We are the Champions!

After a 45-minute rain delay with a bunch of muddy little piggies running around, the final tournament game got underway. It continued to rain for the first inning, but that did not stop The Geller Farms team. Holyn took one for the team, she got a hit her second time up to bat. Standing in her way was the first baseman and the ball. She plowed into him to get there and fell on her hip. She jumped up and was called out, while her teammate ran into home and scored the second run. A fear tears were shed on Dad's shoulder, then she went back to the bench. The Piggies pulled it out at the end 3-1! Holyn and her team received two trophies, one for playing in the league and a second for winning the Tournament. We are so proud of you Holyn!

Way to go Piggies!

The Piggies are onto the finals tonight! The team pulled out a win on Tuesday night (7 to 3) and get to play the winner of last night's game (not sure if they got that done with the rain) for the Championship. Holyn got a hold of the ball once, but it ended up a foul ball. The coach's catch phrase is when you bat, you gotta "squish the bug" or step down and swing (like stepping on a bug). All the kids that got hits received a little bug to remember the slogan. After the game Max received a bug for not running onto the field during the game and asking nicely (don't get me started, he really wants to play). Here's a peak at that hit, sorry about the camera work, its a little reminiscent of Boppa's taping (the next batter got in my way). You might want to pause the music on the side to hear the audio.

VBS & Mom's Week Off

The kids started Vacation Bible School at Suburban this week. They are loving the songs and activities AND seeing their friends. Mom is enjoying the mornings FREE (too bad I have a cold again)! Lant and I went to pick them up today and they were having a ball, hardly noticed we were there.

Holyn starts a baseball tournament tonight, which could be the last game of the season too. I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

And the Celebrations Begin...

Yesterday the UPS man visited our house for an early birthday drop off. Max made a deal with Grandma Ellen (not sure what the details were) and got to open presents before his big day. He jumped up and down after he figured out the packages had his name on them. Thanks again Grandma Ellen for the gifts for them!

The Little Piggies

Holyn got another hit last night at her game, but the Geller Farms Piggies still didn't pull out a win. They happen to be the youngest team in the 5-7 year old league. So we all think they are doing great! Holyn even got to play in the infield as pitcher again (next to the pitching machine). Can you pick her out, front and center? Max had a great time at this game too, his "girlfriend" Ali came by with her mom to watch the game. The two kids walked around the outfield together and talked, I woul d have loved to hear about what.

39 Forever

Happy Birthday Daddy! Lant turned 39 on Saturday and we celebrated with a little Doran tradition (Boston Cream Pie - courtesy of Meijer Bakery!). It didn't take long for the Kobayashi style eating to start after the kids gave a stirring rendition of "Happy Birthday" and "God's Blessings to You" (a preschool favorite). Needless to say, the cake didn't make it past Saturday. Then we had a long discussion on when the kids' birthdays are. Notice the shirt on the birthday boy? Max actually hates it because its not in his size!

Like a Fish

Swimming like a fish? Well, we're gettin' there. Holyn & Max started swim lessons on the 9th and are loving it again this summer. They get a kick out of keeping the rubber duck afloat and kickin' up a storm. They are in different classes, but their classes are right next to each other. They say hello to each other every now and then. Holyn is mastering the flutter kick while Max is a pro at blowing bubbles and floating on his back (kinda). I'll give ya an update soon on week #2.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Holyn had her dance recital on the 7th and did a fabulous job. All the other little dancers kept close watch of her moves, and what was coming up next. Holyn performed like she's been doing this all her life! Her jazz/ballet dance music was "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and the tap routine was to "L.O.V.E." (you can hear both playing on the blog).

During the dress rehearsal on the 6th, Holyn received a Star Award for Leadership for always being a great leader and helper to her instructor during class (about 8 dancers received awards in the entire studio). Our big girl marched up on stage to collect her certificate and medal with a beaming smile. We're so proud of you Holyn!!

Thank You!!

Thank you everyone who sent best wishes to Holyn for her graduation and upcoming recital. What a nice surprise to have new makeover supplies (already used on Boppa), shoes, flowers delivered to your door and money burning a hole in your pocket!! Which leads to a trip to Toys R' Us (and new Littlest Pet Shop pets) . Thank you, thank you, thank you to Boppa & Papa Jim, Grandma Ellen, Randy & Sheryl & family and Bob, Sandy and Jill. You made her day (and you shouldn't have - but glad you did). We love you.

A Base Hit and RBI

Holyn does it again!! Tonight she got two more base hits, with one batting in a run. Our friend Marcia yelled out at Holyn just before her second hit and said, "We'll go get ice cream!!" And Holyn cracked it. Holyn did a great job running and playing in the in-field too. Max was thrilled when it ended so he could run the bases. Next year kid its your turn!

I'm a slugger!

Last night was the big game. Holyn got two base hits and received the game ball!! We were so proud of her and she was really proud of herself. Her coach was so excited, she picked her up off 1st base and hugged her. Eveyone in the crowd screamed yah Holyn, and she just beamed. She even got to try being the pitcher (next to the pitching machine) and really ran for every ball. When we got home Holyn called Lant to tell him about the big day, and said, "Hey Dad, I'm a Slug. No wait, I'm a Slugger!!"

Hello Super Nanny?

Oh the things little boys will do (and say). Max is really testing us lately. His independence is really coming through, and boy does he like to have his way (I don't know where he gets that from ... ha ha). I think today he spent more time in time-out than anything else. He loves to play rough, and wrestle with Dad (and anyone else that he comes into contact with). Let's hope this phase doesn't last much longer, I'm getting horse!

Graduated!!

My big girl has graduated... from Pre-Kindergarten! Today Holyn got her diploma and is moving on to Kindergarten this fall. She welcomed the parents and friends to the ceremony and even sang a solo of one of the songs she has learned this year. After the festivities (and pictures) we all toasted with cookies and punch.

Walking with Dinosaurs

We took the kids to the production "Walking with Dinosaurs" on Saturday and they LOVED it, and I have to admit so did we. The whole show kept us entertained. The dinos were huge and one could even reach out into the upper seats of the crowd. It was so neat to hear Max scream out the names of the dinosaurs as they appeared. Holyn said she was glad she didn't live back then, they might eat ya! If you want to see a clip of the show go to http://www.dinosaurlive.com/ Here is a picture I captured (a little fuzzy because you couldn't use the flash during the show).