Fishing Tourney A Bust

Lily and Trevor got shut out at this year's fishing tournament on Rotary Island, as did many other kids. We only saw about four fish being caught, and only two of those were really worth keeping. Don't know if the older division kids had any better luck. We did have wonderful weather, and had a good time. There were so many screaming kids, the fish probably swam as far away as they possibly could. Lily didn't go home empty handed, though, as she won a new fishing pole and tackle in one of the raffles. They also got a coupon for a free ice cream cone at Dairy Queen, which magically makes everything all right.

All Good Things.....

As the old adage goes...all good things must come to an end. As has our Little League baseball season. Lucky for us, the rain held off this week and we were able to get both games in.

On Tuesday both kids did better at the plate. We played two innings and they both hit well. Lily was able to play first base in the first inning, so she got a lot of action there. She does a good job of getting in front of the ball. Trevor did a good job of fielding the ball, too, when he's paying attention. He's too much like his daddy, though.

Thursday was a fun night, too, but sad because of the final game. Lily and Trevor did well hitting the ball again. We played three full innings, so lots of chances to do well. Lily is back to hitting left handed and Trevor feels more comfortable hitting lefty, too. Lily was a little vacuum in the field, scooping up everything hit to her. Trevor finally got some balls hit to him in the third innings and did a good job. All the other kids seemed to play some of their best ball, too. It seems that just when they start listening and getting used to doing things the right way, the season comes to and end.

This summer was a dream come true for me. Coaching my kids and all of the other was a great experience. I'm glad I could be a part of their lives for a bit. I hope I can coach some of them in the years to come.

Putting In Petoskey

On our way back up north from our little trip down to Cadillac and Grand Rapids, we decided to take some time for putt-putt golf. We passed the Pirates Cove Adventure Golf in Petoskey last time we were down this way, and knew we'd like to go there when we got the chance. The kids really enjoyed all of the Pirate props and the shark. It was the funnest time we've had golfing together yet. It also helped break up the long trip home for us.

Fun Weekend At The Ballpark

Despite the Whitecaps losing both games over the weekend, Lily, Trevor, and I had a great time. We kicked off Saturday with lunch at Chuck E. Cheese's in Grand Rapids. The kids loved playing there and getting the 'prizes' with the tickets they won. We then headed to 5/3 Ballpark and immediately got in line to meet the Peoria Chiefs manager, former Chicago Cub legend, and Hall of Famer, Ryne Sandberg. It seemed to take forever (over and hour of waiting), but Ryno finally came out to greet his fans. Luckily enough, we were able to get some autographs (top picture) and we were the LAST ones before the game started. Tough game to watch as the 'Caps were shut-out, but a beautiful night for baseball and we enjoyed fireworks after the game.

On Sunday, the kids an I were able to get on the field for autographs. We got a free team picture before the game, so the team signed that for the kids. Pictured at the bottom is Lily in front of the West Michigan dugout. It was a hot day, but we survived and the kids even found the energy to run the bases afterward. Middle pic is of Trevor 'rounding third. All around fun weekend, and I hope we get a chance to get to another game before the summer is over.

'Caps Drop Two To Chiefs

Not a good weekend for the Whitecaps, as they dropped two games to the Peoria Chiefs. The West Michigan bats were dismal in both games, scoring just three runs total.

On Saturday, Mauricio Robles pitched six shutout innings for the 'Caps before Wilton Garcia gave up two runs in the top of the seventh. Catcher Alex Avila had two hits for the 'Caps while second baseman Justin Henry (pictured hitting) also had a hit.

In Sundays game, the Whitecaps came out and scored two quick runs off Chicago Cubs pitcher Scott Eyre who was rehabbing with the Chiefs. Unfortunately, they would add little more offence. Pitcher Alfredo Figaro (pictured) pitched a beauty of a game, going 6.2 innings and giving up one un-earned run. He only gave up three hits, and struck out five. The 'Caps couldn't hold the lead, and the game went into extra innings after Peoria tied it up in the seventh. The Chiefs would take the lead after scoring two runs in the tenth. The 'Caps came close to tying the game back up when Keith Stein hit his first home run to cut the lead to one. Hayden Parrot was one first after being hit by a pitch, but was thrown out trying to steal. Stein also got his first MWL hit in the game. Justin Henry and Kody Kaiser both got a hit and scored a run in the game.

Wet And Wild Week In Baseball

We were lucky to get a game in Tuesday, but weren't as fortunate on Thursday as we got rained out. Tuesday we still had a lot of fun, though. Only seven showed up, but that gives the kids who are there more of a chance to play. Lily and Trevor both did great scooping up baseballs in the field. A few got through but they did a great job. Both of there throws are getting a lot better, too. At bat they still struggled a bit. We really need to get out and do some practice with this. I think they're just excited, and try swinging a little too hard. Lily hit two grounders, and Trevor hit a grounder and a decent line drive. I can't believe that next week is the last week. This really made the summer fly by.

Kids Enjoy America's Pastime

We were lucky enough to get in another full week of baseball. Tuesday we had team pictures taken, so that was exciting for the kids. Lily had one of her best hits ever in the game, driving it on the fly over the heads of the infielders. She hit that one right handed, so she's been hitting that way ever since. I try to get both of them to hit from each side during the game. Trevor had two solid hits as well. In the field, they both made some good plays and throws to first. Lily played first base in the second inning, and did a really good job of catching the ball and getting in front of it. Trevor made a really nice scoop in the inning also.

On Thursday, we only had five show up, so we batted each player four times in stead of two. Trevor was the last batter in the first inning, so got a 'home run' in the game. It seemed like most of the kids were having trouble hitting today, probably just excited about the 4th being a day away and hard to concentrate. Trevor played first base in the second inning and had to be reminded EVERY play that the ball was being thrown to him. He didn't do a bad job, though. Lily had a headache tonight, too, which may explain her trouble at the plate and she sat out a bit in the field. Getting ready for the fireworks, though, and we hope the whole team has a safe and fun Independence Day.

Kids Rule St. Ignace Car Show

The kids and I had a fun at this year's annual car show in St. Ignace. Evan Brian joined in on the fun (you can see the stroller to the right of the Trans Am). The kids were in awe of all of the cool old cars. Trevor, being a 'car guy', especially enjoyed himself. Unfortunately, we didn't get much into the parade before getting rained on. I wanted to get my Firebird up and running by this time, but too many other things going on. We will definitely be going again next year to see these great old cars from all over the country.