The first game

The first practice and games of the summer softball season were this past Saturday. We woke up to great wind and chillier temperatures than desired, but that didn't slow us down much. We ran late to the ball fields, so The Referee took Jersey #2 to her practice while I found a place to park and unloaded our luggage. [We just don't travel light, especially with a baby and a toddler who require a diaper bag, but then there was also a cooler of snacks, and I volunteered to bring team snacks, plus the kids had various toys they wanted to bring for entertainment while we were in the bleachers. We had the stroller loaded down real good.] They arrive at the field and walk up to the coach. The Referee introduces them, and the coach says, "Hey, did you know that I've known your Dad since middle school?" Jersey #2 was not impressed. She just stared at her Dad and her coach, wondering what was the big deal. It takes a lot to impress her.

She was impressed that she was able to hit the ball at her turn at bat. She proudly talked about that moment for the rest of the day. It was a great hit. She dropped the bat and ran right to first base. She then ran back into the dug out and sat down on the bleacher. I went over to talk to her and asked why she came off the field. She informed me that she was done. She had hit the ball and she was done with her turn. So, I explained that she needed to stand on first base, until the next batter hits the ball, and then run to second base. I told her that with each batter she will make her way around the bases and return home to score a run. She answered, "No thanks. I don't want to run anymore. It is too cold to be out there. DID YOU SEE ME HIT THE BALL?!?!"

It is not easy to convince Jersey #2 to change her mind. So, she sat in the dugout and made new friends.

Spring Training

We are gearing up for city softball to begin. It is a great summer program that is fun for the whole family: coed teams, combined ages, non-competitive, affordable, one single park location for all of the games, laid-back....and best of all, we are not coaching! This program fits us well since my husband and I are not baseball players by nature. Jersey #1 played softball for the first time last summer and had a blast. Much to my dismay, she told us she liked softball better than soccer, because there was less running. We've since learned that her favorite sport is the one she is playing at the time. For Jersey #1, it is all about the outfit. She dresses in her baseball uniform to practice baseball, her basketball clothes to practice basketball, a ballet leotard to dance ballet, etc.....in a single day, she changes outfits as if she were a runway model!

Today is the day we get to pick up uniforms. Jersey #1 and Jersey#2 are both playing softball this year. They are on different teams. One of our high school friends is the coach of Jersey #2's team, which will be added fun for us. The girls were very excited to go get their new uniforms. They got themselves dressed....all dressed up in spring dresses. [Considering I was such a tomboy growing up, I am often caught off-guard by how "girly" my girls can really be, especially Jersey#1]. Here a picture right outside the sports office....
After picking up the jersey shirts and ballcaps, we made a quick run into Sam's Club. We always seem to need milk. And, I thought it would be a good opportunity to pick up the team treats we volunteered to bring to Saturday's game. The girls were so excited to wear their new uniforms that they asked to wear them into the store, over their dresses....

As soon as we returned home, they found the perfect pants/shorts to complete the ensemble and have been out in the yard practicing their skills....

Yes, that is a hot pink headband to match Jersey #2's hot pink pants. She likes to stand out. She has her own style. Apparently, the uniform colors were a little too drab this year!