Allstars

Dallin played on the 11 year old allstar team this year. This was a much more difficult season. The coach really pushed the boys to their limit. He slid into second and pulled the muscles around his knee. Luckily, he didn't have to slide during any of the games after that. Ouch! He was out for more than a week. Their lil team did a great job. They took second place overall. Bainbridge Island ( no big surprise) took first. Dallin learned a lot, though. He was able to have his best friend, JJ, on the team. He is the cutest buddy. I can't tell him so, but he is adorable. He has these dimples that make me laugh. His little sisters let me play with them and get my girl fix. JJ gave Dal a big hug and thanked him for getting a homerun:) Cute lil' bugger.

Our "new" home

Our family finally has a home again! We were so excited...no, excited is not the word...hmmmm...extatic is more like it...to get into a home again. We had wanted to build again, but building loans are next to impossible to get right now. So, we settled for a home with potential:) Actually, I love redo-ing. I love getting to paint and pick new flooring and cabinets and lights and faucets:) So, this 1970's vintage home is quickly getting updated. It does take time, but now that my kitchen is in, I am a happier camper. We got some BEAUTIMOUS cabinets from Huntwood cabinets. MMMmmm...I went with the dark red with black antique glaze.


custom granite...This guy did a great job! I love the high backsplashes...even behind the stove.


This is our tiling. I am not done yet, though. It is going in the bathroom and hallway, too. I like to have as much non-carpet surface from entries to bathrooms.
Very exciting! I am sure it will take 5 years to get the house the way we want it. BUT, it took that long last time, too, so...Time to get the outdoors buttoned up for winter.

Hoopty

Going through pictures, I found these of Dallin from this last winter. He played on the school team. His height ensured him a spot:) This boy wears size 13 in MENS!!! He found a new love. Basketball is a way more athletic sport. It requires a ton of running and teamwork. Plus, it is held INDOORS...a plus for the fans. I think it is easier for kids too because the pressure isn't all on one player (ie the pitcher or batter in baseball). He loved practicing at Nana and Papa's house. This year, we'll be at a new school, though. His PE teacher met him and smiled up at him, "Ya play basketball? Let's go against your old school next year!"

Scabooty's Birthday

What a cheeseball. I sure love this guy. He is just a silly, fun-loving boy. Scott is 7 this year. It is hard to believe that my "baby" is so big. He is very proud of being a big boy. He was looking in the mirror at his tummy. "Mom, I look soft." and then, rubbing his big belly, he said, "Ooooh, I am soft!" He cracks me up daily. Those big blue eyes...

This year was a fun one for baseball. The boys' regular season went really well for them. It was fun watching Michael really start hitting and pitching. He was the starting pitcher for his lil team. Scott was in minor prep...still learning the basics. He practices so much with his brothers, that he could really smack the ball out there. Dallin...oh, Dallin. He was really "disappointed" in only getting 6 homeruns. Poor buddy:) He is such a perfectionist. Baseball is not the sport for perfectionists. His papa had to remind him after every game that he was doing great. Even the pros strike out, throw balls, and walk people. It is interesting to watch Dallin grow and struggle through this. He had a great coach that we will really miss. He got to know Dallin over the last 3 years and knew how to work with him.

Fancy Schmancy

My favorite restaurant is, unfortunately, extremely unaffordable. Ouch. It is one of those places where you only go once every few years, but oh, it is worth it!! Costco started carrying some discounted gift cards for El Gauchos, so Mom, Dad, Tom and I decided it was high time to return. Oh, it did not disappoint. MMMmmmm. I can still taste it. I was super impressed when the waiter made the caesar dressing for Mom's salad right at table side. FAB FAB FAB. We even got to dress up:) I soaked up every moment of that night. I was in heaven.

Surfin' USA

WOW! We are finally online again. It took a few months for us to find internet access in booniville, but Tom's relentless search has finally connected us to the web again. We have been in our "new" home for a little over a month now. It has been a ton of work, but we sure love having a home again. Aaah! We should have a comlete kitchen this week. YEAH! very exciting stuff, I tell ya'.
I wanted to post the pictures from Dallin's birthday. He's 11 now, so we focused on getting him all geared up for scout camping trips that are sure to fill the next 8 years. Tom really liked the backpack he found for Dal on a military style site. I think he was a bit jealous:)





Then we went to our favorite pizza place in town. It was nummy and fun to be with family.




We sure have a silly Papa! Then, Tom and Betsy showed up with a fishing pole...Dallin was beyond happy!!