Soccer Season Begins

The boys each started the soccer season on their new teams.  Garrett on the Golden Beasts, Bryce on the Maroon Kings, and Griffin on the Blue Sharknados.  While we didn't know many, if any, people on any of our teams this year, that just means that there is opportunity for growth.  Because we knew Bryce's coach from a previous season, Joy got pegged as team mom.

The sun goes down as Garrett's team wraps up--his brothers were a little tired from a long day in the hot sun.

Garrett sends a pass up the sideline with Dominic (whom he played baseball with) streaking ahead.

Garrett chases down a loose ball and pushes it up field.

Griffin started out at left defense, then moved to center midfield.

Bryce plays tough defense on the throw in.

Bryce beats the other guy to the ball and blasts it up the field.

Bryce battles for the loose ball.

Griffin (#4) is ready for the restart.

Called on to play goalie, Griffin managed to win this 2-on-the-goalie battle!

Dad, this is a lot bigger goal than last year!

Not wanting to watch their brother's game, Bryce and Garrett busy themselves playing Nerts.

Sporting the colors on opening day!

Brett in the Big Leagues

Later in the month, Brett had the opportunity to play another game at the Oakland Coliseum, now named Rickey Henderson Field.  Joy and the boys along with Grammy and Poppy came to watch the A's battle the Mariners at a 12:45pm game, which was followed by the game Brett got to play in shortly afterward.  Brett was dubbed the starting pitcher for his team, so he wanted to warm up on the bullpen mound (check another experience off).  Well that didn't go as well as he had hoped--chasing the first two wild pitches that got past the catcher into the left field corner.  He completed two innings of work, usually they only let you throw one, but Brett threw a lot of strikes, so he was asked to pitch another inning.  Then he got to play shortstop and leftfield in the final two innings.  Up to bat, he singled in the first, walked in the second, and tripled down the left field line in his final at-bat.  Great to perform in front of his family!

How sweet it is to have your wife in the stands!

Sharing a moment after the game with his boys.

The biggest and LOUDEST cheering section with Grammy and Poppy and their horn.

Getting our team assignments and talk before the game.

After getting to third, examining the possibilities of whether he should have gone home.

Charging the ball in front.

Manning the spot held by Campaneris, Weiss, Tejada, Crosby, and Semien:  SS.

Up to bat against his former teammate, Bruce F.

Pitching on the mound that Hunter, Fingers, Stewart, Moore, and Eckersley have.

Warming up on Rickey Henderson Field.

Alright, how are we going to beat these guys?

Heading for the third base dugout to get ready for the game.

Brett, after changing into his uniform, watched the final inning from the centerfield skybox.

Yummy food obtained before the game started.

Brett delivers a pitch.

Taking his spot in the right handed batters box that has been occupied by McGwire, Canseco, Lansford, Rudi, Steinbach.

Brett Men's Baseball Game #5

On a hot summer day, the men gathered again for another competitive ballgame between two teams.  Eddie's team for the fifth time in five games!  Looks like the key is to be on his team.  Brett enjoyed catching for Scott M the first two innings of the game before he went out in the field and played shortstop and centerfield.  He finished out the game pitching the final scoreless inning.  Up to bat, Brett singled twice and scored two runs in the 6-4 loss.

Bill, Adam A, Jeff, Nate, David W, Scott M, Brett, Micah (front, kneeling)

Tim, Andre, Adam R, Ray, Danny, Daniel C, Rob, Brian U, Chris R, Eddie, Brian B, Chris D, Cameron (back)

Brett gets ready in the on deck circle.

Taking his turn at bat.

Scott warms up between innings with Brett catching him.  Lara was the umpire, saving the game by being available at the last minute.

Garrett,  Logan, Nathaniel, and DJ watch the game while doing some of their duties.

Brett wears his #5 George Brett jersey up to bat.

Hudson, Jace, Nathaniel, and DJ crowd around Garrett who was keeping score.

Joy's Work Fundraising

Joy's work had an event that merged with one of her passions:  art.  This was a wonderful night which helped her bond with some of the gals from work AND she came home with a great piece of unique art.

Later in the month, she attended a fundraising luncheon with some of the office staff for the Carol Stinson Literacy Foundation.  She was fortunate enough to sit at the table where someone had the winning bid on a $200 cake that they shared with those at the table.

Clearly you could use a variety of different colors in following the instructor.

Joy and Domarina show off their artwork.

Raleigh, did we go to the same class?

Joy's finished product.

Joy with Domarina (multi-talented translator/MA), and the pediatricians:  Sunitha and Nancy at the Luncheon.

A slice of the $200 cake from the auction.

August Highlights 2017

August was the end of summer, the start of the school year, the beginning of soccer season, and littered with many other fun adventures.  Some of those other highlights included another men's baseball game for Brett, playing at the Coliseum again, and Joy's art night with the ladies.