smile or do something cute, she does it on command. I think Clark was a little taken back at the comment. Alix and I got a little charge out of it though.
The game was really fun. Usually, Huston's team, the Cardinals, bat first. But this week, they fielded first. Listen to me....I'm really getting the lingo down now! Aren't you PROUD!

Anyway, last week Huston was first up to bat. Therefore, he batted last in the Cardinals lineup. Since everyone bats, there are no outs and each child runs all the bases, the last child to bat hits the ball and everyone runs all the bases. That means that Huston hit a Grand Slam! Two times! Yeah Huston! He thought he was the hero of the game. How fun!

But the most fun of all was snack time!!!!!!!! That's really all the kids care about. As long as they get their snack...that's what they play for. To heck with the rest of the stuff...speaking of little dogs....isn't that what dogs do tricks for...snacks? Hmmmm....Men should think about that!

Hey Huston, this ain't no Six Flags ride!

Hold on to your hat, the rides about to begin!

Lovey and Emy just rolling along

Okay Ems, you can play for just a minute...then, off with the equipment

Okay, here you are

Can you tell she dressed herself? Check out the

necklace & Christmas hair bow

Okay guys, now, hand on your heart for the pledge

I pledge what?

Now it's the dads turn to pledge good sportsmanship...sereously...are they so bad you have to make them pledge?

You mean I can't wear my shiny red hat out in the field?

It'll make a GREAT Halloween bucket!

Man...this is a lot of equipment for one guy!

Hey Lovey, can you get that cap for me?

Huston started out on second base. A little action happens in that position, but not as much as he would like. You know, catching the ball is everything to these guys. Catching it and holding on. They don't even want to throw it. In fact, if they could keep it, that would be okay.

H, you see that kid over there...throw him out!

See dad, this is how it's going down....

Two squatters

Here we go now

First time down and bunches to go....man, this is gonna be a long day!

Is he looking at the ball or is he just running sideways? Hmmmmmm.

Down again...but he'll let them fight over the ball this time.

Oops, there it goes!

Down again....call in the stretcher! Man, this game is ROUGH!

Hey, did it get dark or have I gone blind?

Maybe if I spread my legs further apart and straighten my legs I won't fall...never know!

Finally...time to go bat!

And he HITS down the left baseline....run Huston run!

And he heads for first...

rounds second...to third...

and HOME for Grand Slam #1 - YEAH Huston!

This next inning Huston played left field. Yawn! What a sleeper. He hated left field...no action. The DIRT was more interesting than the game. At one point, Huston and Clark were throwing dirt globs at each other. Way to go Clark! I told you...baseball is the most boring sport in the world...of course unless you are watching your grandchild be cute!