Little League World Series August 23-25, 2013

As Lilly is an amazing softball player and an avid fan of baseball, her Grandpa and Grandma McKenzie thought it would be a special treat for her to go to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA.  Boy, were they right!

There were two games on Saturday, Japan vs. Mexico and California vs. Connecticut.  During warm ups, Japan threw a ball out into the crowd:  it landed, rolled under Grandpa's chair, and into a bush.  Grandma Lisa enthusiastically went into the bush to retrieve it.  Thanks, Grandma!

Japan beat Mexico and won the International Little League World Series.  Later that afternoon, California beat Connecticut.

On Sunday Lilly was watching the boys from California warm up in the bullpen when their coach walked by.  There were a bunch of kids there asking for autographs, but none as enthusiastic as Lilly,  The coach for California walked right up to her and signed her ball cap.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for providing Lilly with such a fun and memorable experience.  Not only did she get to watch a sport she loves and take home some really cool souvenirs, she got to spend quality time with you two, and that is priceless to her. 

Ramona and James

Last Friday I had the distinct and rare pleasure of spending the day with my brother David's children.  David and Marta were in Grand Haven for a couples shower, and they left their kids with my parents.  My mom was gracious enough to ask me out to Songbird (my parent's home) for the day.  As with most families, when we're all together, things tend to be crazy, and it's hard to spend quality time with just one or two kids.  Because my nieces and nephew live from 3-6 hours away from me, I cherish the moments in which I get to interact with them individually, and they experience Aunt Libby Time.

Upon my arrival, and prior to James' nap, we played with Playdough.

During James' nap, Ramona and I had quiet time which entailed watching Sesame Street, building a fort out of couch cushions,

and drawing a picture for David.

When James woke from his nap, we went for a trolley ride and got Blue Moon ice cream.

It was a perfect day.

Chaos

After much deliberation and soul searching, Lilly has decided not to return to Diamonds next spring, and instead to accept an offer to play 

catcher for Chaos out of Caledonia.  We love the Diamonds organization and it's with some trepidation that we are parting ways, but feel it is ultimately the best choice.  We've made good friends and it's hard to leave them, but we look forward to the opportunities that Chaos is offering Lilly, and are excited to begin the next stage in her growth as a softball player.  Thank you, Diamonds, and good luck in 2014.

Gibs

We had a special visitor today - Bob's mom's new puppy, Gibs.  He is sooooo good.  Way better than Remy was at that age.  Remy was very excited to have his uncle here to play, although he was, admittedly, a bit bossy.  We look forward to lots of play dates in the years to come.

 

Girls' Night 8/8/13

My dear friend Marsy, who I've known for around 38 years, comes to Michigan from Illinois from time to time to visit her parents in Newaygo.  On these special occasions she always orchestrates a Girls' Night in Grand Rapids among some of our closest friends.  This time we were fortunate enough to have Elizabeth come from Chicago and Pattie from Detroit.  I love these ladies.  There is no one in this picture who I've known for less than 30 years.

front row:  Marsy, Caroline; back row:  Heather, Sarah, me, Elizabeth, Pattie, Mary

Byron Center Tournament, August 2 & 3, 2013

Diamonds White 12U travel team came in 2nd overall at the Byron Center Tournament.   The girls had a great showing, but unfortunately lost the championship game 3-5.  As always Lilly played her heart out and handled herself with grace.  She led her team in cheers in the dug out.  We're so proud of her.  This was the last tournament of the season, and it won't be the same next year, as some of the girls will be moving up to 14U.  They will be missed.  It was a great summer.