Baseball

If we haven't written in a while, it's because it stopped raining and we've been playing baseball every possible free moment. The kids are loving it and when I'm not home catching up with laundry etc, you'll find me at the ballfield cheering them on.

Some years ago, I "swore" I'd never join the crazy baseball frey, and certainly not with more than my boys. Naturally, I'm now eating my words and my hat (and getting a sunburn, bugbites, and wet depending on the day and the weather). Dante, Constance, and Patience are all playing, and Vivace can't wait until he is old enough next year. I've learned how to rake and line fields, I'm team parent for both teams (that means I get other folks to sign up for stuff and if no one does, I either beg or do it myself), and I actually have learned a lot about the game these past several years. Of course, there's still a lot I don't know, but more important than anything else, I'm seeing growth in character, both mine and that of my kids, through this sport and these crazy weeks.

That is why we keep signing up.

When it doesn't rain (and pour), we can be found at one of the village parks every day but Sunday. Last week, on the only "off" day, Patience and Andante had fun with their Dad practicing - yes, voluntarily and eagerly - at the park. They wanted to improve their pitching, batting, and catching. Both have pitched twice now, Dante has done a LOT of catching (he loves that), and both are really improving in their batting. Patience even said Dante is one of the best hitters on the team. We'll see (and yes, they're on the same team this year - yay!). Constance meanwhile can be found telling the other kids on her team (Coach Pitch) to pay attention, and she herself can be found making pictures in the dirt moments later when distracted. It's fun. She even sometimes hits the ball, but that's not her strength.

In any case, it's fun, and we'll be busy most nights every week from now 'til mid June at least, and then there will be the playoffs. Nevermind the rain or the need to get the garden in (and yes, I have begun that, but it'll be several days before I have chance again thanks to the current deluge...) I doubt you'll hear often from us 'til baseball season and school are over and the garden is in. Naturally, I'll try to write when it rains and I have a breather (if there is such a thing), but when the weather is nice, you'll find me outside cheering on the kids!