Baseball....what!?

So, on the same day as Gage's Bike Rodeo, he had a baseball tournament in Irving.
That was such.a.long.day. We woke up early, did the bike rodeo. Came home. Unpacked the bike stuff. Snacked. Little bit of rest. Then packed up the car for baseball.  (Daddy left the bike rodeo a little early to get Little Miss home for her nap. Good thinking!)

Game delay?
Let's get food!

Gage was excited that his cousin, Chris, came to watch him play.

Let the games begin!

We played that afternoon and again in the evening/night. Games ran late.... Eliette didn't last. Chris had to go home.... Damon took the baby home....and I stayed to watch Gage. Gage and I caught a ride with another family BACK to Whataburger for dinner....

When it was all said and done, yet another family brought us home... Ahhhhh, the baseball-gaming life, right?

It really was such a long day for this little boy.
So sweet....

As I looked at him asleep there in the back of the suburban, it killed me to think of his super exciting  long day, knowing that he would have an early game the next day. {#baseballlife}

Summertime Baseball World Series....

Gage played in his first World Series for baseball this past Summer. Yes, I'm that behind on blogging. And because I'm behind, this is basically going to be a photo-dump kind of session b/c I can no longer remember the game-by-game play-by-play recap to provide.

On Day 1, you check in. They INTERVIEW the boys based on information on the player's original-raised-seal birth certificate. It's pretty hard core.
"What's your mother's name?"
"Mommy."
I love it! Haaaa!

This is some guy....some batting guy.... idk---I think he has a batting coaching company or something. He was a celebrity or quasi-celebrity. I have no idea. Gage knew who he was and wanted his pic with him. Okay..... {Hey, quasi-celebrity, if you see yourself here and get offended, lo siento.}

Mommy brought the spirit wear/spirit gear. My inner cheerleader was all over it....
:) Eliette and I clearly had to try on our headbands and practice cheering.

Gage even lightened up a bit and wore the go-team glasses. {Mommy's antics are proving to be a bit juvenile for his tastes these days.... whatever! We are making memories here!!!!! Though, in the future he may recall these memories as, "Remember that time you embarrassed me by....." }

The coach for our team starts and ends every game with a prayer. I love that.
:)

Game play pics....

 Last day, last game. He was EXHAUSTED from playing several games a day for days....

Sweet boy. I LOVE the above pic of us. You're 8years old in this picture. I love it. I love you. I love that I can still hold you, even though you're about 2/3 of my size. I will scoop you up and pick you up as long as I can. I will carry you physically when I can, and emotionally forever! I am so thankful that God blessed me with you, and I am trying my best every day to guide and shape you into the person that you are, and the person you are to be....I try so very hard to raise you up to be a kind and generous person. I love you beyond measure! You make me so very proud so often. I can hardly ask for more, right??? Love you, Buddy.

City League Baseball.

Gage's baseball team competes in tournaments as well in the city league.

This year, he had an especially close game with a team where Gage is friends with some of the players on the opposing team. Gage was especially excited and nervous about this game...

In the end, Gage's team won, but it was a reeeeally close game. Perhaps the best of the season in terms of entertainment value!

At another game of the season, Gage was given the opportunity to catch. This boy of mine---wanted to be catcher at some point ALL.SEASON.LONG. Let me just say---not his finest baseball performance, but he didn't totally suck when you consider he was playing it for the very first time in borrowed catching gear. He was so excited!

AND---that just happened to be the night that R1 & R2 came with us to cheer Gage on. We traded one sweet baby girl for two wild & hungry boys for the evening. Turns out, we all won!

In the end, Gage's team placed first in the city league. He was THRILLED to get a 1st place baseball trophy.

 Shortly thereafter, the city hosted a tournament after the regular seasonal play. Although Gage's team came out first for the season, they didn't win first place in the tournament. It was a bit of an upset for Gage, but he put on a brave face to congratulate his friend.

...but alas, baseball wasn't over for us just yet!
We had more tournaments and the local World Series to look forward to.
:)
Clearly, I'll be posting about that soon....

My Baseball Baby....

Early in May, Gage's baseball team played in a tournament, and they all got to "go pink" with their jerseys, and honor someone with their jerseys. Though the jerseys were pink, it could be any type of cancer or any childhood illness b/c the jerseys were for Strikes Against Cancer, as well as a Scottish Rite benefit tournament. Anywhoooo....we were very excited to honor our very own Darnin with Gage's jersey.

Such a sweet boy!

....aaaaaand, with baseball being his LIFE these days---he was in need of a room makeover. {Can I get an AMEN? I was soooooo sick of the camo room. He loved it, but it was NOT my cup-o-tea!}

We had a lot of fun making the baseball room, and Gage was so excited to have a "new room."

Photobomb, courtesy of Daddy! Gotta love 'em.

Now, will all of this baseball going on in our lives....we can't fail to mention Gage's #1 fan:

 {Pics from April & May, 2014, primarily.  Spring 2014 baseball season}