The Ripken Way

Cal Ripken is coming to town! Or I guess I should say came to town. Cal visited our hometown last week to mark the beginning of a partnership with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. We had a chance to attend a local baseball clinic sponsored by the foundation. Admission was free and the guys from the local college team were on hand teaching the kids about some of the basics of baseball. Luke jumped right in after watching for a few minutes and we were keeping Blake with us at first. After all - he is three and as Justin would say "has the attention span of a spider monkey" at times. Well - Blake yelled out "Hey! I wanna play!" So - of course, who can turn down a cute 3 year old? The guys call him over, give him a baseball and teach him how to "pitch". He was on top of the world. Luke really enjoyed it as well especially since he began the day with a game of his own during which he got a big hit. I'm really looking forward to seeing how our community and the foundation partner in the years to come.

Window Washer

We never really had to worry about Luke smudging handprints all over the windows when he was a little fella. For whatever reason, this just wasn't something he was interested in. However, we certainly have made up for it with Blake. He LOVES rubbing is hands, fingers (sometimes tongue!) over every piece of glass he can find. After cleaning the doors and windows every other day or so I was hit with a brilliant idea. I sprayed the door and handed Blake the paper towels. So - now he also cleans up afterwards - which he seems to enjoy as well. So much for making him not want to lick doors but at least he's now helping with clean up. And - the added benefit is that this is just plain cute. And I know in reality that one day we'll miss all those dirty little prints.

American Girl

Our family had the privilege of hosting a party Friday night to celebrate Yulya's recent milestone of becoming a US Citizen. We love her and we're proud of her dedication and hard work in making this dream a reality.

Our Baby for a Little Longer

We've been riding a 2 1/2 mile loop in the neighborhood in the evening. Sunday night we pulled into the driveway only to find Blake asleep in the carrier. He must have still been tired from Saturday's festival. I understand why the youngest child is so often referred to as the "baby" into adulthood. It seems like the first child grows up SO fast and you're just left grasping for one last sight of chubby fists and sleepy heads.

Well Rounded...

Most of you know Luke moved up to rookie leagues this fall. What you may not know is that he's playing catcher and has also just started violin lessons.

I seriously cannot believe how brave he is playing catcher as the pitching machine blasts those balls out. I don't believe I would have done this as a six year old. But he loves it. He would play this position the whole game but the league requires them to only play this position for a couple of innings. His team got beat up pretty bad on Saturday but I don't believe most of the kids realized how bad it was (that will come later!).

Luke also began violin lessons yesterday and loves it. He really listened to his teacher, who although an older lady, really knows how to bond with kids. She and Luke hit it off as she used to be a softball pitcher, too. He's interested in a variety of intruments but wanted to try the violin the most. So far no horrible noises but the dogs across the street were howling while he practiced on the porch last night (don't tell Luke!).

Awakening!

On Saturday we attended Awakening Fest where we saw Barlow Girl and Toby Mac. It was a long day with Luke having a game in the morning and then us heading to the festival. It was a little over an hour drive but the weather was beautiful (even a little cool) and we had a great time. Both Luke and Blake are crazy about Toby Mac. It was so cool to see them sing along and dance to his songs. Luke knows so many of the words. And for those of you who haven't seen Barlow Girl - they rock! These girls play their own instruments, are beautiful and have some songs with great messages for teen girls. A beautiful day.

Don't Blink...

There's a new song out by Kenny C. that says, "Don't blink, just like that you're 6 years old and you take a nap, you wake up and you're 25..." Wow. How true. I can hardly believe Luke will be 7 in November. He started 1st grade last week, is riding his bike without his training wheels (and riding a 2 1/2 mile loop around the neighborhood with me!) and playing catcher during practice for his rookie league team. Last night I had a great time watching Luke and Blake pull each other in their wagon. They were laughing and playing so hard. Despite being almost 6 years apart I can still remember pulling my brother in the wagon and then "making" him push me while I steered. Maybe this is why he's 6'8" and all muscle! Anyway - I just try to help create opportunities for making memories and let life do the rest. They are growing up so fast.

Happy 60th, Poppy!

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Poppy's 60th birthday with a "suprise" party! He did know something was up but didn't expect to see former co-workers and family from North Carolina to be there.

Do you trust teenagers? Maybe you should...

When we spent a week on Edisto Island this past summer, we practically begged the boys to go for a canoe or kayak ride with us on the bay or in one of the creeks. Both of them said "No, way!" So, you can imagine my suprise when Luke asked one the teenagers in our youth group to take him for a canoe ride at our pastor's farm! I guess one of the benefits of working with and getting to know the youth in our church is the impact it has on Luke and Blake. They're so friendly with the teens in our church and consider them "friends". Despite all the mean, irresponsible teens (and adults!) out there, I've been blessed to get to be around some wonderful teens. They do still exist! Do you know any?