Nighthawks

While Connor was busy with summer baseball, and amidst hectic schedules of summer basketball for both kids, Kaitlynn was also juggling a brand new season of competitive cheer with her new team, the Nighthawks. Even though she didn't know many of the girls on the team, and although it was a completely new division and level for Kaitlynn, she was so excited and hopeful for the season ahead. This was the first time Kaitlynn was competing on a team with a winning record and the expectations for the season ahead were super high. This team and all 24 athletes were putting in a tremendous amount of work already at this early stage, and they were already looking strong for their season of competition ahead. Let's go, Nighthawks!

Baseball in East Texas

One of Connor's first summer baseball tournaments was scheduled in my old stomping grounds of east Texas. Jeff was planning to take Connor to the games, but when he suddenly came down with Covid, I had to shift my schedule around to play the role of baseball Mom for the weekend. It turned out to be a great time to attend the games, because I was able to stay with my parents and enjoy some great family time amidst our hectic baseball schedule!

Connor played his heart out all weekend during the tournament, often with temps in the 100s and the head index off the charts. He wasn't having the level of success this summer that he was hoping for, but I was so proud of how he got out there and kept working hard for his team. 

The tournament ended for the Jays at Tyler Junior College, where they had a great showing but not strong enough for the final bracket on the following day. We managed to capture some great pics of the team on the field, and they were able to get a taste of the college ball life and how it felt to play at some big venues. Despite the outcome, I enjoyed every second of the time I had with Connor during our baseball road trip. I never get tired of watching this kid do his thing and then reliving the moments (good and bad) together. On to the next!

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Jays Summer Baseball

As if our summer wasn't packed enough, Connor was gearing up for another summer season of baseball with his beloved Jays team. He had so much fun with this group last summer and was hoping for a repeat season of success. The team had a new look this year and hopes were high for a great showing. Connor sure looked the part!

The Jays team had tournaments scheduled most weekends in June and July, with games starting on Thursdays and bracket play happening on Sundays. Connor's position was primarily pitcher and 1st base, and he was really enjoying all the time with his buddies on the team. Jeff and I usually had to divide and conquer for all the kids' activities, and that usually meant that I had to miss the out-of-town tournaments where Connor played. I was so thankful for the parents on the team who took the time to snap pics of the athletes and share them with us. Connor was off to a great start for his summer season of baseball! 

Kaitlynn Turns 13

We blinked and just like that, Kaitlynn was another year older! She turned 13 in mid-June, a few days after she celebrated with her friends, meaning that our BABY was now a teenager! And she was definitely looking and acting the part these days - growing so much into a beautiful young woman right before our eyes!

On her actual birthday, we were busy with summer activities but managed to carve out some time to eat a birthday meal as a family and then gather around so that Kaitlynn could open her gifts. Just like any typical teenager, Kaitlynn was really into clothes this year and was excited to receive some of her favorites. But for her big gift, Jeff turned it into another game of hangman where she had to guess what it might be.

It didn't take her long to figure it out - it was a new air track, which is an at-home version of a long tumbling mat for her to practice her tumbling skills at home. She was so excited and wanted to set it up right away! Unfortunately, there was a mishap with setting it up and we ended up having to exchange it for another one. But once the air track arrived, she became quite competent at setting it up all by herself and really pushed herself to continue achieving her tumbling goals. So proud of our girl, and we can't wait to see what she accomplishes in this first year of her teens! :-)

Kaitlynn's Summer Basketball

Connor wasn't the only one playing summer basketball. After Kaitlynn's winter season of basketball with her junior high, she had decided that she wanted to spend more time improving in basketball and getting more comfortable in game situations. After Connor officially joined his league, Principles First, we went ahead and signed Kaitlynn up for the same league in their 13U girls division. She was SO excited to get started and gain some great experience on the court. This girl... when she gets something in her mind, there is NO stopping her. Night or day, rain or shine, she became attached at the hip with that basketball and was working so hard for her upcoming summer season. Even when she wasn't playing an actual game, she was actively supporting her big brother from the sidelines and always taking an opportunity to practice and perfect her shot.

When it was time for her first tournament, Kaitlynn was all smiles and we were excited to see her in action. She ended up as a starter for her middle school girls team and really enjoyed all the playing time on the court. At times she looked tentative but still had a great series of games over the weekend. Coach Dad was always there beside her giving his usual post-game tips and encouragement, and we sometimes had to find a way to work in a quick lunch in between games. Overall, Kaitlynn's first tournament was a success and the girls walked away with 2nd place medals. It was a great way to kick off their summer season!

With the first tournament under their belts, the season was officially underway with tournaments every other weekend. In the weeks to come, Kaitlynn had a great season and truly enjoyed the experience with Principles First. She earned a ton of playing time, grew out of her comfort zone, improved tremendously in her skills on the court, and had so much fun along the way. More importantly, she added quite a bit of hardware to her personal collection and was always so proud to show it off!

If Kaitlynn was asked to share her favorite part of the summer season of basketball, it would likely be her time on the court and the improvements she made as a player. But it might also be the family time, support and encouragement from her big brother, and let's not forget, the tasty post-game treats. We sure love our little baller and her spirit and drive for every activity she takes on! What a great summer season of basketball; can't wait to see what she does next!