Wrapping up our last weekend of softball with the girls. This weekend is the Slammin' Outta Summer tournament, hosted by our league. This means that Craig and I will log approximately 10 hours a day on Saturday and Sunday to run the tournament. It's gonna be hot!
Carly and Lauren are both playing this weekend. It is our sixth weekend in a row for all-star softball. Carly's team is made up of all 9 yr old girls. They play in a U10 division and really struggle to win; however, they are building their team for next year. (Yep, that is how we do it, once y
ou sign on, its a two year committement.) Next year, they will all be 10 and ready to take on the world! Carly is having a GREAT time on her team. She loves to hit and drive in runs, but playing the field doesn't interest her as much. She often volunteers to sit so others can play. She tends to be the loudest voice in the dugout and leads most of the cheers. *** for those of you who have never been to a youth softball game, it isn't like a little league baseball game, it is centered around the loudest, singing, cheers. Both teams lead loud songs and chants throughout the entire game. It is really something!**** 
ou sign on, its a two year committement.) Next year, they will all be 10 and ready to take on the world! Carly is having a GREAT time on her team. She loves to hit and drive in runs, but playing the field doesn't interest her as much. She often volunteers to sit so others can play. She tends to be the loudest voice in the dugout and leads most of the cheers. *** for those of you who have never been to a youth softball game, it isn't like a little league baseball game, it is centered around the loudest, singing, cheers. Both teams lead loud songs and chants throughout the entire game. It is really something!**** 
Lauren has played on an all-star team for 5 years now. Our travel teams are called Sting Teams. Lauren typically plays 3rd base. However, the older they get the more important the outfield needs a good arm. She is now playing left field. She really likes it. Her greatest accomplishment of course is the grand slam over the fence that I wrote about earlier. Lauren isn't the biggest cheerleader, but she is typically the one with the most assessories. Must haves: eyeliner and mascara (UGH), big sunglasses, matching headband and gum. She occasionally is spotted with a huge bubble. (drives me crazy!)
Finally, poor little Hallie has been dragged to more games than she can stand. Luckily, the concession stand is open! She can start at the crack of dawn and last till she can barely stand at 10pm. She is a real trooper! She is now starting to decide that she wants to be a pitcher. Lord, help us all. I don't know if I can handle the pressure of a pitcher's mother. Anyway, I took these photos today. I thought the extremely tall corn would be a nice backdrop. Nothing like living on the edge of town, just a few miles from town yet a tall corn field across the street. Best of both worlds.
Today was one of those days that parent's dream of!! Lauren was playing in a tournament with her all star team. She has been struggling all season with her hitting. After much discussion and practice, she is finally coming around. Today, during her first game, bases were loaded and she was up, no outs! She got the sign: Swing Away! The FIRST pitch she rares back and rips one out to right center, it flew OVER the FENCE!!!!!! A grand slam home run!!! She was so excited, I was screaming and couldn't possibly remember to take pictures. She smiled as big as possible! I swelled with pride.
