Last Sunday was “Family Day” for our local minor league baseball team. It was a beautiful day – about 78 degrees with a slight breeze, and the kids were so excited to go to the game.

My two girls have now played a couple of years of t-ball or softball, so they are starting to understand the basics of the game. Because of this new knowledge, for the first time ever, the game itself held their interest. They even picked a favorite player to cheer for. (Of course, the mascot, concessions, and “between inning contests” helped keep their attention as well.) The only score the entire game was a home run hit by a member of “our” team. While this didn’t make for the most exciting game I’ve ever seen, it did help to keep the game moving along quickly.

To top it all off, because it was family day, the kids got to run the bases after the game was over. The bases were a little farther apart than those at the t-ball game! But all-in-all, it was a great day spent together, and we are all ready for another day at the ballpark.

Tags : family fun, girls sports

Last weekend, my husband graduated with his masters degree. He has been working on this for the past three and a half years, and our whole family was thrilled to have his degree completed. Between night classes, studying, and working full time, he has had to miss out on a few ball games and recitals and such. My husband decided to participate in the graduation ceremony, and I’m so glad he did. Even though the ceremony was very long, especially for our two little girls, it gave our entire family a sense of accomplishment.

Of course a graduation would not be complete without a party. We had an open house for close friends and family which was well attended. The invitation stated that guests were not to bring graduation gifts, however, some didn’t listen! The standard gift was cash (which is always welcome). However, he also received Omaha Steaks, a gift certificate for music, and champagne- all great ideas. But the greatest gift was having friends and family celebrate with us.

Tags : gifts for him, graduation gifts

My six year old was invited to a birthday party last weekend for a little girl in her class. The party was at the girl’s home and had a pirate theme. The guests were all asked to wear pirate costumes. So, we took an old pair of shorts and fringed the hem, and took an old shirt and drew cross-bones on it. Then my daughter made an eye patch out of construction paper, and tied a scarf on her head.

At the party, the kids had a treasure hunt, and other outdoor games. The party was two hours long, and it was an action packed, fun filled two hours. There were no inflatables to jump on, clowns making balloons, or the like. Yet, my daughter exclaimed that it was the best party she ever went to. To be honest, I think she had as much fun making her costume as she did playing at the party. So it was an entire day of fun!

Tags : kids party ideas