the making of a boy.

Another milestone was reached for our sweet Henry on his journey through boyhood.  This past week as he suited up for his first t-ball game.  His bat has seen a lot of hits, his glove many catches but always from the comfort of his own backyard.  He has been so excited about being on a real team and the preparation of it all has brought much joy to our hearts.  Being handed his team shirt and getting to enter a dugout as a player felt super cool to him.  Then there was the trip to Dick's Sporting Goods aka "Sports Goodies" (according to Henry), to pick up REAL cleats and baseball pants.  

Cheering him on in his first game was fun and entertaining.  We saw everything from a great hits and throws, to playing in the dirt and climbing fences.  Henry made a hit each time he got to bat, one of which popped up pretty nice and according to him "went as high as the moon. "  When asked if he could hear us cheering for him he replied "Yes, I hear you and all the other people; I knew everyone would cheer for the Gophers!"

 His littlest fan is far from fair weather.  She loudly yells "Go Henwy!" Run Run Run da bases!" And when a potty break was needed for our big leaguer mid game, she clapped and yelled "Go Henwy Go!"

 I love a reason to celebrate and that's just what we did to close out his first game.  Graham Slam ice cream in his Reds ice cream helmet.  My big and wonderful boy!  I hope that he has fun as he plays and learns those little lessons found on a field being a part of a team.

Happy Birthday to Me-I like to Waterski

You may know that I love sports, basketball, football, volleyball and baseball are some of my faves.  But, I would venture to guess you had no idea that my favorite sport is waterskiing.  Growing up on the water I began skiing at an early age and then became hooked when I learned to slalom.  (that's skiing on one)

In college, I joined the University of Kentucky waterski team which is a club sport.  We competed against other schools in the SAC South Atlantic Conference.  Traveling to tournaments every spring and fall was the highlight of my college experience, and at one point I became president of the club.  

It is something I am passionate about.  Yet don't get the opportunity to enjoy it very often anymore.  So this weekend when my uncle asked if I wanted to hit the water for a few cuts I jumped at the chance.  

It was like heaven to me.  Pulling on my ski.  Getting up and making cuts.  Looking in the boat and seeing my baby boy and husband.  Life doesn't get better.  :)  It was an awesome way to start off my birthday week!  :)  (which is today)  

 If you want to know more about how people compete in waterski events check out this link.  

P.S. How is this not an Olympic sport?  

My new ride

I feel like summer just officially started for me this week.  As things have finally slowed down a little bit I have been able to spend time on gradschool while also enjoying the finer things in life (like being a teacher in the months of June and July).  Monday evening Barry put my bike together!  My perfect little hybrid Schwinn.  She is a beauty and will look like a classic pinup for decades to come!

Tuesday Morning I did the unthinkable......I Elizabeth Cooper, queen of sleep, awoke at 5am to go workout with BarreAmped at 6am!!!  I have become obsessed with the class, and truly think it's the most fun you could have working out while also feeling like your being beat up at the same time.  :)  (ya know muscles shaking, hair sweating....the good stuff)  It was a great way to start my day and I enjoyed another round of it this morning!  Whoohoo!  After class both days I have taken my new ride on a stroll.  We have a great biking bath close to our house that takes me farther than I can imagine exploring yet.

I love the freedom on the bike.  

The way 94 degrees and swampy somehow feels comfortable as you create your own breeze.  

Being surrounded by breaths of sweet southern summer Magnolias.

Remembering what a bike meant as a kid.

The possibility of it's future:ice cream runs, a basket filled with goodies(or Keightley), racing Barry, strapping it to our car so we can ride along the beach, and someday adding a seat to the back that will hold a kid who will enjoy my peddling.

 

Yes, I didn't just purchase a bike I think I made a new friend.

Barry putting the finishing touches on the bike.  He did a fabulous job assembling my new ride!

Here she is ready to go on another adventure!

Take 5

Take 5 to breathe today.  Enjoy this beautiful day for just a second, don't sit on the couch,

quit looking at the computer, quit thinking about grad school and love life.

"Ok I think I will!"

Troy and Trey played in the district tournament against Dunbar Wednesday night.  I had been working on my final project for one of my classes and really felt overwhelmed but new this might be our first and only chance this season to watch one of their games.  We ventured out into the beautiful evening and arrived to see Troy up to bat hitting in a run.  We saw Mike and Karen cheering on their boys, and to our surprise Mom and Dad were their too! 

The highlight of the night was seeing Troy hit out a 2 hit HomeRUN! To bring in himself AND Trey, who was on the field as a pinch hitter.  What a great memory to see! 

Here is a great  article from the Lexington Herald Leader:  http://www.kentucky.com/2011/05/26/1753428/lexington-catholic-tates-creek.html