Softball

Emily played softball again this spring. She really enjoys playing. This year she moved up to mini minors and played two nights a week. Paul and Mike were their coaches again and they were on the Red Wings this year. The girls really improved by the end of the season - we had a pretty young team - mostly 2nd graders - and got beat a lot early in the season, but by the end, the girls were really doing well and were making outs.

I just loved seeing Em in all the catcher equipment - she looked so cute. The knee/leg (?) pads were so big on the girls that they had trouble walking around.

The girls got to walk around Frontier Field during WAA night at the Red Wings. The kids and I got to go too - it was fun. Then we stayed for the game and fireworks.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Paul and to all the wonderful dad's we know out there. We had a nice brunch out in Kendall with Paul's family and then went to my parents for a barbque.

End of School

I guess I am the only one happy about the end of school. Alli came home so upset because she was going to miss Mrs. Yorkston and her class so much. Emily was also sad because this was her last year with Mrs. Krygier - she's had her for 2 years now.

They got to meet their teachers for next year. Their school has a moving up day on the last day where the kids get to meet their teacher and see what kids are in their class. The girls both liked their new teachers - Emily got Mrs. Yonkers (who she was hoping for) and Alli got Ms. Lopez. Both girls have some friends in their classes next year, so that's good.

We got to go in the 2nd to last day for the school picnic. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day, so the 2nd grade field day got canceled. They had game day inside instead. We got to visit Alli's class too and she read to us from her poetry journal. Afterwards, we ate lunch with them in the cafeteria (well, actually since it was still morning, I just watched them eat).

2nd Grade Talent Show

At the end of 2nd grade, the kids are able to participate in a talent show. Emily and some of her friends (Tristan, Rachel and Shannon) decided to put together a gymnastics routine. They did handstands, cartwheels, somersaults and choreographed it to music. They got together once at Tristans to put it together and then we had everyone over our house for a practice session a couple of days before the show. I was amazed at what a great job they did. They worked really well together - Emily said they made sure to include everyone's ideas. I was so proud of them. Unfortunately, parents weren't able to come to the talent show, but I was able to get a couple of pictures while they practiced.

Recital Weekend

This weekend was all about the girls' recital around our house. They had dress rehearsal Friday night and ended up being there for over 3 hours since the girls were in different classes this year. Saturday morning was the big show. They both did great and were SO excited. It always amazes me that for how shy Alli is usually, she is so comfortable on the stage - she doesn't get nervous at all.

This year Emily was in two dances - one tap (Jump In) and one jazz (Shine). Alli was in one - ballet (Ivory Rag).

Belmont Stakes Weekend

So, we headed down to Long Island for the annual Belmont Stakes weekend. We had planned on going to the Bronx Zoo on Friday this year and were really excited about it, but the weather just did not want to cooperate. It was a downpour all day, so instead we found the Long Island Children's Museum. It ended up being a lot of fun. Very similar to the Strong Museum in Rochester, but different exhibits.

On Saturday, the weather improved, and while a lot of the guys were at the races, my Aunt Maureen took us all to a local beach. The kids had lots of fun playing in the sand - the water was a little too cold for swimming, unfortunately.

Saturday night, my Aunt Judy and Uncle Al had a barbque/party for my cousin Julia's graduation from college. It was great seeing all my aunts, uncles and cousins who we don't get to see too often.