Bryce's Baseball Season

 We spent a lot of time at the ballpark in Galesburg this summer. Blaine decided not to play baseball this year because he would have to play up on the 12U league and he just didn't feel like he was ready. Bryce actually played down on the 12U League since he didn't turn 13 until August. Bryce was one of the oldest on the team and it was really good for him. We had a little drama at the beginning of the summer with not having a coach for awhile and barely having a full team. We played a few games with only 8 players and had to forfeit an out each inning. Despite all of that, the boys really worked together as a team and ended up getting 2nd place. They were a fun group to watch! Ali and Blaine were troopers and found things to entertain themselves at each game! 

Summer of Pig Shows

 The boys once again made their way through the show ring this year. They began the season with the ROWVA Show on June 15th and ended the season with Bryce showing at the State Fair on August 9th. We got 3 more banners to add to our collection that Shane decided to hang in our new shed. Bryce got Reserve Grand Champion Rate of Gain at the FFA show in Stronghurst. Which was also a new show this summer since he is now in FFA. He also got 5th overall at the 4-H Show and 5th Overall at the Stark County Show, which was the day before we left for our big South Carolina vacation. We got to spend two nights at the Binkley house this time during State Fair and enjoyed Monical's pizza, dinner out at a yummy Mexican restaurant and going to Scheels for the first time! 

Blaine's 11th Birthday

We celebrated Blaine's 11th birthday this year with dinner at Texas Roadhouse and a trip to Dick's Sporting Goods. We also had a family party with a pickleball tournament in our newly renovated shed. We were camping during the Memorial Day weekend so we decided to have his party on Saturday, May 31st. We had brownies, ice cream,  special drink mixes to add to water bottles, chips, and watermelon. Hattie and Ross were the winners of the first annual pickleball tournament. Everyone enjoyed hanging out in our new shed and the weather was perfect! Still can't believe that this guy turned 11! He remains a light in everyone's day and thrives at school. He is one of a kind and brings so much joy to our world. From the show ring to the stage, he loves life!