Exploring our own backyard!

Trying to save vacation time and money to do a big Disneyland trip sometime next year we decided to head over to Seattle-in conjunction with a wedding- and see what we could entertain ourselves with. The weather was amazing. I'm sorry- but there is NOTHING like Seattle on a beautiful sunny day. It literally sparkles - and with Mt. Rainier clear as a bell in the background it still takes my breath away and makes my heart ache! We did a lot! And had so much fun with Ted's cousin Brian and his wife Rebbecca-put the kids to bed at night and played Settlers of Catan- and learned a new game called Ticket to Ride (Ang- if you and Paul haven't played this yet you're in for a treat- head on up here and we'll teach you!) Thanks again Brian and Rebbecca for letting us crash your house with all our kids!

We hit a Mariner's game on Wednesday night- after dinner at Dick's of course!






On Thursday we went to the Pacific Science Center and spent the entire day there. The kids loved the butterfly house- and the butterflies loved us! They kept landing on us! There was a lot to do and see and learn. James favorite station was the machine that measured the speed of your pitches. Kyle loved the dinosaurs!








I just have to say that the best person to go to the Science Center with is Ted! We learned a lot from our Dad!

That night Brian took us rock climbing. I love it when I find a new challange. I think I'm so fit and tough that I love to be humbled! It is not as easy as it looks! And is definitely a mental challenge more then anything. Tough little James scaled the wall twice! Ted and I barely made it once- thanks to a great coach!






On Friday we took a ferry out to Bainbridge Island and had a picnic lunch- then headed home pretty wiped out.



Saturday I visited some old haunts- my homes that I grew up in and my elementary school. I was pretty emotional as I walked around the school with my kids and showed them which classrooms I went to school in and we talked about the teachers I had. I felt so richly blessed with good childhood memories and experiences. I hope that my children look back- when they're about to turn 30!- and have the same warm fuzzy feelings that I did yesterday when I think about growing up. I have to say I can't think of a better way to celebrate 30 years on this earth then sharing my childhood experiences with my own children. This weekend really was my childhood in a nutshell. Thanks for the memories Mom and Dad- and the traditions started. I hope they continue...

Not just a game

This has been James fourth season of baseball. It's been fun the last few years to watch James improve and enjoy himself throughout the season. But I knew from the get-go this year that we were in a whole new league. James had three amazing coaches. Jeff Benton- who I would pay in order to have again next year- was the head coach. The assistant coaches Joe and Randy were phenomenal. James has learned more about baseball this year then all three previous years combined. He was explaining to me the other day as he practiced swinging that you shouldn't swing at balls- only strikes- unless the ball was almost a strike inside because then you'll hit towards third base- away from first! Just hundreds of little tips like that- that of course have stuck in his head because James is a hear it once kind of kid.

But beyond anything these coaches could have taught these kids about baseball I was just so impressed at their demeanour with the players. They demanded respect yet gave it back ten fold. They taught but they also listened. One Mom told me yesterday that after a little "pep talk" before one of the players went up to bat her son said, "Coach. You just made me feel like it's the end of the world if I don't hit that ball!" And coach Jeff laughed and said, "You're right Logan. Just go out there and do your best and have fun!" Randy, the assistant, would chase the boys who were on the bench for the inning down the field and back before the inning started- laughing and egging them on to not let the "old man" beat them back to the dug out. The boys loved it! They created a sense of unity between the boys that I've never seen before. I know James is going to miss this team. I don't know that he'll ever have another one like it.

I sat at many games this year and felt uplifted and edified as I watched these grown men and the care and concern they had for each player- each player as sons and daughters of God. That is how they treated them. And no, none of them were LDS. There is good left in this world. Good things that make the fight worth fighting. The battle is not on the field- but in each of these little guys souls. And I know that each player will walk off the field their last game with their gloves reaching a little further, their bats swinging a little faster, and their heads held a little higher because of the dedication of these three men.