SIX

Okay, so I didn't totally forget, but kind of. (Blog-wise, that is.)

In the midst of baseball, last days of school and trips for travel ball, Nolan turned 6.

Never thought I'd say this, as I'm not a sentimental kind of gal, but I'm very sad about it. I can handle Claire turning 8 this month. I can manage the thought that Claire will be in third grade. I can even handle her taking trips with friends independent of me. But the thought that little Nolan, who-everyone-adores-even-when-he's-grumpy-because-he's-just-that-cute, is six is a bit daunting to me.

Perhaps it's the loss of babyhood. Or the fact that he now calls his sister "Claire" instead of "Cware". Or just the idea that I am the mother of school-aged children with no toddlers in the mix. Whatever it is, Kelly rolls his eyes at me, the kids lift my sunglasses to check for tears, and my throat hurts when I talk about it. I guess I'll just *sigh* and try to deal... And be thankful for the smart, savvy, healthy, hilarious boy who loves to snuggle with me and still calls me 'mama'.

Highlights of the Celebration:

He insisted on a "birthday donut"

Birthday $$

With Friends at the Movies: "Night At The Museum"

Lego Love


Nolan's 'famous' Yoda impersonation

Let's Play Catch(up)

Last we spoke (okay, I know we're not really speaking - you're typing and I'm reading, but cut me some slack) the Demons were battling in the Southland Conference Tournament, the kids were in their final days of school while playing their little hearts out in Dixie Youth Baseball.

The Demons were eliminated in 2 games, which is a sad way to end the season, but the kids and I were happy to have Kelly back, full-time.

Together Again! (notice the fluorescent green - I'm a loyal Crushers Fan!)

The kids ended the school year on a high note. Both received outstanding grades, and Claire was invited to the "Breakfast of Champions" for being on the 4.0 honor roll for the year.

Nolan's tee ball season officially ended on Friday, with a pizza party and trophies. They didn't win many games, but we had a lot of fun. Claire has a handful of games left, with a double header (!) tonight.

Claire's travel ball team played in a second tournament this weekend. They didn't win any of the 4 games they played. The Crushers are a young team, and we wanted proof that some of our opponents were actually 8 years old or younger! The Crushers are improving and will *crush* the competition in no time. (If nothing else, we're the cutest team on the field!).

It may be summer, but we haven't slowed down at all. The kids had a few days off last week, but we were up bright & early for Vacation Bible School this morning. We have several camps scheduled for the kids and they'll make the rounds to the local churches for VBS throughout the next 2 months. Kelly is busy preparing for baseball camps the next 3 weeks, and I'm plugging away at work. (Okay, so I'm blogging at work, but whatever).

Oh - and I'm changing our blog background. Again. Kelly can't read it on his smartphone, and that just won't do. Change is good, people! Hoping for a bunch of it in the near future!

Bummer Deal Dude

So, the Demons lost game one yesterday of the Conference Tourney again University of Texas - San Antonio. I listened online at my desk as a pitcher's duel kept ut as 1-0 for most of the game. We gained the lead, they tied it up, we lost the lead, and the game, with a final score of 5-4. Kelly was heartbroken, as he's quite passionate and emotional when it comes to the game of baseball.

They go again this morning at 9am in a double-elimination format. I miss Kelly, but am willing to sacrifice a couple more days without him if it means a win in the tourney. Go Demons!

Rundown

Lots going on in the Spann household this past week, but not all is blog-worthy (when has that stopped me before?)... He's a quick rundown:

-Claire's 2nd grade waterslide day at school

-Sick Nolan, low grade fever, aka "bring Nolan to work day!"

-Claire & Nolan's weekly games (they won!)

-Final regular season series, Northwestern State (#7) vs. Southeastern LA (#2) - won 2 out of 3!

-Field Day at school (95 degrees!)

-Trip to urgent care (ear infections for Nolan - poor guy)

-A (blissfully) lazy Sunday

We said goodbye to Kelly this morning, as he leaves for the conference tournament in Corpus Christi, Texas. We had originally planned to join him on Wednesday, but for several reasons, have decided to stay home. We're sad that we won't be hanging on the beach for a day or two, but I'm relieved that I won't be making the 9 hour drive on Wednesday evening.

It's the last week of school and both kids will celebrate their summer birthdays & we'll end the year with a family BBQ on friday.

Nolan turns 6 on Saturday (is that really possible?) and we'll keep it low key, as I take him & and a couple of his "best buddies" to lunch & the movies.

Pics and tourney updates to follow! Go Demons!

No Words

I don't have the words to describe this past weekend, except "long" and "hot" come to mind. Here's a few pics, so you get the idea...

Mama got a new haircut...

Some Like It Hot

Ah, it's May, which means it's time for HUMIDITY in Louisiana. Yesterday afternoon I took Claire to softball practice and was shocked by heaviness of the air. Today is just as bad. Rain is in the forecast, but the south is hot, Louisiana is especially wet (it's the bayou, people) and come August, it will be difficult to breathe.

As I listened to the radio on my way to work this morning, I realized that southerners lament the summer in the same way as northerners dread the winter. In regards to this week's 90 degree temps, I hear "it's too early", "I'm not ready", "I don't have anything to wear!". These are the same phrases you'll hear in Minnesota in October when the first cold front comes through and the temps fall way too low, way too early. It happens every year, but the reaction is the same.

But hot weather gives me the excuse to eat one of my most favorite things: ice cream. (Not that I don't eat it all year round, I just have a slightly-more-valid excuse this time of year). My favorite discovery of late is Ben & Jerry's 3.6 ounce single-serving ice creams. My favorite flavor is Cherry Garcia. And there's a SPOON IN THE LID! Why did no one think of this before! Genius, pure genius! And they're only $1 each.

So, since it's going to be 95 degrees on Saturday, why don't we take twelve 7 & 8 year old girls, put them on a traveling tournament softball team and play 3 games? Done! Claire was invited to join the Cane River Crushers (so named for a local body of water that is actually a lake - Claire would love do give you all the details, but I'll spare you). This is in addition to the little league team she plays on twice a week. (Yes, I am certifiable). This weekend is their first tourney. They'll play 3 games on Saturday and at least one on Sunday, with the possibility of more if they win. Claire is very excited, as she loves the game. I'm looking forward to it, but it will be a challenge to say the least.

So, including Kelly, Nolan & Claire's schedules our family will coach or play in 11 games between today and Sunday. Kelly leaves Thursday for a weekend series in Corpus Christi, Texas. It wears me out just thinking about it... I think I need some ice cream.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame