Opening Day... T-Ball Style!

So yesterday was a very exciting day in our house.  Let me just say that I have been dreaming of this day for a while now... like 25 years, yes - seriously!  Grady had his very first T-ball game and I can't decide whether G or mom was more excited.  I played pretty much any sport there was growing up and T-ball/baseball/softball was my very favorite and one of the sports I ended up sticking with for many years.  Growing up we lived at the ball fields... no exaggeration.  Craig and I both played everything so between practices and games we were there, always.  I loved these years, loved them. 

I was sooooooo excited when Grady started playing with balls at one, showing lots of interest at two and then pretty much begging to play at three.  We opted to wait until he was four and considering I was due with Cole for spring ball, we waited for the fall.  His best friend Bro wanted to play too, Justin and Richard decided to coach and practices were underway.  Grady has loved every second, of all of it.  The field, balls, other kids, the equipment, water breaks, DIRT, practice and now games.  Now that doesn't mean we haven't had tears, we have.  G is very competitive and has extremely high expectations for himself... in all areas not just this.  Yesterday we had tears because he was upset about not fielding the ball correctly.  In the car he told dad that he needed to hit better.  This, I was not prepared for.  I should've been... I am the exact same way.  However, I REALLY feel that sports are such a great way to teach kids to be good winners and losers and that we all make mistakes, there will always be somebody better than you, etc.  Grady had a wonderful time and again, enjoyed most every second.  Yesterday was so emotional for me because I just can't believe that my baby is old enough to play ball!!!  My wish for him (always) is to "have fun, do good and learn something," - thanks Dad! 

What a cutie, in his uniform!

Would be much happier if mom would stop taking pictures...

 Look at that tongue!

 Warming up...

 Well, kinda...

 G started at shortstop

 Getting ready to bat...

 There is this ridiculous rule that they have to get 3 pitches first, then can use the T...

Grady actually hit one of dad's pitches, the 2nd time around! 

 First hit EVER! 

Go Grady, run!!!

 Then he plays pitcher

 Game over which means - snack time!

 Look at these two stars!!!

 Bless the coaches...

 Aunt Lana and Uncle Curt and Grammy came to watch

 Daddy and son going to celebrate with a much deserved Sonic drink!

The game was HYSTERICAL!  There were kids crying, fighting over the ball (including G), kids missing bases entirely, one on second ran to the outfield to help the other team field the ball, kids sitting in the outfield picking grass and turned around backwards... I've never laughed so hard in my life.  Michelle and I ended up taking the guys out for beer and sushi afterward... they worked so hard to make it memorable and fun for the kids!  It was a great day!      

These truly are "The BEST days of our lives!"