This morning Chewie was up around 7am. I got up with him and fed the animals so Morry could sleep.
Then, I made the 80+ matzoh balls for Passover for tomorrow and some chocolate matzoh.
Morry went into the office.
Evan got home around 10:30am and then I took Noah to Jude's house at 11:15. Jude was having his birthday party today and Noah was getting a ride with Jude's family.
When I got back, Evan, Grandmom and I went to meet Morry for lunch. We sat in a lot of traffic both directions.
We picked up bagels from Rockstar Bagels and ate at the office.
Around 3pm I picked up Noah from Jude's house.
Noah had football practice this afternoon.
For dinner, Morry, Evan, Noah, and Grandmom went to Rudy's.
Now the boys are getting ready for bed.
Friday, March 30, 2018
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Last Cotillion
This morning we walked Noah to school and then I left for my school.
I stopped at Target to pick up a gift card for a birthday party and then I met Morry for lunch at Wholy Bagel.
Morry went to a meeting after that and I came home.
We walked to pick up Noah.
Then, Noah went over to Grandma and Papa's house.
Tonight was the last Cotillion.
Evan's friend, Reid, was dropped off at our house and then we all went to the final event. Parents were invited to this one. They had a ballroom at a hotel and the kids demonstrated some of the dances they had learned. Then, they had to ask a parent to dance.
After the event, we met Reid's parents at Chick Fil A to drop off both Reid and Evan. Evan is spending the night over there.
Then, we went to Grandma and Papa's to pick up Noah and bring some chairs for Passover.
Here are some pictures and a video from tonight.
I stopped at Target to pick up a gift card for a birthday party and then I met Morry for lunch at Wholy Bagel.
Morry went to a meeting after that and I came home.
We walked to pick up Noah.
Then, Noah went over to Grandma and Papa's house.
Tonight was the last Cotillion.
Evan's friend, Reid, was dropped off at our house and then we all went to the final event. Parents were invited to this one. They had a ballroom at a hotel and the kids demonstrated some of the dances they had learned. Then, they had to ask a parent to dance.
After the event, we met Reid's parents at Chick Fil A to drop off both Reid and Evan. Evan is spending the night over there.
Then, we went to Grandma and Papa's to pick up Noah and bring some chairs for Passover.
Here are some pictures and a video from tonight.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Clean House
Hello everyone, this is Morry.
We had a wild thunderstorm overnight. There was a really loud clap of thunder at one point. Evan keeps talking about it. He said he had just gone to the bathroom when he heard it. He said he looked out the window to see if lightning had struck something. Evan's friend Cooper was freaking out about the exact same clap of thunder. He said it woke him up and he thought it was a gun shot. He said it "scared the crap" out of him. Cooper is a pretty funny kid.
So we didn't walk Noah to school. It rained pretty hard all morning. We drove him and Chewie came in the car with us.
The cleaning people showed up just before 9. They were really afraid of Chewie. It made the cleaning difficult. After they finished downstairs, I took Chewie upstairs.
After the left I had to go into the office for a little bit. I had to work with two other people. I couldn't make it home in time to get Noah so Rachel walked with Chewie to get him. By that time the rain had stopped.
Evan got home shortly after I got home and we immediately left and picked up Cooper for baseball practice. They focused more on pitching today so Bruce Ruffin was working with them. Evan said that Bruce was working with him on his wind up. He normally pitches out of the stretch.
While Evan was at practice, I went to HEB and Randall's to get stuff for dinner tonight and this weekend.
For dinner we made tacos. Evan had shrimp.
The boys are going to get ready for bed soon.
Until next time...
We had a wild thunderstorm overnight. There was a really loud clap of thunder at one point. Evan keeps talking about it. He said he had just gone to the bathroom when he heard it. He said he looked out the window to see if lightning had struck something. Evan's friend Cooper was freaking out about the exact same clap of thunder. He said it woke him up and he thought it was a gun shot. He said it "scared the crap" out of him. Cooper is a pretty funny kid.
So we didn't walk Noah to school. It rained pretty hard all morning. We drove him and Chewie came in the car with us.
The cleaning people showed up just before 9. They were really afraid of Chewie. It made the cleaning difficult. After they finished downstairs, I took Chewie upstairs.
After the left I had to go into the office for a little bit. I had to work with two other people. I couldn't make it home in time to get Noah so Rachel walked with Chewie to get him. By that time the rain had stopped.
Evan got home shortly after I got home and we immediately left and picked up Cooper for baseball practice. They focused more on pitching today so Bruce Ruffin was working with them. Evan said that Bruce was working with him on his wind up. He normally pitches out of the stretch.
While Evan was at practice, I went to HEB and Randall's to get stuff for dinner tonight and this weekend.
For dinner we made tacos. Evan had shrimp.
The boys are going to get ready for bed soon.
Until next time...
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Tuna Juice!
This morning we walked to school.
Shortly after getting back I left for school.
I taught one class and then came home and got some stuff done around the house. At 12:30 I called into the staff meeting to discuss the school calendar for next year.
I left the house around 2:30 to tutor and got home around 6pm.
Morry walked to pick up Noah.
Evan was supposed to have baseball practice today but it was canceled because of the rain.
When I got home we made dinner. I made myself a tuna sandwich for dinner and the animals were going nuts because they know they get tuna juice.
Here's a picture.
Now the kids are cleaning up since we have the cleaning people coming tomorrow.
Shortly after getting back I left for school.
I taught one class and then came home and got some stuff done around the house. At 12:30 I called into the staff meeting to discuss the school calendar for next year.
I left the house around 2:30 to tutor and got home around 6pm.
Morry walked to pick up Noah.
Evan was supposed to have baseball practice today but it was canceled because of the rain.
When I got home we made dinner. I made myself a tuna sandwich for dinner and the animals were going nuts because they know they get tuna juice.
Here's a picture.
Now the kids are cleaning up since we have the cleaning people coming tomorrow.
Monday, March 26, 2018
Low Key Day
Hello everyone, this is Morry.
I stayed home all day today. I wanted to take it easy. Rachel laid down after taking Noah to school. Then she went back to teaching for the first time after a two-week spring break.
During her lunch break, Rachel went to HEB and got some food for the week.
Rachel got home just before we had to get Noah from school. Both of us walked to get Noah.
When Evan came home, he relaxed for a little while and then walked to Grandma and Papa's where he had dinner.
We just had leftovers for dinner.
Rachel and I took Chewie to walk to get Evan.
We're home now and Evan is doing some homework.
Until next time...
I stayed home all day today. I wanted to take it easy. Rachel laid down after taking Noah to school. Then she went back to teaching for the first time after a two-week spring break.
During her lunch break, Rachel went to HEB and got some food for the week.
Rachel got home just before we had to get Noah from school. Both of us walked to get Noah.
When Evan came home, he relaxed for a little while and then walked to Grandma and Papa's where he had dinner.
We just had leftovers for dinner.
Rachel and I took Chewie to walk to get Evan.
We're home now and Evan is doing some homework.
Until next time...
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Early Morning Baseball
Hello everyone, this is Morry.
We had to be up in Round Rock for warm ups by 7:15 this morning. Noah came with us. We stopped at Donut Taco Palace on the way up. Noah got a taco and Evan got a donut.
Noah played with a boy named Tony the whole time. Tony is the younger brother of a boy on Evan's team named Angelo. It's nice that Noah has someone to play with.
In the first game, Evan started out catching. He played a great catcher. He blocked everything that could be blocked. In terms of hitting, Evan was 2-2 with a walk, a single and a triple. His team started out losing 5-1 after the first inning and a half. But then they scored 11 runs in the bottom of the second and put the game out of reach.
They had a break between games as another game was played. During that time, we went to see some of Evan's friends and former teammates play in another game.
Rachel came up for the second game. This game was against a really good team. But TRPD didn't back down. Evan walked in the first inning. He was the catcher again. He threw out a runner trying to steal third in the bottom of the first. In the third, he singled knocking in a run. The team put up a good fight and had the potential tying run on at the plate in the last inning but couldn't come through.
We came home and Evan and Noah watched the Villanova game. I did some work and got food for the boys.
Rachel took the boys to Sunday School. After Sunday School we took the boys to Top Golf. It's a tradition that we take the boys to Top Golf for their birthdays. We typically do it on a weekend morning where it's half price. But we took them for dinner. It went well. I golfed really well.
The boys are in bed now.
Until next time...
We had to be up in Round Rock for warm ups by 7:15 this morning. Noah came with us. We stopped at Donut Taco Palace on the way up. Noah got a taco and Evan got a donut.
Noah played with a boy named Tony the whole time. Tony is the younger brother of a boy on Evan's team named Angelo. It's nice that Noah has someone to play with.
In the first game, Evan started out catching. He played a great catcher. He blocked everything that could be blocked. In terms of hitting, Evan was 2-2 with a walk, a single and a triple. His team started out losing 5-1 after the first inning and a half. But then they scored 11 runs in the bottom of the second and put the game out of reach.
They had a break between games as another game was played. During that time, we went to see some of Evan's friends and former teammates play in another game.
Rachel came up for the second game. This game was against a really good team. But TRPD didn't back down. Evan walked in the first inning. He was the catcher again. He threw out a runner trying to steal third in the bottom of the first. In the third, he singled knocking in a run. The team put up a good fight and had the potential tying run on at the plate in the last inning but couldn't come through.
We came home and Evan and Noah watched the Villanova game. I did some work and got food for the boys.
Rachel took the boys to Sunday School. After Sunday School we took the boys to Top Golf. It's a tradition that we take the boys to Top Golf for their birthdays. We typically do it on a weekend morning where it's half price. But we took them for dinner. It went well. I golfed really well.
The boys are in bed now.
Until next time...
Saturday, March 24, 2018
The Belkin Athletes
Hello everyone, this is Morry.
Rachel left early this morning to get to the final day of her conference. Evan was staying over Cooper's so I didn't have to leave as early to get him to his games. I tried to sleep in some but Chewie and the cats made it somewhat difficult.
When I did get up, I made breakfast for Noah. He got ready for his football game and I drove him to the fields. I stayed with him until several of his teammates came. Then I drove up to Round Rock to get to Evan's first game so I could score it. Noah is playing up. He wanted to play with his coach from last year who is coaching a 5th/6th grade team. We got permission so Noah could play with the older kids. So Noah told me, he had a big run where he almost scored a touchdown. He caught two passes and he pulled two flags. Before the game I told him he didn't have any pressure. If he didn't play well then it probably because he was playing against older kids. If he did do well, then people would be impressed that a 4th grader was doing so well. It sounds like it was the latter. Rachel and I are really proud of him.
Papa came to pick Noah up and they got Chewie and spent the afternoon with Papa at their house until Rachel's conference was over.
In Evan's first game, he started at third base. He played well there. He popped up in his first at bat, and walked in his second at bat. In his third at bat he crushed a ball that was just foul. He and I both jumped up when he hit it. One of the father's was laughing because apparently we were both reacting the same way just feet from each other. He grounded to third with the infield in and they threw the runner going home out. But Evan stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch and the scored on another wild pitch that didn't go far but Evan was being aggressive. It turned out to be the winning run. In the bottom of that inning, Evan made a good play to catch a foul pop up while playing catcher. And the final out was a great play by a boy named Owen on the team. It capped a big comeback after being down 7-1 after the 3rd inning.
We went to Popeye's for lunch and a few families joined us.
In the second game, Evan started at third. Moved to first in the second inning, but after the first two batters walked, Evan came in to pitch. He gave up a hit that scored those two runners but didn't allow another run. He ended up pitching 4 innings with 4 strikeouts and gave up 4 hits and just one run. Through 3 innings of pitching, he had only thrown 33 pitches. The team ended up tying but we had a chance to win. There was 8 minutes left in the game with Evan's team leading, if that half inning had taken up more than the 8 minutes without giving up a run, then they would have won. Instead, Evan got out of the inning in 2.5 minutes. He had a big double and scored what could have been the winning run again. He looked quite good pitching and playing.
Rachel had a great time at her conference. She met a bunch of really good, big, experienced bloggers. Today's speaker was Amy Robach from Good Morning America. Rachel actually got to meet her and talk to her for awhile.
When we got home, we ordered food from Madam Mam's. We had it delivered.
The boys are getting ready for bed now.
Until next time...
Rachel left early this morning to get to the final day of her conference. Evan was staying over Cooper's so I didn't have to leave as early to get him to his games. I tried to sleep in some but Chewie and the cats made it somewhat difficult.
When I did get up, I made breakfast for Noah. He got ready for his football game and I drove him to the fields. I stayed with him until several of his teammates came. Then I drove up to Round Rock to get to Evan's first game so I could score it. Noah is playing up. He wanted to play with his coach from last year who is coaching a 5th/6th grade team. We got permission so Noah could play with the older kids. So Noah told me, he had a big run where he almost scored a touchdown. He caught two passes and he pulled two flags. Before the game I told him he didn't have any pressure. If he didn't play well then it probably because he was playing against older kids. If he did do well, then people would be impressed that a 4th grader was doing so well. It sounds like it was the latter. Rachel and I are really proud of him.
Papa came to pick Noah up and they got Chewie and spent the afternoon with Papa at their house until Rachel's conference was over.
In Evan's first game, he started at third base. He played well there. He popped up in his first at bat, and walked in his second at bat. In his third at bat he crushed a ball that was just foul. He and I both jumped up when he hit it. One of the father's was laughing because apparently we were both reacting the same way just feet from each other. He grounded to third with the infield in and they threw the runner going home out. But Evan stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch and the scored on another wild pitch that didn't go far but Evan was being aggressive. It turned out to be the winning run. In the bottom of that inning, Evan made a good play to catch a foul pop up while playing catcher. And the final out was a great play by a boy named Owen on the team. It capped a big comeback after being down 7-1 after the 3rd inning.
We went to Popeye's for lunch and a few families joined us.
In the second game, Evan started at third. Moved to first in the second inning, but after the first two batters walked, Evan came in to pitch. He gave up a hit that scored those two runners but didn't allow another run. He ended up pitching 4 innings with 4 strikeouts and gave up 4 hits and just one run. Through 3 innings of pitching, he had only thrown 33 pitches. The team ended up tying but we had a chance to win. There was 8 minutes left in the game with Evan's team leading, if that half inning had taken up more than the 8 minutes without giving up a run, then they would have won. Instead, Evan got out of the inning in 2.5 minutes. He had a big double and scored what could have been the winning run again. He looked quite good pitching and playing.
Rachel had a great time at her conference. She met a bunch of really good, big, experienced bloggers. Today's speaker was Amy Robach from Good Morning America. Rachel actually got to meet her and talk to her for awhile.
When we got home, we ordered food from Madam Mam's. We had it delivered.
The boys are getting ready for bed now.
Until next time...
Friday, March 23, 2018
More Conference, Baseball Practice and Football Practice
Hello everyone, this is Morry.
Rachel left pretty soon after walking Noah to school to go downtown for her conference. The speakers started at 9am and there was a breakfast at 8am.
I did some work and then went into the office for a HomeAway meeting.
After the meeting, we went to lunch and then I came home and let Chewie out.
Chewie and I walked to get Noah. Chewie got some attention, as usual, but for some reason not as many kids came by so he didn't get as much attention as normal.
When Evan got home, he got ready for baseball practice and Noah got ready for football practice. I dropped Noah off at Grandma and Papa's. They were taking Noah to practice. Then Evan and I went to Cooper's house and picked him up.
Rachel got out of her conference in time to pick up Noah. First she stopped home and got Chewie.
I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and got a mouth guard for Noah and then I picked up Chick-Fil-A for Evan and Cooper. When practice was done, I dropped both boys at Cooper's house. Evan is staying over there tonight so he can get a ride to the game. I will take Noah to his football game but won't be able to stay. I need to get up to Evan's game and score it. Papa will pick Noah up from his game. I'll make sure to be at Noah's next game in two weeks.
Rachel, Noah and I just made our own dinner. We had a mix of things.
Now Noah is getting ready for bed.
Until next time...
Rachel left pretty soon after walking Noah to school to go downtown for her conference. The speakers started at 9am and there was a breakfast at 8am.
I did some work and then went into the office for a HomeAway meeting.
After the meeting, we went to lunch and then I came home and let Chewie out.
Chewie and I walked to get Noah. Chewie got some attention, as usual, but for some reason not as many kids came by so he didn't get as much attention as normal.
When Evan got home, he got ready for baseball practice and Noah got ready for football practice. I dropped Noah off at Grandma and Papa's. They were taking Noah to practice. Then Evan and I went to Cooper's house and picked him up.
Rachel got out of her conference in time to pick up Noah. First she stopped home and got Chewie.
I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and got a mouth guard for Noah and then I picked up Chick-Fil-A for Evan and Cooper. When practice was done, I dropped both boys at Cooper's house. Evan is staying over there tonight so he can get a ride to the game. I will take Noah to his football game but won't be able to stay. I need to get up to Evan's game and score it. Papa will pick Noah up from his game. I'll make sure to be at Noah's next game in two weeks.
Rachel, Noah and I just made our own dinner. We had a mix of things.
Now Noah is getting ready for bed.
Until next time...
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Rachel's Conference and Haircuts
Hello everyone, this is Morry.
Rachel and I took Chewie for a walk this morning after taking Noah to school. It was decent-sized walk at about 2 miles. It's good to walk Chewie for a while in the morning to tire him out.
I went into the office after coming home.
Rachel was home for a while. In the early afternoon, she went downtown for a conference for bloggers. It's a 3 day conference.
The big speaker today was Randi Zuckerberg, Mark Zuckerberg's sister. She developed Facebook Live. Rachel got to meet her and they talked for a bit. Rachel liked her.
I picked Noah up from school and then had a conference call with HomeAway.
When Evan got home, I took them to Sport Clips for haircuts. After their haircuts, we went to Craig O's for dinner.
When we got home, Evan went in the cul-de-sac to play basketball.
Rachel is on her way home now.
Until next time...
Rachel and I took Chewie for a walk this morning after taking Noah to school. It was decent-sized walk at about 2 miles. It's good to walk Chewie for a while in the morning to tire him out.
I went into the office after coming home.
Rachel was home for a while. In the early afternoon, she went downtown for a conference for bloggers. It's a 3 day conference.
The big speaker today was Randi Zuckerberg, Mark Zuckerberg's sister. She developed Facebook Live. Rachel got to meet her and they talked for a bit. Rachel liked her.
I picked Noah up from school and then had a conference call with HomeAway.
When Evan got home, I took them to Sport Clips for haircuts. After their haircuts, we went to Craig O's for dinner.
When we got home, Evan went in the cul-de-sac to play basketball.
Rachel is on her way home now.
Until next time...
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Got 'Em
Hello everyone, this is Morry.
As I'm sure any of you who read this blog were aware of the bombings in Austin. It was a nice feeling of relief when I woke up this morning to find that the police had caught him and he had killed himself. It really hadn't changed our every day activities, but we were still very aware of what was going on and we were very careful on our walks to and from school each morning.
After we walked Noah to school, Rachel and I took Chewie for another long walk. We came home and I worked some before going into the office.
Rachel stayed home today. She didn't have to go anywhere until she needed to tutor after we picked Noah up from school.
Noah went over to Grandma and Papa's after school.
When Evan got home, I took him over to Cooper's house. Cooper's parents were taking Cooper and Evan to practice.
Rachel went from tutoring to a dinner for the Pink Ribbon Cowgirls.
Evan and I went to dinner at Tucci's Southside Subs when I picked him up after practice.
When we got home, I got Chewie and walked him to Grandma and Papa's to get Noah. Rachel was already there. We drove home since Rachel's care was there.
The boys will be getting ready for bed soon.
Until next time...
As I'm sure any of you who read this blog were aware of the bombings in Austin. It was a nice feeling of relief when I woke up this morning to find that the police had caught him and he had killed himself. It really hadn't changed our every day activities, but we were still very aware of what was going on and we were very careful on our walks to and from school each morning.
After we walked Noah to school, Rachel and I took Chewie for another long walk. We came home and I worked some before going into the office.
Rachel stayed home today. She didn't have to go anywhere until she needed to tutor after we picked Noah up from school.
Noah went over to Grandma and Papa's after school.
When Evan got home, I took him over to Cooper's house. Cooper's parents were taking Cooper and Evan to practice.
Rachel went from tutoring to a dinner for the Pink Ribbon Cowgirls.
Evan and I went to dinner at Tucci's Southside Subs when I picked him up after practice.
When we got home, I got Chewie and walked him to Grandma and Papa's to get Noah. Rachel was already there. We drove home since Rachel's care was there.
The boys will be getting ready for bed soon.
Until next time...
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Happy 10th Birthday Noah
Today was Noah's 10th birthday!
This morning we walked to school and at exactly 7:16am we celebrated Noah's birthday by jumping around and cheering. Chewie got very excited.
Morry and I met Noah for lunch. We picked up a Subway sandwich for him and brought the cookies to share with his class.
After school, we walked to pick up Noah. He was in a good mood.
A little before 6pm, we picked up Grandma and Papa and went out to eat at Buffet Palace (Noah's choice).
When we got home Evan played outside and Noah opened his presents.
Now the boys are getting ready for bed.
Here are some pictures from today.
Monday, March 19, 2018
The Home Stretch
Hello everyone, this is Morry.
The boys went back to school today. They are in the home stretch of the school year. After today, they just have 50 days of school remaining.
After walking Noah to school, Rachel and I took a longer walk. Chewie liked going for a longer walk. He got to see and play with two dogs on the walk, including his buddy, Nico.
Rachel's school has off for two weeks for Spring Break so she stayed home today. I went into the office for a little while.
It was warm when we walked to get Noah from school. On the way home, we bumped into a family who lives on our street that has a dog a bit older than Chewie. Rachel and Noah took Chewie over to their house for the dogs to play in the backyard.
Rachel and Noah made cookies to bring to school for his birthday tomorrow.
Evan came home and was here for a bit before he went over to Grandma and Papa's where he had dinner. Noah went outside to play with Brody.
Brody's family was going to the Circle C Park for Brody's sister's soccer practice. Noah went with Brody to play. Rachel and I drove over later with Chewie to get Noah.
On the way home, we stopped at Grandma and Papa's to get Evan.
Then Rachel, Noah and I ate dinner. Noah, Rachel and Evan also iced the cookies.
The boys are getting ready for bed.
Until next time...
The boys went back to school today. They are in the home stretch of the school year. After today, they just have 50 days of school remaining.
After walking Noah to school, Rachel and I took a longer walk. Chewie liked going for a longer walk. He got to see and play with two dogs on the walk, including his buddy, Nico.
Rachel's school has off for two weeks for Spring Break so she stayed home today. I went into the office for a little while.
It was warm when we walked to get Noah from school. On the way home, we bumped into a family who lives on our street that has a dog a bit older than Chewie. Rachel and Noah took Chewie over to their house for the dogs to play in the backyard.
Rachel and Noah made cookies to bring to school for his birthday tomorrow.
Evan came home and was here for a bit before he went over to Grandma and Papa's where he had dinner. Noah went outside to play with Brody.
Brody's family was going to the Circle C Park for Brody's sister's soccer practice. Noah went with Brody to play. Rachel and I drove over later with Chewie to get Noah.
On the way home, we stopped at Grandma and Papa's to get Evan.
Then Rachel, Noah and I ate dinner. Noah, Rachel and Evan also iced the cookies.
The boys are getting ready for bed.
Until next time...
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Noah's Birthday Party
This morning we got to take it easy a little bit. Evan's first game wasn't until 12:30.
After Morry and Evan left, Noah got ready for his first flag football practice.
I dropped him off at 12pm and picked him up at 2:00. While he was there I was getting things ready for the upcoming school week.
After I picked up Noah we went to HEB to buy a few things including the cake the for his party. We had already ordered it and just needed to pick it up.
A few minutes after we got home, Morry and Evan got home. Evan's team lost the first game and were done for the day after that.
Then, we picked up Jude and went to Noah's birthday party at Blazer Laser Tag. Everyone had a good time.
After the party, we ate dinner at Deckhand with Grandma and Papa.
When we got home, Noah opened his presents and we took Chewie for a walk.
Now the kids are in bed.
Here are some pictures from today.
After Morry and Evan left, Noah got ready for his first flag football practice.
I dropped him off at 12pm and picked him up at 2:00. While he was there I was getting things ready for the upcoming school week.
After I picked up Noah we went to HEB to buy a few things including the cake the for his party. We had already ordered it and just needed to pick it up.
A few minutes after we got home, Morry and Evan got home. Evan's team lost the first game and were done for the day after that.
Then, we picked up Jude and went to Noah's birthday party at Blazer Laser Tag. Everyone had a good time.
After the party, we ate dinner at Deckhand with Grandma and Papa.
When we got home, Noah opened his presents and we took Chewie for a walk.
Now the kids are in bed.
Here are some pictures from today.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Early Baseball Morning
Hello everyone, this is Morry.
This morning, Evan had to be at the Taylor baseball fields at 7:15am. That means we have to leave the house by 6:15 in the morning. I got up at 5:40.
Evan's team lost both games but Evan played well. He reached base on all 4 of his at bats. He crushed a double well over the left fielder's head in his first at bat and then singled, walked, and singled again. He started the first game at first base, but he ended up coming in to catch the end of the first game and all of the second game. He caught really well.
Evan's good friend Braeden who used to be on the team but moved to a new organization was at the fields. Evan and Braeden seemed really excited to see each other. They both had huge smiles when they saw each other for the first time.
After the games we went to a new place called Wild Chix and Waffles. It's a chicken and waffles place. A PR company reached out to Rachel to see if she could go there and review the restaurant and talk about it. So we went there, along with Grandma and Papa, to try out the food. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. It was a really interesting restaurant complete with board games that you can play while you wait for your food. We talked to the owner, who was very nice.
We relaxed at home in the afternoon.
For dinner, I made pork skewers on the grill. After dinner, we went to TCBY.
The boys are getting ready for bed.
Until next time...
This morning, Evan had to be at the Taylor baseball fields at 7:15am. That means we have to leave the house by 6:15 in the morning. I got up at 5:40.
Evan's team lost both games but Evan played well. He reached base on all 4 of his at bats. He crushed a double well over the left fielder's head in his first at bat and then singled, walked, and singled again. He started the first game at first base, but he ended up coming in to catch the end of the first game and all of the second game. He caught really well.
Evan's good friend Braeden who used to be on the team but moved to a new organization was at the fields. Evan and Braeden seemed really excited to see each other. They both had huge smiles when they saw each other for the first time.
After the games we went to a new place called Wild Chix and Waffles. It's a chicken and waffles place. A PR company reached out to Rachel to see if she could go there and review the restaurant and talk about it. So we went there, along with Grandma and Papa, to try out the food. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. It was a really interesting restaurant complete with board games that you can play while you wait for your food. We talked to the owner, who was very nice.
We relaxed at home in the afternoon.
For dinner, I made pork skewers on the grill. After dinner, we went to TCBY.
The boys are getting ready for bed.
Until next time...
Friday, March 16, 2018
Dog Park and Waterloo
This morning Evan was dropped off around 11am.
A little while later the boys and I took Chewie to the dog park. We had to wait about 15 minutes to get a spot in the parking lot. Chewie had a great time. He ran around with other dogs and even fetched the ball in the water. That was his first time really swimming. We wore him out.
The boys convinced me to stop at Panera on the way home. We ate outside with Chewie.
Then, we took it easy in the afternoon.
At 5:45 we picked up Grandma and Papa and went to Nathan's party at Waterloo Ice House. We sat outside and the kids could run around. It was a nice time.
Now we are home and the boys are getting ready for bed. Evan has an early game tomorrow morning.
Here are some pictures from today.
A little while later the boys and I took Chewie to the dog park. We had to wait about 15 minutes to get a spot in the parking lot. Chewie had a great time. He ran around with other dogs and even fetched the ball in the water. That was his first time really swimming. We wore him out.
The boys convinced me to stop at Panera on the way home. We ate outside with Chewie.
Then, we took it easy in the afternoon.
At 5:45 we picked up Grandma and Papa and went to Nathan's party at Waterloo Ice House. We sat outside and the kids could run around. It was a nice time.
Now we are home and the boys are getting ready for bed. Evan has an early game tomorrow morning.
Here are some pictures from today.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Evan and Cooper
This morning we were at home and Cooper was picked up around noon.
I took the boys to Whole Foods. There was a festival going on, but the line was around the corner so we decided not to wait. Instead, we ate lunch at Wholy Bagel.
On our way home, I met Cooper and his mom. Evan went with them to Docs to hangout and watch basketball. Evan ended up spending the rest of the day with them and now is going to spend the night too.
For dinner, we had an Asian dinner with egg drop soup.
Now Noah is getting ready for bed.
I took the boys to Whole Foods. There was a festival going on, but the line was around the corner so we decided not to wait. Instead, we ate lunch at Wholy Bagel.
On our way home, I met Cooper and his mom. Evan went with them to Docs to hangout and watch basketball. Evan ended up spending the rest of the day with them and now is going to spend the night too.
For dinner, we had an Asian dinner with egg drop soup.
Now Noah is getting ready for bed.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Back From Our Trip
Hello everyone, this is Morry.
The boys and I got back from our annual trip to Bradenton for Spring Training. We flew in Friday, ordered pizza and got some food for the rental house at Publix.
Saturday morning, we went to one of our staples, Popi's, for breakfast. From there, we drove straight to the Pirates game. Evan wanted to be there when the gates opened. We were second in line. When we got in, Evan went out to left field to shag balls during batting practice. He got a few. Our seats were just to the right of the dugout. A player popped out of the dugout and threw a piece of unwrapped gum at Evan. Evan chewed that gum for more than 4 hours and saved the wrapper. The player also threw gum to Noah. Several players flipped balls to Evan as they came off the field. By the end of the game, Evan and Noah had collected 8 balls. They actually had 9 but gave one to a girl. We went to a seafood restaurant for dinner and then to the movies to see A Wrinkle in Time.
Sunday we went to miniature golf. We played two rounds and then drove up to Dunedin, FL to see the Pirates play the Blue Jays. The boys didn't get any baseballs, but Evan was able to get a few autographs. For dinner, we went to the Shake Pit. After we ate, we got ice cream there.
On Monday, we met the Allinsons at the game. Bryan Allinson was a coach for Evan's team in coach pitch and then he's the one that started the Marauders. They are Pirates fans. They had moved to Orlando and so they came down to meet us. Evan and Jake ran around the stadium the whole time collecting more balls and getting autographs. We went with them after the game to get ice cream.
Our flight on Tuesday was later, so we were able to do some things. We went to Quarter Cup Cafe for brunch, then we played a round of miniature golf at the the same golf place, but in a different location. Then we went to Pirate City and watched 3 innings of a minor league game. From there, we went to Mixon's Fruit Farms and the boys got orange ice cream. Then we drove back to the airport in Tampa and came home.
Today, the boys stayed home. I dropped Rachel off downtown to do some South by Southwest stuff and I went into the office. I picked her up (although it was tough due to road closures) on the way home.
After I finished working, I picked Cooper up at his house and took the boys to Oak Hill for Home Run Derby.
Following Home Run Derby, we met Rachel and Noah at HEB and got ground beef, corn and shrimp to make for dinner tonight. Cooper is staying over tonight.
The boys are upstairs messing around.
Until next time...
The boys and I got back from our annual trip to Bradenton for Spring Training. We flew in Friday, ordered pizza and got some food for the rental house at Publix.
Saturday morning, we went to one of our staples, Popi's, for breakfast. From there, we drove straight to the Pirates game. Evan wanted to be there when the gates opened. We were second in line. When we got in, Evan went out to left field to shag balls during batting practice. He got a few. Our seats were just to the right of the dugout. A player popped out of the dugout and threw a piece of unwrapped gum at Evan. Evan chewed that gum for more than 4 hours and saved the wrapper. The player also threw gum to Noah. Several players flipped balls to Evan as they came off the field. By the end of the game, Evan and Noah had collected 8 balls. They actually had 9 but gave one to a girl. We went to a seafood restaurant for dinner and then to the movies to see A Wrinkle in Time.
Sunday we went to miniature golf. We played two rounds and then drove up to Dunedin, FL to see the Pirates play the Blue Jays. The boys didn't get any baseballs, but Evan was able to get a few autographs. For dinner, we went to the Shake Pit. After we ate, we got ice cream there.
On Monday, we met the Allinsons at the game. Bryan Allinson was a coach for Evan's team in coach pitch and then he's the one that started the Marauders. They are Pirates fans. They had moved to Orlando and so they came down to meet us. Evan and Jake ran around the stadium the whole time collecting more balls and getting autographs. We went with them after the game to get ice cream.
Our flight on Tuesday was later, so we were able to do some things. We went to Quarter Cup Cafe for brunch, then we played a round of miniature golf at the the same golf place, but in a different location. Then we went to Pirate City and watched 3 innings of a minor league game. From there, we went to Mixon's Fruit Farms and the boys got orange ice cream. Then we drove back to the airport in Tampa and came home.
Today, the boys stayed home. I dropped Rachel off downtown to do some South by Southwest stuff and I went into the office. I picked her up (although it was tough due to road closures) on the way home.
After I finished working, I picked Cooper up at his house and took the boys to Oak Hill for Home Run Derby.
Following Home Run Derby, we met Rachel and Noah at HEB and got ground beef, corn and shrimp to make for dinner tonight. Cooper is staying over tonight.
The boys are upstairs messing around.
Until next time...
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Almost Spring Break
This morning was another busy day for everyone.
We walked Noah to school and then I left to teach.
After I finished teaching, I met Morry for lunch. I drove to his office and then we ate at Mi Madre.
From there, I had a checkup with my sports medicine doctor. She said I have to continue wearing the brace and keep going to physical therapy.
Then, when I got home Morry and Chewie had already started walking to get Noah. I caught up with them just as Noah was coming out of the path.
We walked home together.
A little while after Evan got home, he went to Grandma and Papa's house.
We ate dinner at home and then walked to pick up Evan.
Now the boys are getting ready for bed.
We walked Noah to school and then I left to teach.
After I finished teaching, I met Morry for lunch. I drove to his office and then we ate at Mi Madre.
From there, I had a checkup with my sports medicine doctor. She said I have to continue wearing the brace and keep going to physical therapy.
Then, when I got home Morry and Chewie had already started walking to get Noah. I caught up with them just as Noah was coming out of the path.
We walked home together.
A little while after Evan got home, he went to Grandma and Papa's house.
We ate dinner at home and then walked to pick up Evan.
Now the boys are getting ready for bed.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Out All Day
Hello everyone, this is Morry.
Rachel left the house to teach this morning and is just getting back now. In between, she went to South By Southwest EDU conference, then to tutor, then to some event where an app was debuting.
Meanwhile, I left the house around 10am. I went to Touch To, to HomeAway, back home, walked to get Noah, met Cooper's parents and got Cooper at Wendy's, up to practice (which is across from HomeAway), over to TopGolf for a HomeAway event, picked up Chick-fil-A for the boys, back to practice, drove back and dropped Cooper off and then drove home. From there, I walked with Chewie to Grandma and Papa's to pick up Noah. It feels good to be sitting down and relaxing.
Noah had a good day at school and he had a good time at Grandma and Papa's. He ate a ton. He had flank steak, a baked potato, popcorn, pomegranate, and a self-made cookie-wich.
Evan had a good time with Cooper in the car to and from practice. On the way home, they were being so silly that they both started laughing to the point of having a hard time breathing.
The boys are now relaxed and getting ready for bed.
Until next time...
Rachel left the house to teach this morning and is just getting back now. In between, she went to South By Southwest EDU conference, then to tutor, then to some event where an app was debuting.
Meanwhile, I left the house around 10am. I went to Touch To, to HomeAway, back home, walked to get Noah, met Cooper's parents and got Cooper at Wendy's, up to practice (which is across from HomeAway), over to TopGolf for a HomeAway event, picked up Chick-fil-A for the boys, back to practice, drove back and dropped Cooper off and then drove home. From there, I walked with Chewie to Grandma and Papa's to pick up Noah. It feels good to be sitting down and relaxing.
Noah had a good day at school and he had a good time at Grandma and Papa's. He ate a ton. He had flank steak, a baked potato, popcorn, pomegranate, and a self-made cookie-wich.
Evan had a good time with Cooper in the car to and from practice. On the way home, they were being so silly that they both started laughing to the point of having a hard time breathing.
The boys are now relaxed and getting ready for bed.
Until next time...
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Warrior
Hello everyone, this is Morry.
This weekend we were in Mansfield, TX (about 20 minutes due south of Arlington) for a baseball tournament. Evan was playing with the "B" team which they call the "Blue" team. After the third game today, one of the parents on the team came up to Evan and told him how well he played and he called Evan a "warrior". I don't think there is a better way to describe how Evan played today.
The whole family drove up to Mansfield on Friday after Evan got home from school. We went with two families to dinner at a pizza place. The pizza was just ok, but we had a nice time with the two other families and all the boys got along well.
On Saturday, the games didn't begin until 3pm. We just stayed at the hotel for most of the day. I took the boys to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. They also swam in the pool some with other boys from the team.
The games didn't go very well for Evan's team. Evan personally played very well. He was hitting the ball better than he has this season. He caught the second game and had one bad call on a potential runner at third and the second baseman dropped a perfect throw where he could have thrown another runner out. He was really throwing well. They lost both games.
After the games, both teams - the 12U teams and 13U teams went to a restaurant that had arcade games and pool tables that I had found for all of us. It was nice because all the parents could talk while the kids played. Then the coaches and a few parents took the kids out to laser tag. Trent, the head coach, said while we were there to play baseball, the weekend is a team building event as well and he was ok with sacrificing Sunday in order to do laser tag with the kids. Siblings joined so Noah went along. They were out late, getting home after 11pm. Both boys had fun though. I think Noah likes to be included with the older boys.
Unfortunately, Evans team was cursed with an 8am game because of their poor showing. We got to the fields at 7:15. The team played much better. Again, Evan caught and again he hit the ball well. Today he ended up having 4-5 straight at-bats where he had an RBI. The pitching was much better and Evan's team won.
We went back to the hotel and got Rachel and Noah. Then we went with another family to brunch.
Evan started the next game at third base. They wanted to use him as the second pitcher if they needed him so they didn't want to pull him out to pitch if he was catching. The first pitcher only got one out and gave up 6 runs so they put Evan in. Evan quickly got the next two outs. Evan gave up one run in the next inning, although, if I recall, it was unearned. Evan's team then took the lead going up 9-7. In the bottom of that inning as time expired, a poorly played ball in the outfield allowed two runs to score to tie it with the winning run on third base with two outs. Evan set up make the next pitch and the runner took off for home to steal home. In my experience, that's a very bush league move. The idea isn't really to steal home, but rather to fluster the pitcher and cause him to balk. Essentially the team was trying to win on a balk. Evan, however, appeared unfazed, stepped off the rubber and threw home getting the runner out and sending the game into extra innings. Extra innings begin with bases loaded and one out. Evan's team erupted for 6 runs. Evan came in to pitch for the bottom of the inning and quickly got the second out. He gave up a fly ball to center for what looked like the winning out but the centerfielder dropped it leading to two more runs. But Evan induced the next batter to ground out to win the game.
Evan was very efficient and only threw 40 pitches in that game. The coaches came to me and said they really needed Evan, would it be ok if they allowed him to pitch 75 and let him start the next game. Knowing he won't be playing next week, I said that was fine. So Evan started the game pitching. He gave up one run in the first (again with more poor defense) and no runs in the second. His last inning pitched was his most efficient. He finished with 69 pitches, 70% strikes. The game was tied 1-1 after his two innings pitched. Unfortunately, the next two pitchers could not keep the game close. Evan played third base in the third inning and threw a runner out and he caught the final inning. He looked exhausted in that final inning but he was still trying to give it his all.
Some other highlights from today - as a pitcher, he picked off two runners at first. He also recognized that a ball fielded to the first baseman's right, needed him to cover first. It was going to be close so Evan caught the toss from the first baseman and then dove and tagged the bag to end one inning.
Meanwhile, Noah seemed to have a great time. He worked the scoreboard in the second game today keeping the score, balls and strikes. In the third game he was having fun with other siblings on the team. It was fun to watch him have so much fun.
We drove home after that last game. Evan was exhausted though he never actually fell asleep. He had his pillow with him and he just rested most of the way. Both boys are in bed now.
Until next time...
This weekend we were in Mansfield, TX (about 20 minutes due south of Arlington) for a baseball tournament. Evan was playing with the "B" team which they call the "Blue" team. After the third game today, one of the parents on the team came up to Evan and told him how well he played and he called Evan a "warrior". I don't think there is a better way to describe how Evan played today.
The whole family drove up to Mansfield on Friday after Evan got home from school. We went with two families to dinner at a pizza place. The pizza was just ok, but we had a nice time with the two other families and all the boys got along well.
On Saturday, the games didn't begin until 3pm. We just stayed at the hotel for most of the day. I took the boys to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. They also swam in the pool some with other boys from the team.
The games didn't go very well for Evan's team. Evan personally played very well. He was hitting the ball better than he has this season. He caught the second game and had one bad call on a potential runner at third and the second baseman dropped a perfect throw where he could have thrown another runner out. He was really throwing well. They lost both games.
After the games, both teams - the 12U teams and 13U teams went to a restaurant that had arcade games and pool tables that I had found for all of us. It was nice because all the parents could talk while the kids played. Then the coaches and a few parents took the kids out to laser tag. Trent, the head coach, said while we were there to play baseball, the weekend is a team building event as well and he was ok with sacrificing Sunday in order to do laser tag with the kids. Siblings joined so Noah went along. They were out late, getting home after 11pm. Both boys had fun though. I think Noah likes to be included with the older boys.
Unfortunately, Evans team was cursed with an 8am game because of their poor showing. We got to the fields at 7:15. The team played much better. Again, Evan caught and again he hit the ball well. Today he ended up having 4-5 straight at-bats where he had an RBI. The pitching was much better and Evan's team won.
We went back to the hotel and got Rachel and Noah. Then we went with another family to brunch.
Evan started the next game at third base. They wanted to use him as the second pitcher if they needed him so they didn't want to pull him out to pitch if he was catching. The first pitcher only got one out and gave up 6 runs so they put Evan in. Evan quickly got the next two outs. Evan gave up one run in the next inning, although, if I recall, it was unearned. Evan's team then took the lead going up 9-7. In the bottom of that inning as time expired, a poorly played ball in the outfield allowed two runs to score to tie it with the winning run on third base with two outs. Evan set up make the next pitch and the runner took off for home to steal home. In my experience, that's a very bush league move. The idea isn't really to steal home, but rather to fluster the pitcher and cause him to balk. Essentially the team was trying to win on a balk. Evan, however, appeared unfazed, stepped off the rubber and threw home getting the runner out and sending the game into extra innings. Extra innings begin with bases loaded and one out. Evan's team erupted for 6 runs. Evan came in to pitch for the bottom of the inning and quickly got the second out. He gave up a fly ball to center for what looked like the winning out but the centerfielder dropped it leading to two more runs. But Evan induced the next batter to ground out to win the game.
Evan was very efficient and only threw 40 pitches in that game. The coaches came to me and said they really needed Evan, would it be ok if they allowed him to pitch 75 and let him start the next game. Knowing he won't be playing next week, I said that was fine. So Evan started the game pitching. He gave up one run in the first (again with more poor defense) and no runs in the second. His last inning pitched was his most efficient. He finished with 69 pitches, 70% strikes. The game was tied 1-1 after his two innings pitched. Unfortunately, the next two pitchers could not keep the game close. Evan played third base in the third inning and threw a runner out and he caught the final inning. He looked exhausted in that final inning but he was still trying to give it his all.
Some other highlights from today - as a pitcher, he picked off two runners at first. He also recognized that a ball fielded to the first baseman's right, needed him to cover first. It was going to be close so Evan caught the toss from the first baseman and then dove and tagged the bag to end one inning.
Meanwhile, Noah seemed to have a great time. He worked the scoreboard in the second game today keeping the score, balls and strikes. In the third game he was having fun with other siblings on the team. It was fun to watch him have so much fun.
We drove home after that last game. Evan was exhausted though he never actually fell asleep. He had his pillow with him and he just rested most of the way. Both boys are in bed now.
Until next time...
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Construction
This morning we walked Noah to school and then I left for work.
There was construction and a lane was blocked off, so I ended up being 5 minutes late to work. I texted them, and it wasn't a big deal, but still, it was annoying.
From school, I met a woman that Dad/Papa put me in contact with. She recently moved here and he knew her from Dallas. She lives in the neighborhood and has kids in elementary school. We met for lunch at Crepe Crazy and had a nice time.
From there, I came home for just a few minutes to let Chewie out and drop off my stuff. Then, I went to physical therapy.
When I got home we left to walk to pick up Noah from school.
When Evan got home, Noah and Evan walked over to Clayton. They made some videos and then played baseball with some other kids that happened to be there.
For dinner we had leftovers.
Soon the kids will get ready for bed.
There was construction and a lane was blocked off, so I ended up being 5 minutes late to work. I texted them, and it wasn't a big deal, but still, it was annoying.
From school, I met a woman that Dad/Papa put me in contact with. She recently moved here and he knew her from Dallas. She lives in the neighborhood and has kids in elementary school. We met for lunch at Crepe Crazy and had a nice time.
From there, I came home for just a few minutes to let Chewie out and drop off my stuff. Then, I went to physical therapy.
When I got home we left to walk to pick up Noah from school.
When Evan got home, Noah and Evan walked over to Clayton. They made some videos and then played baseball with some other kids that happened to be there.
For dinner we had leftovers.
Soon the kids will get ready for bed.
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