"Good Game"

This post is long overdue, but since we're on a mini vacation I finally have a few free minutes to pull together a post.  Not only is this long overdue because I haven't posted in weeks, but because T-ball ended almost a month ago and I'm just now drumming up enough time to post some pictures.

This year was Avah and Benn's first year playing t-ball.  It was Benn's first organized sport and Avah's first "team" sport.  The season was short, just 6 weeks.  The first practice was a bit crazy and chaotic, but by the second game, the kids were in a groove and began to understand what to do when and where to stand.

As you would imagine, with a mix of 3 to 6 year olds, there were some funny moments both on and off the field.  Avah was hesitant to play most of the games as she would much rather sit on the sidelines and play with her cousin or eat candy.  Benn was "that kid" who always had to be making the play, sometimes running from short stop all the way to first to make the play.  Coach Russ had many talks with him explaining when to have patience and when to be competitive and that he had to give other kids a chance too.  There was also dirt kicking, day dreaming, a hitting incident, and a whole lot of fun.  The kids learned to field and make a play at first base, hit a ball and run in the right direction (this was a big deal!), and a lot about team work and camaraderie.

Avah playing short stop.

On the bench, patiently waiting to hit. (Benn is #3 and Avah's #5)

Benn making a play and throwing the ball to first base.

The team

Benn and Paul celebrating at their last game of the season.

Avah coming home after a great hit.

Benn hitting the ball like a pro.

Saying, "good game" after a game well played.

All in all, it was a successful season. I think coach Russ was pretty proud with how the kids developed and he showed them that baseball can be fun.  Benn and Avah still enjoy making laps around the kitchen island shaking hands and telling each other "good game."  I think this may have been Avah's first and last year of t-ball (she's much more interested in gymnastics, especially with it being an olympic year!), but Benn cannot stop talking about going back to the field and "playing a real game."  It's so much fun watching these kiddies grow and develop skills like playing sports and interacting with other kids.