Baseball life

Here's one way to get psyched up for a big game!

At 5 1/2 years old, Violet doesn't nap often anymore. But a late night at the Dodgers game prompted an early afternoon snooze on the way to Violet's baseball game.

Violet is enjoying her baseball this year. It is "baseball," and not "T-ball," this time around, as the children hit off their coach's gentle pitches. She is quick to correct us when we call it T-ball (though if the player misses four or five pitches, they bring in a tee).

The players switch positions every inning, to give everyone a chance at the different places to play.













We now have another catcher in the family! Violet strapped on the pint-sized gear for an inning this game. It was pretty adorable.

Thanks, Dad, for bringing your good camera this weekend. Stace took some of these nice photos, too.



















Violet is the only girl on the Phillies, and all her gear is pink.

The Hart baseball and softball organization is volunteer-run, and all families are encouraged to work to earn back a "volunteer fee."

I worked a shift in the canteen Saturday before the girls' games, alongside Sendy, Chris and David's mom. It was fun and an easy way to "make" $50.

When Violet's game was over, we went a few fields over, to the Mini Minor Softball Field where Cora was warmed up and ready to play. It was a warm day - hence the cooling towel around her neck and large jug of ice water.

Here's Cora behind the plate...

...and at bat.














When I married a soccer-centric Englishman, and had girls instead of boys, I thought my dream of being a baseball mom had ended.

This has been so much fun for me, teaching the girls the particulars about the sport I love. Stace also is enjoying their games and practices, and said he would have liked to play baseball had he grown up here.

Cora still loves soccer, and hopefully it will work out for her to continue with both sports, as long as she is enjoying them.

It's been nice for Cora and Sophia to play on the same team, and have some quick after-school/pre-practice playdates. It's fun sitting in the stands with Sue and Paul, too.

David is also playing Hart baseball this fall, while Chris is trying out flag football. They (and Sendy and Jeremy) came over to Cora's game after David finished playing Saturday.

I really appreciate the friendship that has grown between these four over the past few years. Good neighbors are like gold!