Father's Day & Tournaments

Luke and his team won their tourney! This season has had it's ups and downs. The way the boys were playing last summer, they were unstoppable. This year their has been stressors on our coaches in their own lives, new teammates that we are bonding with, injuries, and just some overall growing pains. This is what a team is, through it's ups and downs. This weekend, the boys walked a way with a W!

This weekend I was flying solo with Luke. Ben and Drew had their own tournament and Ellie was going each day with them. In between games, we fit as many boys in our van for a quick bite. These small moments are precious with Lukie.

I rarely record Luke hitting. It has become a weird superstition of mine. Today, Luke was rocking at all of his bats and so I thought, I'll just record this one. It's a walk. Of course! But walks are important too so I still posted it. I love the cheering for "Big Luuuke."

Luke getting his:

On our bike ride, we planted some wildflowers at our park that were given to us from a good friend.

Drew up to bat for the River Bandits.

I love this shot of Luke cheering him on.

Drew and Caleb.

Playing 1st base....And they win the Championship for 8U Rochester Little League!!

Wahoo!!

Great season, boys!!!

Ben congratulating the boys and families on a great season!!

Ben and Tony. These two. They have coached 10 teams together! 4 seasons of girls soccer and 6 season of boys baseball. 

Drew getting his trophy from Dad, the 'ol ball coach:

Champions!

Ben and Tony surprised the team, spraying them with supersoakers after their last win. Hence, the trophy and the water gun.

Click this Vimeo link to watch a post-game commentary from Ellie and all of her tweeny boppin' self. Click here

The next morning, Drew is out early practicing his swing.

Off to Drew's last tournament! Ellie made a Raptor bracelet with a note for every player on the team, 12 of them, to wish them luck for championship Sunday!

Drew warming up pre-game.

Ben and his dad squad.

All the big sisters cheering on their brothers. So sweet.

It was a tough loss in the semis. The same team we had beaten the day before...That's baseball.

But onto celebrating a great Raptor season!

Rochester Raptors 8U team.

You rocked it, Drew, and we are so proud of you!

This clip is like a metaphor of Ellie. Painted toes with dirt all over her feet.

Lukie in all of his sweet and quickly changing body. Love you, kiddo.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads and for us, Papa Cooley, Papa Uitti, Papa Morin, and Dad. We are the luckiest to have you as ours.

Started the day at church!

Ben, you are the very best and we love you.

An early message from Ellie to Dad:

And then just a relaxing day at home that quickly turns into family competition with games in the backyard. These days are our favorites!

The kids started with flag football.

We couldn't find all the flags so Luke used dishtowels. :)

Also, I think that this is the last Father's Day that you are taller, Ben! Luke is measuring at 5' 10"!

Caleb's birthday at Goldfish Swim School.

It happened. Luke saved enough money from his mowing for a gaming system. His 1st system beyond the old school Wii.

We went and cheered on Stoney Creek girls soccer in the State semis which happened to be hosted at Stoney Creek. We had so much fun! The girls went onto win the Division 1 State Championship at MSU that Saturday!!

Of course when we got home, Elle, Riley, Luke and Joey had to play it out in the backyard.