Garrett 10y

Grammy, our mission is to seek and destroy Poppy and whoever may join his evil team.

Garrett has turned one decade old.  He continues to be the pacesetter for his brothers and he had his first major project of design with his mission that turned out well enough that he wants to keep it and use it as a Lego base...because that is what all mission turn into, right?  He was a leader on his baseball team and was honored with being selected to the All-Star team this year.

Making precise cuts with the exactoknife.

Applying some color.

Gluing my mission together

Does this look like a recommended ergonomic posture for typing?

I started playing chess this month:  play those you can beat like my little brother and those I can't yet, like Dad.

Exploring my new rock collection.

Middle of the order consistent contact hitter at shortstop.

Griffin 6y 1mo

Griffin had his first month past his sixth year and he has already been called up to fill in on the  Kid Pitch team, attended a geography class with his big brother in Fresno, completed three flips in belt class, and put together a model truck (with a little help from Mom).

My Africa map.

I love water parks.

Building and painting my monster truck.

I'm a belt class believer.

Moon sand and I get along to make some crazy scenes.

School, on a portable white board, outside, in my pajamas...

I have a rock collection too!

I still am ticklish, ahhhhh.

This is only my third ice cream cone after I finished my lunch, may I have another?

Consistent line drive hitting five-place hitter who manned the hot corner.

Bryce 7y10mo

Bryce spent much of the month with a gap in front teeth, that started with one and continued with the neighboring top front going bye bye when he decided it was time to come out and pulled it himself after it got a little loose.  He simply comes out with tooth in hand and blood dripping down ready to show off his new smile.  Such a trooper.  He was a leader and encourager on his baseball team this year and knew that he was playing an important position.

One of his favorite past-times:  loving on our kittens who are about one year old now.

My favorite way to do school:  on a white board.

Here's my two gap!

It started with only one...

Get your crazy on?!

Loving gymnastics when the belts come out:  flips are the best!

My rock collection...let me tell you about them.

Getting wet can be a glorious thing.

First baseman and power hitting leadoff man.

Garrett's All Star Game

Garrett was honored to be named to the American League All-star team for the PeeWee One division.  He along with his teammate, Gabriel, represented our team which combined with Lakewood, Sonoma, and Beard to play against Burbank, Enslen, Orville Wright, and Rose.  The game was a hard fought, close contest with the American League winning 12-11.  So Garrett finished the season on a winning note.  In the game, he moved around playing 1B, SS, CF, and RF.  He handled all of his chances in the field cleanly and put together some good at-bats.  He received a red All-Star hat.

The kids gather around to talk strategy before the game.

Garrett receives his All-Star hat during pre-game introductions.

With his teammate and fellow All-Star, Gabriel.

El Vista Bulldogs: Garrett

Garrett played on the Kid Pitch team this year, which was quite an adjustment for many of the kids on the team.  Garrett learned to have plate discipline and did a great job of putting the ball in play and led his team in extra base hits.  The team lost one of its veterans to the upper division team and then struggled through some injuries as well.  The team did not win a game all year, so this was the opportunity to build character among the team and build for next year.  Garrett ended up playing a lot of shortstop because Coach Joe trusted him to cover ground, take the throws, backup the pitcher on all throws, and use his head.

Top to bottom (L to R):  Coach Joe, Alize, Immanuel, Isabella, Sam, Garrett, Coach Brett
Aurora, Gabriel, Ezekiel, Caden, Ariel (not pictured:  Will, Jeremiah, Richie)

Poppy and Grammy came out to see Garrett's game.  He went 2-for-3 with a double and single in the game.

The team in the dugout before the game.

Gettting ready to run home from third.

Garrett pitching.