Marc

Todd's cousin Marc is here visiting from San Diego. It is great to see him but we are missing his wife, Barb and new daughter, Mateja. Guess we will have to go west to pinch her cheeks (the baby's cheeks!)

Future Butler Bulldogs?

Butler Basketball Camp was "awesome" according to TJ. He and friend Clay along with Clay's classmate Ben attended camp this past week. Hinke Fieldhouse had to be 100+ degrees at 9 a.m. when camp began! I would have opted for swim camp!

The campers were divided into groups (teams). TJ and friends were on team Virgina and they won 6 of their 7 games only losing to NC in OT. Then they won the camp tournament game against none other than NC under group leader and Butler basketball player, Zach's guidance. Zach wear #3 for Butler. It was a good experience and I am sure TJ will want to go again next summer!

COBRAS

TJ's baseball season is winding down. Just two tournaments to play in July!

GIVE ME ONE MORE!BACK!READY...
TO BUNT!

Skiles Test Rookies Final Games

My final week as President of the Skiles Test Youth Baseball League began today. I will miss it greatly but it is time to pass the torch. I enjoy watching the games at each level of play but I must admit the Rookies are my favorite. The games are long and boring to those that are really into baseball but I just love to watch the kids as they learn to run to first base not third, to throw the ball to another player not just jump up and down in excitement that they have it in their hand and the smiles from ear to ear when they make contact with the bat and do not use the Tee. Today, the Rookies played their final games of the 2009 season. Here is a photo of just one of my favorite Rookie Players (Nick with his dad, Dave) and the only thing more popular with the players than their beloved concession stand ticket!

Check Up

Double Dose Day. First, TJ underwent his annual check up today. He is officially 56 inches high which is in the 68 percentile for his age. He weighs 78 pounds which is in the 67 percentile. TJ declared himself "Above Average". He was also excited to hear that he could grow between 2-4 inches each year until puberty. He is calculating that he could potentially be 6'8" tall. (Not unless he starts eating his veggies!) By the end of the appointment, all of his pieces and parts passed inspection. Unfortunately he did have to receive a chicken pox booster. He was none too pleased about that. Then it was off to the Dentist. I mean if you are going to be misreable, you might as well get it all over with in one day. Right? But - good news - no cavities.

Keyboards Unlimited

Back when TJ was 4 years old, he asked me if he could take piano lessons. I was surprised and said "sure" thinking it would pass. Two weeks later, he asked when he would have his lessons. I was not sure he knew what he was asking but we borrowed a portable keyboard and found a teacher. Now, five years later, we own a piano and TJ is still taking lessons. His instructors (Diane and John) are awesome and make it fun as well as competitive which TJ thrives on so he enjoys practicing and going to lessons. He has yet to say "I do not want to go" or "Do I have to?"
This is a photo of us following his Spring recital in May.

Best Birthday Ever!

We returned today from a quick trip to the Nickelodeon Hotel in Orlando in celebration of TJ's birthday and best of all - he took a friend. Here are some photos.

One hour down and 14 hours of playstation to go.....

Funny Boys - They grew mustaches in the shower!

TJ's Favorite Florida activity - Minature Golf! TJ and Jack celebrated with Spongebob!
TJ chose to spend a day at Sea World.
And away they go.

A bit later into the day, Todd and Jack rode a much larger ride - The Kraken Rollercoaster. Todd had the bright idea for them to be in the first car.... as they were being strapped in - the sky opened up and it downpoured. They were soaked!

We also spent a day at Typhoon Lagoon in Disney. Since it was 100+ degrees outside it was a good choice. No photos but everyone had a great time in the wave pool and slides. I am proud to say everyone under the age of 11 was sunburn free.

They are in the crowd somewhere about to be SLIMED!

Happy 10th Birthday Trevor

Although his birthday is not until the 11th, today we celebrated TJ's birthday with cupcakes following his baseball games in Columbus, Indiana. Papa Bruce, Papaw and Gramie Mann, Aunt Danny and Ethan were able to join us along with TJ's Cobra Baseball Teammates.

Summer Begins

TJ's first afternoon of summer vacation was spent with his classmates (just the boys) at Five Seasons Country Club to celebrate classmate, AJ's birthday. The boys swam and played basketball. Yesterday and today was spent with Jack Farmer (Camp Jack) who will turn 18 next weekend. Hard to believe. When I met my very good friend & BFFB, Melissa, her son, Jack was younger than TJ!

TJ's Last Day of School

Third grade has come and gone. TJ finished classes today. At the beginning of the school year, the kids guessed how much they would grow by the end of school. TJ's guess was an inch short of his new height. He is now just over 4'7" high.

Relay for Life

Good friend, Dee and her family walked in the Relay for Life this past weekend. She made a luminaria for Mom! The world is a better place because of Dee & others like her. Much Love!