Nate's baseball team had their end of the season picnic tonight. They have been a great group (kids & parents). It is a shame that they won't be together next year!
We enjoyed the picnic & a chance to get together away from the baseball field!
Nate was deemed the most improved for the season. Many parents remarked that they couldn't believe he didn't play before...he did come a long way this season in his confidence and abilities. We had a very dedicated mom on the team who kept stats for the season. He scored 9 runs and had 5 RBIs. Nate had 19 hits in 49 at bats for a batting average of 388. He pitched 8 innings, faced 51 batters, allowed 22 hits, threw 34 strikes, had 3 strike outs with an ERA of 1.625.
I tired to upload a video of Nate's award presentation but the file was too big....oh well...
Friday, June 12, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Jim had the day off today and we decided to head into Seattle. We took the little guys to the zoo & then went to REI to get bike parts for Jim's bike.
One nice thing about the zoo pass is that we can hit the zoo for an hour or so & not have to feel bad that we wasted money with a big fee to get in.
We went and saw the new penguin exhibit. It was pretty nice. While we were there, the keepers dumped a few buckets of live fish into the exhibit for the penguins to eat. I think the crows were eating more than the penguins. We watched as the crows plucked one after another of the fish out of the water. I didn't realize that the crows were such good fisherbirds!
Zach is actually laughing in the picture even though it almost looks like he is crying! I think the little guys enjoy having some time dedicated to them, especially since a majority of the time they are being drug along to activities for Nate and Josh.
One nice thing about the zoo pass is that we can hit the zoo for an hour or so & not have to feel bad that we wasted money with a big fee to get in.
We went and saw the new penguin exhibit. It was pretty nice. While we were there, the keepers dumped a few buckets of live fish into the exhibit for the penguins to eat. I think the crows were eating more than the penguins. We watched as the crows plucked one after another of the fish out of the water. I didn't realize that the crows were such good fisherbirds!
Zach is actually laughing in the picture even though it almost looks like he is crying! I think the little guys enjoy having some time dedicated to them, especially since a majority of the time they are being drug along to activities for Nate and Josh.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
No, no, no, no, no
Ethan's speech is really taking off. In the past month be has gone from 10-12 words to 50-60 words. One of the words that he started using in the past few days is NO. But he does not just say "No", it is "No-no-no-no". To this point, it has made me laugh when he has used it. Me, "Ethan, it is time to change your diaper" Ethan, running away, "No, no, no, no, no." I am sure in time that this will not be so funny or cute but for now I can laugh! I thought I would try and record him. It is better when he is actually responding to a situation but this is better than nothing.
You will notice his dirty face...I really do try but sometimes just have to give up. Now that we are outside so much, his face and hands are always dirty!
You will notice his dirty face...I really do try but sometimes just have to give up. Now that we are outside so much, his face and hands are always dirty!
You would think....
...that there is a 50/50 chance that Zach would get his shoes on correctly but NO, he 100% of the time puts them on backwards. I bought him some fake crocs last weekend (although he calls them his flip-flops). He has pretty much worn them non-stop since that time. Unlike his other shoes, he can put these on himself..which is nice for me...but they are ALWAYS on the wrong feet. I keep showing him the correct way to put them on but he seems to have his own ideas! Oh well....
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Why, why, why....
Sometimes by the end of the day, I am just left shaking my head! Today, I think the boys were pretty exhausted by the time they came inside. We spent a couple hours at the lake, from 1:30-4:00. Then they came home and were outside until 7:30ish playing with the neighbor. All in the record hot temps...so I give them a little slack.
At 7, I gave them a warning that they would need to come in at 7:30 to get showered up & would be going to bed at 8:00. When I call the boys in a 7:30, Nate comes but not real willingly & that was the good part.
Once inside, he falls apart. He came in & stood in front of the TV. I told him that he needed to go upstairs and shower. At first he did not even listen, then he rolled his eyes and snarled something when I firmly told him to go. He stormed upstairs, complaining because he wanted to watch the TV & didn't want to shower. He was mad because he didn't have time to play to which I just rolled my eyes because he had been doing nothing but playing since he came home from school.
Once he made it upstairs, he managed to get Josh all riled up abut something...not exactly sure what the exchange was but I have no doubt that Nate was the instigator. At that point, I figured there was really no "winning" or even trying to talk with him because he was so worked up & overly tired. I told him that it had been a long day & that after his shower that I wanted him to get in bed....understanding that it is now nearing 8:00 with all the messing around that has been going on. Of course this set him off again. I just walked away.
About 15-20 minutes later, I checked and he was in bed & had showered...so that was good. He had not really calmed down much. He had entered his self pity phase. 'I am a jerk, I am so stupid, I am so dumb." Over and over, Jim and I have told him that he is not stupid but once he enters this phase, it does not matter what we say...Nate turns everything around to be negative. So, my response tonight was to just tell him that I love him & I walk away.
He came down about 30 minutes later for a drink of water and seemed to have calmed down.
We are still working on how to deal with Nate when he gets like this. I don't think he really believes that he is stupid. I think he is just looking for attention. We have been trying to point out positive things that he does or says & tell him that we are proud of him when he is NOT is his self pity phase & then just walk away when he starts in with the negative talk. My thought is that this way he is hearing that we are proud & how great he is doing but it is when he is in a good mood & accepts the compliments. Then in his "down" moods it seems best not to even try to say anything other than to tell him that we love him. So far this has been about the only statement that he does not turn around & also he is not getting any attention for his negative fits.
At 7, I gave them a warning that they would need to come in at 7:30 to get showered up & would be going to bed at 8:00. When I call the boys in a 7:30, Nate comes but not real willingly & that was the good part.
Once inside, he falls apart. He came in & stood in front of the TV. I told him that he needed to go upstairs and shower. At first he did not even listen, then he rolled his eyes and snarled something when I firmly told him to go. He stormed upstairs, complaining because he wanted to watch the TV & didn't want to shower. He was mad because he didn't have time to play to which I just rolled my eyes because he had been doing nothing but playing since he came home from school.
Once he made it upstairs, he managed to get Josh all riled up abut something...not exactly sure what the exchange was but I have no doubt that Nate was the instigator. At that point, I figured there was really no "winning" or even trying to talk with him because he was so worked up & overly tired. I told him that it had been a long day & that after his shower that I wanted him to get in bed....understanding that it is now nearing 8:00 with all the messing around that has been going on. Of course this set him off again. I just walked away.
About 15-20 minutes later, I checked and he was in bed & had showered...so that was good. He had not really calmed down much. He had entered his self pity phase. 'I am a jerk, I am so stupid, I am so dumb." Over and over, Jim and I have told him that he is not stupid but once he enters this phase, it does not matter what we say...Nate turns everything around to be negative. So, my response tonight was to just tell him that I love him & I walk away.
He came down about 30 minutes later for a drink of water and seemed to have calmed down.
We are still working on how to deal with Nate when he gets like this. I don't think he really believes that he is stupid. I think he is just looking for attention. We have been trying to point out positive things that he does or says & tell him that we are proud of him when he is NOT is his self pity phase & then just walk away when he starts in with the negative talk. My thought is that this way he is hearing that we are proud & how great he is doing but it is when he is in a good mood & accepts the compliments. Then in his "down" moods it seems best not to even try to say anything other than to tell him that we love him. So far this has been about the only statement that he does not turn around & also he is not getting any attention for his negative fits.
Heat wave continues....
Seattle hit a record high today...it was sunny & hot! Well, mid to upper 80s which is hot for here! Wednesday is early release so we took advantage and went down to Lake Sammamish to swim. The boys were in the water for about 2 hours & really could have stayed 2 more! It is really cool to have so many lakes near by. The water today in Lake Sammamish was actually really warm (especially compared to Alki beach the other day).
Monday, June 1, 2009
Super Star Josh
Josh had a baseball game tonight & did great! He has made great improvements in his game (both batting & fielding) since the start of the season. Tonight he caught a fly ball for an out & made a few plays at first for outs (both as the first baseman and as the pitcher).
Nate was in heaven tonight. Last game he was the bat boy for the team...which meant he would go and get the bat after the batter hit and went to first. This game he was promoted to first base coach...which means he tells the runners when to go or not. I theory, the runners are not suppose to watch the ball but run to the base & the base coach is there to let them know if there is time to run to second. I caught some pictures when Josh was on first with Nate standing next to him! Priceless moments that make me smile!
Nate was in heaven tonight. Last game he was the bat boy for the team...which meant he would go and get the bat after the batter hit and went to first. This game he was promoted to first base coach...which means he tells the runners when to go or not. I theory, the runners are not suppose to watch the ball but run to the base & the base coach is there to let them know if there is time to run to second. I caught some pictures when Josh was on first with Nate standing next to him! Priceless moments that make me smile!
Truth be told...
...I am looking forward to June 14! That is when we are doing with baseball & football, with school ending shortly after that. I enjoy all the sports but we have just seemed to busy lately. Every weekend is taken up with sports. We are looking forward to some free weekends to do some hikes & a bit of relaxing!
This week's schedule:
Monday night: Josh's baseball game
Tuesday night: Boy Scout BBQ for Josh and Nate
Wednesday: FREE
Thursday: Nate's baseball game
Friday: Josh football practice, Nate baseball practice
Saturday: baseball games for Nate and Josh
Sunday: football games for Nate and Josh
I can't even imagine what our schedule will be like in 3-4 more years when he have 4 on the go!
So, if you have wondered why I have not been doing well lately on the blog...this helps explain. I will try to fill in the gaps with some of the events & pictures over the past few weeks.
This week's schedule:
Monday night: Josh's baseball game
Tuesday night: Boy Scout BBQ for Josh and Nate
Wednesday: FREE
Thursday: Nate's baseball game
Friday: Josh football practice, Nate baseball practice
Saturday: baseball games for Nate and Josh
Sunday: football games for Nate and Josh
I can't even imagine what our schedule will be like in 3-4 more years when he have 4 on the go!
So, if you have wondered why I have not been doing well lately on the blog...this helps explain. I will try to fill in the gaps with some of the events & pictures over the past few weeks.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Who would have thought?
Nate got a splinter yesterday & it broke off deep in the palm of his hand. We just left it overnight hoping that it would work itself out. Today after school it was swollen. I squeezed it, hoping that maybe the wood splitter would come out but it did not. I felt bad because I squeezed/pushed pretty hard trying to get it out.
Jim checked the internet tonight & one suggestion was to pour hydrogen peroxide on the splinter, wait (didn't say how long) & then it said the splinter would work it's way out. So we gave it a try, we poured the hydrogen peroxide on the splinter, waited a couple minutes. We figured it would take overnight but when I pushed on it after just a couple minuted, the splitter came out really easy...we were all shocked that it worked...so there is our tip for the day...pour hydrogen peroxide on any splinter, wait a few minutes & just like magic it will come out!
Jim checked the internet tonight & one suggestion was to pour hydrogen peroxide on the splinter, wait (didn't say how long) & then it said the splinter would work it's way out. So we gave it a try, we poured the hydrogen peroxide on the splinter, waited a couple minutes. We figured it would take overnight but when I pushed on it after just a couple minuted, the splitter came out really easy...we were all shocked that it worked...so there is our tip for the day...pour hydrogen peroxide on any splinter, wait a few minutes & just like magic it will come out!
He smiled from ear to ear!
I wish I had remembered my camera. We went to Red Robin tonight to celebrate Zach's birthday. The kids pick Red Robin for their birthday dinners because they get a free sundae.
Tonight it was Zach's turn & he could not wait. When his sundae was brought out, he had a HUGE smile on his face. Nate offered to help him eat it but Zach said, "No thanks!" and finished it all himself!
It was a little confusing to him that we went tonight. As we walked in, he said that it was not his birthday because we had not crossed off all the days on his chart. We explained that we were having his Red Robin birthday early but that is actual birthday is a few more days & that is when he will get his cake and presents. I am not sure he really understood but he was not going to turn down the sundae!
Tonight it was Zach's turn & he could not wait. When his sundae was brought out, he had a HUGE smile on his face. Nate offered to help him eat it but Zach said, "No thanks!" and finished it all himself!
It was a little confusing to him that we went tonight. As we walked in, he said that it was not his birthday because we had not crossed off all the days on his chart. We explained that we were having his Red Robin birthday early but that is actual birthday is a few more days & that is when he will get his cake and presents. I am not sure he really understood but he was not going to turn down the sundae!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Baseball Saturday!
Josh and Nate played at the same time today so we had to divide the troops! Somehow the division was not too equal. Him took Nate to his game & I ended up taking Ethan and Zach to Josh's game! Part of the was because there was a play structure at the park where Josh's game was at. I watched a few innings, then we played on the play structure, then we watched a few innings again...but watching baseball with Ethan & Zach (mostly Ethan) is a lot of work!
Josh had a GREAT game. He hit 2 doubles...his first doubles ever. They were both solid hits into the outfield! He also made an out...which is a rare event in his league. The rule is that each team bats until 3 outs or 5 runs....usually the teams stop at 5 runs with no outs being made.
Jim said that Nate's team had an AWESOME game. They played a really tough team & down after a few innings. They rallied late in the game to come back. Everyone on the team contributed! Jim said it was really neat to watch...the team is really coming together & doing well. They only have 1 loss and 1 tie, so they are pretty high up in the standings. Nate pitched again & was very proud that he pitched more strikes than balls. The coach only had to come in to pitch once. In his league, the players can not be walked. If the pitcher throws 4 balls then the coach of the batter comes into pitch to the batter.
Here are some baseball pictures:
Josh had a GREAT game. He hit 2 doubles...his first doubles ever. They were both solid hits into the outfield! He also made an out...which is a rare event in his league. The rule is that each team bats until 3 outs or 5 runs....usually the teams stop at 5 runs with no outs being made.
Jim said that Nate's team had an AWESOME game. They played a really tough team & down after a few innings. They rallied late in the game to come back. Everyone on the team contributed! Jim said it was really neat to watch...the team is really coming together & doing well. They only have 1 loss and 1 tie, so they are pretty high up in the standings. Nate pitched again & was very proud that he pitched more strikes than balls. The coach only had to come in to pitch once. In his league, the players can not be walked. If the pitcher throws 4 balls then the coach of the batter comes into pitch to the batter.
Here are some baseball pictures:
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Our first family bike ride
We set out on our first family bike ride with all six of us! Josh and Nate rode their own bikes, Zach was on the trail-behind bike, and Ethan rode in a bike seat on my bike! Here are a few pictures of us before we left. 
These pictures were taken before we left. When we returned, we were all drenched. Shortly after we took off it started to rain. We kept going but should have turned back as it rained harder and harder. It actually hailed for a period of time. Needless to say, our trip was cut short. Hail:
So we made it out but our first bike trip was short, wet & cold!
These pictures were taken before we left. When we returned, we were all drenched. Shortly after we took off it started to rain. We kept going but should have turned back as it rained harder and harder. It actually hailed for a period of time. Needless to say, our trip was cut short. Hail:
So we made it out but our first bike trip was short, wet & cold!
Crossing Over
This was something new done by this Pack. At the end of the end of the year the scouts "cross over" in a little ceremony. Josh went from a Tiger to a Bear (or maye is a Bobcat...I get the levels mixed up).
You will notice that Nate is missing from this post. Neither Nate or Josh had completed all the the requirements to move on but they were close. They were both allowed to go through the cross over ceremony & finish the rest of their requirements needed this summer. Nate decided he did not want to go. I think he was a bit tired & started in with one of his "pity me parties" (at least that is what I call them). He said he didn't earn it so he couldn't go. Jim and I explained once that he would cross over & then finish but Nate didn't want to listen. I think his actions are much just an attempt at attention but we have decided not to encourage the negative attitude with attention. Our strategy when he starts with this pity me attitude is to give him no extra attention...we explained the situation but were not about to force him or "beg" him to do go...so we let it go. Josh and Jim left without Nate. I think Nate was a bit surprised & then very disappointed when Josh came home with his new badge and scarf. Hopefully it is a lesson learned for him.
You will notice that Nate is missing from this post. Neither Nate or Josh had completed all the the requirements to move on but they were close. They were both allowed to go through the cross over ceremony & finish the rest of their requirements needed this summer. Nate decided he did not want to go. I think he was a bit tired & started in with one of his "pity me parties" (at least that is what I call them). He said he didn't earn it so he couldn't go. Jim and I explained once that he would cross over & then finish but Nate didn't want to listen. I think his actions are much just an attempt at attention but we have decided not to encourage the negative attitude with attention. Our strategy when he starts with this pity me attitude is to give him no extra attention...we explained the situation but were not about to force him or "beg" him to do go...so we let it go. Josh and Jim left without Nate. I think Nate was a bit surprised & then very disappointed when Josh came home with his new badge and scarf. Hopefully it is a lesson learned for him.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Treasure Quest
I was impressed with the boys' creativity today. Nate got the ball rolling. He came home, sat down at the table & created a treasure map, he even tore some of the edges & smeared parts to make it look old & authentic! Josh and Zach quickly followed with their own maps. The three then proceeded to spend a few hours following the maps to their treasures! Here is Zach, explaining the details of his map. I tried getting Nate and Josh on tape..Nate declined & Josh was too long winded. His explaination of his maps with the vairous trails went on for so long that the file is too big to upload.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Busy Sports weekend!
Lots of sports this weekend.
Nate hit is first DOUBLE this weekend! I missed the hit. We went to the game for a bit but it poured so we left early. Jim said that Nate CRUSHED the ball! Nate is looking more comfortable batting & gaining confidence!
Josh had a great game too! He did make an out for the other team! He was on third, the ball was hit & he started running home. The ball was hit right along the third base line & took a jump up to Josh. When it jumped up, he grabbed it with his hands...oops...lesson learned...leave the ball alone when you are the runner!
Sunday we had football..both boys played games. Nate had some great runs. On one, he used his moves, zigged & zagged past the defenders & almost had a run to the end zone. He stepped out of bounds as he passed the last defender...even without a score, it was a great run! In his game, Josh had a break away & ran the entire distance of the field to score a touchdown! Josh's teams is currently undefeated & in first place!
I think the boys are actually getting a little worn out with two sports. Neither were very excited about going to football today. They like football but I think having the weekend all tied up with sports is getting a bit too much.
Here is Josh getting ready to head off to football, in the football pants that we bought when we went to Husky Stadium.
Nate hit is first DOUBLE this weekend! I missed the hit. We went to the game for a bit but it poured so we left early. Jim said that Nate CRUSHED the ball! Nate is looking more comfortable batting & gaining confidence!
Josh had a great game too! He did make an out for the other team! He was on third, the ball was hit & he started running home. The ball was hit right along the third base line & took a jump up to Josh. When it jumped up, he grabbed it with his hands...oops...lesson learned...leave the ball alone when you are the runner!
Sunday we had football..both boys played games. Nate had some great runs. On one, he used his moves, zigged & zagged past the defenders & almost had a run to the end zone. He stepped out of bounds as he passed the last defender...even without a score, it was a great run! In his game, Josh had a break away & ran the entire distance of the field to score a touchdown! Josh's teams is currently undefeated & in first place!
I think the boys are actually getting a little worn out with two sports. Neither were very excited about going to football today. They like football but I think having the weekend all tied up with sports is getting a bit too much.
Here is Josh getting ready to head off to football, in the football pants that we bought when we went to Husky Stadium.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Our Mountain view..captured by Jim
Jim wanted to show everyone the mountain view we have from our house. If you stand at the top of our starts (shown in picture 1) and look out the large window above our door (picture 2)....MOUNTAINS! maybe more like a mountain top!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Backwards Day
Today was backwards day at school for the older boys. While Josh and Nate decided not to participate, Zach embraced the day...take a look....
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