Wrapping up Katy Tiger Baseball

As Connor's freshman year of Katy Tiger Baseball came to a close, there were so many memories we were thankful for. Probably our favorite part of the season was enjoying the mini-reunions with our extended baseball family across the Katy-Fulshear area. Connor has played baseball with so many kids that are now spread out around various high schools, and it was always a special treat for them to see and play each other throughout the season. We realized what a small world it is in baseball when our paths even crossed with Connor's former teammate from Dubai. Baseball has a way of bringing us all together!

Ever the proud Dad, Jeff was excited when his sports decals arrived so that he could "decorate" his truck with Connor's accomplishments. There were times when Jeff felt just as invested in these teams as Connor did. We were so proud of his hard work for earning his spot on his teams amidst a ton of tough Katy competition.

Towards the end of the season, Connor saw far less playing time than he hoped. He spent a lot of time in the dugout cheering on his teammates and swallowing his pride at wanting to be out on the field with the team. He stood at the ready, and he happily chased many of his teammates' foul balls as a small way to contribute while he waited for his chance to compete.

As hard as it was for him at times, Connor never gave up and never stopped training, and he took full advantage of every opportunity on the field. He made some great plays and really enjoyed soaking in the experience as a Katy Tiger.

Before we knew it, Connor's freshman baseball experience had come to an end. But it seemed to ignite a fire in him as he vowed to get stronger and better in the summer and beyond. Only time will tell if his efforts will pay off, but we've learned to soak it all in and never take it for granted. Go Tigers!

Easter 2021

After the long and fun weekend with Anais, we were excited to have some down time at home to celebrate the Easter holiday. Our awesome neighbors arranged some fun activities like Easter egg dyeing and games, and the kids were happy to join in on the fun. I honestly don't ever remember dyeing Easter eggs as a kid or adult, so we were all learning a new craft, ha!

My biggest question about the Easter eggs was this: what do people do with the dozens of eggs after they are dyed? To my stunned surprise (and horror? lol) I learned that many people actually eat them, although most likely just throw them away. Our kiddos took a different route and used the colorful eggs for target practice. It was quite amusing to see them destroy the eggs with their weapon of choice.

After the egg demolition, the kids all came over for some backyard fun. We love any opportunity to get the neighborhood gang together. 

I feel like a broken record from saying this so many times, but we feel so blessed with our great group of neighborhood friends. Kids and adults alike, we love these awesome people and are so lucky that our new homes have brought us all together. 

Visit with Anais

Our winter apocalypse in Texas delayed one of Kaitlynn's favorite activities - her annual reunion with her bestie for Anais's February birthday. They finally managed to get together over the long Easter weekend, and they were both overjoyed to have time together again after the long absence. Kaitlynn had compiled a list of activities to tackle together during their weekend, but first it was time for Anais to open her belated birthday gifts. 

Never sitting still for long, the girls jumped from unwrapping gifts straight to fun in the sun outside. We had some gorgeous weather outside for the Easter weekend, and these two didn't want to waste any time to soak it all in. Rollerblading, biking to the park with the neighbor friends, swimming... there is never any shortage of outdoor fun when the weather is so beautiful.

Collin was visiting while the girls were enjoying their time together, so Anais was able to get in on the sibling rivalry during her visit this time. Other must-have activities on the girls list included their regular trip to the trampoline park, Altitude. Those two jumped and jumped, sweating through their clothes and making themselves giddy with exhaustion. It has always been one of their favorite activities to enjoy together. And it serves as the best way to wear them out until they pass out asleep at night. And then, they wake up the next morning and do it all over again!

The girls were in and out of the pool almost the entire time during Anais's stay. Of course, any session in the pool with Kaitlynn and Anais usually ends in choreography and photoshoots. It sometimes catches me off guard how fast they are growing and how far their friendship has come. Hard to believe they were only 1 when they first met, and here they are 11 years later still going strong. I will never get tired of these smiles and giggles and silly antics - love these two and their friendship!