Sunday, June 22, 2025

Camps, Amazing Pitching, Feels Like 110 Temps & Aurora Soccer Game!

Weekdays:

  • Monday - I drove Maci to her TFE ID Camp in the morning at Hopkins High School.  Clint then took over and picked her up and took Connor to day 1 of basketball camp in the late morning/early afternoon.  We also had our master bedroom resdesign start with the guys putting in the new accent wall wood design.  That night I had a happy hour with my dear pal/former colleague Laura Nelson.  While I did that, Clint ran Maci to practice and I picked her up as the storms rolled in.
My Dad made this family tree book and it arrived while we were out of town
So Cool!
  • Tuesday - House cleaners came and another day of Maci ID camp and Connor basketball camp.  After basketball camp, Connor got to go swimming with Oliver at their country club.  All we had at night was Maci's FC Pitz training which Clint kindly commuted them this time.
Swimming Fun!!!

A group of the boys went to watch Oliver's little brother (Henry) play against CJ's little brother (Zac) in coach pitch - the little guys were so excited to see this group of "big" guys watch them!! 💗
  • Wednesday - They painted our wall and I love the Navy on the accent wall.  Maci was done with ID camp but had week 2 of track camp.  She was lucky and got invited to swim at Medina herself with her pal Livian who also was going to track camp so the mom ran them there after swimming.  I picked up Maci on my way home.  Connor had day 3 of basketball camp and this time got to swim with Lincoln at his neighborhood pool afterward.  That night he had practice and I got to relax and do things around the house.
They can be the best of buds
  • Thursday - Maci had her boyfriend Hans come over for lunch and some hang time at the park - cute :)  There was no basketball camp today b/c they couldn't use the gyms so Connor got to chill.  That night he had a baseball game vs Edina and Maci had practice.  I ran Maci to practice and then scooted over in the crazy heat to Connor's game.  On my way there I realized we got down 0-4 on a not so great Edina team.  With 2 outs and bases loaded, they threw in Connor to pitch.  He struck out the final batter and saved any more runs.  I arrived and watched him end up throwing 4 1/2 innings until they got the W - we went on a hitting rally and ended up winning 9-4.  But Connor's pitching is INSANE!!!!  He pitched 4.5 innings - struck out 9, walked 0, let 1 hit and 0 runs!!!  The infield and outfield said they were bored!!!!  HAHA  We also learned that he is going to play on an all star team in early August, you make us so proud buddy!!!  After the game, we went to Sunshine Factory for dinner with our favs, the Cody's - Cal has become one of Connor's best buddies between basketball and baseball.  What a great summer evening!!
I love that they have some freedom at their ages
They love riding bikes together to the McDonalds

Silly Kids at Dinner Post Game
Look at the write up on this kid!!!
Friday:
  • A weekend with no sports!!!
  • Connor had his final basketball camp which I came to pick him up from.  Turns out he won a dribbling competition out of the 100+ kids there but it came down to him and his pal Cal, ha so cute!
  • I then had an OBGYN regular apt in the afternoon which was thankfully quick and easy.
  • I got home to finish completing some work and my day on the deck but dang was it hot out!
  • We had some pizza for dinner and then ran up to Stanchion around 7p for cocktails with the other middle school parents to celebrate making it through year 1 drama free with girls in middle school!!!  It was a fun but hot night on the patio!
Neighbor Pals Hanging & Hitting Target
Saturday:
  • Clint started the day with a massage.
  • I had a nail apt at 10a.
  • I ran Maci to her friend Charley's for baking/swimming while Clint got household to dos done.
  • I later took Connor to his 4p haircut and picked up Maci.
  • Clint and I had a much deserved date night with dinner at 6 Smith by the lake and then did a night cap beer at Maynard's before heading home - wow is it an oven out there!!!
Sunday:
  • Lots of to dos around the house again!
  • Maci and I ran to Pottery Barn to pick out our new bedding as the install and design work starts tomorrow!  We had a successful meeting.
  • Clint and Connor went to see Elio the new kid movie at 230p while I got laundry, groceries and all those kind of things done.
  • Maci and I are about to run up to the high school to get her gear for tomorrow's soccer camp.
  • We are then off to the pro women's soccer team (Aurora) game at 730p tonight.  Hoping for the heat to cool down a bit by then but dang we love summer!
Lots of Love, 
C, K, M & C

Monday, June 16, 2025

Way Behind Cont Again - 1st Week of Summer + Sartell Baseball Tourney Hotel Trip & Fathers Day!

Weekdays:

  • Monday - Jacey dropped Maci off at our house after the Natalie slumber party.  Connor had day 1 of football camp in the morning and Maci did her FC Pitz training mid day.  That night, Connor had a baseball game vs Minnetonka and urgh lost to them again but so much closer this time.
  • Tuesday - I drove Connor to day one of Skills & Drills basketball training.  From there, I ran Maci to her day 1 of Breakaway Academy soccer camp.  After basketball, Connor headed over to day 2 of football camp.  Clint was at a conference so I was the one to run them both home from football and soccer camp before working at home the remainder of the day.  That evening I met up with my pals John and Megan for a happy hour and then hustled over to Maci's game vs St Croix where they pulled off a close 1-0 W.  While we did this, Connor and Clint had baseball practice.
Football Bros
Brooks, CJ & Connor
  • Wednesday - I drove the kids in the morning again for basketball and soccer but Clint was able to do the transfer to football and then home from both which made my day less hectic.  Maci also had week 1 of track camp in the late afternoon and I picked her up on my way home.  Connor had a baseball game vs Eden Prairie where they pulled off a tight 12-11 W.  Maci then had practice later in the evening.
  • Thursday - Another day of driving both kids to basketball and soccer before heading into the office.  Clint once again managed the community home from all the activities.  That night, Maci had a game vs Manitou at Hopkins in the rain and cold.  Connor also had practice but they moved theirs inside.  Seems the cold didnt bother Maci's team b/c they won 3-0 and continue to be the top girls team for their age in the state of MN!!!!
Friday:
  • I ran Maci to her final day of Breakaway camp and then worked from their office space until she was done.
  • While we ran home around lunch, Clint was running Rosie to the groomer and our new bathroom door got dropped off.
  • Connor got picked up around 1p to head up to Sartell for their weekend baseball tourney.  We couldnt go at 1p b/c Clint had to head into work between 4-6p to reset a password.  So I worked and packed while Clint ran into the office and then we left right after he got home.
  • On the drive we watched game 1 which was a good 16-3 W vs Shakopee!!!  Yay!
  • We pulled in right about the time the team was coming back from the game and Connor was happy to see us b/c we finally have a sports weekend in a hotel that is all about HIM!
  • That evening we ate walking tacos, boys swam, Maci had a hotel room with 2 other 6th grade girls (LUCKY!) and Clint/I enjoyed a few too many cocktails with the parents!!
Girly Slumber Party Fun

Bros Hanging in New Gear!

Dinner & Watching MLB
Silly Connor
Saturday :
  • Cold day for baseball but we survived!  Game 2 was a gorgeous 14-4 win where we run ruled them to not go all 6 innings.
  • We went to a cool restaurant for lunch in between the games and were even able to hit the hotel for a quick nap before game 3 at 5p.  This was a game against a good Buffalo team where we won 9-5.  We pulled in Connor to pitch in 5 & 6 to close it and boy did he.  Connor at one point made the sign of the cross and pointed up to the sky but threw a ball.  He then did it again with lots of us giggling b/c where did this come from and STRIKE - he struck out the final batter so on to championship Sunday with a bye in the morning again!!!  Guess what Connor was doing, praying to our dead Gidget the guniea pig - I mean he is hilarious!!!!
  • Some of us went to a Mexican restaurant near by for dinner and then I crashed!!!!  Clint made it up a little later with the parents for drinks.
Crushing it!

Virgin Margaritas!
Sunday:
  • Fortunately warmer!  Unfortunately we played a jack ass team that did everything in their power to not lose to us.  They had Connor called out at 2nd after some insane lead off question which they are not allowed to protest so how they even got the question we dont know.  Then they had a pitcher that took about 45 seconds every pitch b/c they knew they didnt want it going into a 6th inning - time limit.  We lost 7-8 - LOTS of tears and went on to play for the 3rd place game.
  • We took all that anger out on the poor other team and we won 14-3 by 10 run ruling them in the 4th.  We got our medal and watched the asshole team lose by 1 in the championship - KARMA!
  • We drove home, got a few things done around here and then hurried out to Connor's 3v3 that night for more Ws :)
Started our day with Donuts & Dad Celebration

Boys & Dads!!

These Boys and their new pj pants gift for the tourney!

3rd Place Sluggers!
Coaches in White Pants on Father's Day
Connor & Dad!
Connor getting his medal from head coach Andrew
Lots of Love,
C, K, M & C

Way Behind Cont - Last Week of School + More Soccer & Baseball Tourneys!!

Weekdays:
  • Monday - Connor got to have his 3rd grade end of year fun during the day at Urban Air indoor adventure park.  He had a blast and fortunately was one of the kids that did NOT get injured 👀.  Connor had practice at night but Clint skipped to be the driver for Maci and Elliana to their FC Pitz training.  I had pre-scheduled a nail apt at 6p b/c we have ZERO time on the weekends right now.
  • Tuesday - A significantly lighter day means R&R in the evening and catching up on life around the house.  Our cleaning ladies came which always makes the home feel better.  Then all we had at night was Connor's baseball practice - wahooo!
  • Wednesday - Clint went golfing at 10a.  I drove home from the office mid day so I could get the house ready for the Cargill reunion I was hosting for Happy hour at our house.  While I was hosting many of my fav Cargill people, Connor ran to practice with Clint and Maci had her own soccer practice with Aanya's family kindly commuting her to and from.  After soccer, Maci had a virtual film session with their coach and teammates which was so close to eavesdrop on :)  During this film meeting and after everyone left, Clint had another coaches "safety" meeting to prep for the upcoming weekend tournament.
  • Thursday - Last day of school!!!!  I cant believe we now have a 4th grader and 7th grader!!!!  I worked from home and got all the pictures to start the day.  We did the usual balloon bombarding on the elementary school bus.  Then Connor and I went up to the park to say hi to the neighbors and celebrate before rolling out to the middle school to grab M and head off to her game vs MTA at 530p.  It was a great way to start summer as they crushed them with a 4-1 W.  We LOVE beating MTA!!!  Neko had a hat trick and our very own Maci had the other goal, a great assist by Neko to Maci for a clean awesome finish!!!!
1st Day & Last Day of 3rd Grade
Connor & his Bro, Oliver
The Elementary Bus Stop 
Day 1 & Last Day
Emily, Nash, Oliver & Connor

Maci and Tyce - Day 1 vs Last Day!
She is taller than him now

1st Day & Last Day of 6th Grade
Beating MTA!!!
Friday:
  • 1st "kid" day of summer!!!!
  • Maci had her virtual TFE assessment discussion with Coach Julian and it went really well - she has improved SO much on this team this year!  She is feeling confident heading into the rest of summer and try outs - Maci is a work horse and we appreciate him seeing it :)
  • Maci and I then had to cut out early for game 1 of the All American Cup - once again playing up a year.  Game 1 was vs Centennial where we won 3-0 and Maci had another goal!  We also got to celebrate her dear teammate Sav's birthday!
  • Maci and I then hustled from that game in Blaine all the way over to East Ridge for game 1 of Connor's baseball tournament.  Maci and I grabbed some sushi and nuts etc for snacks ahead of the game (you do what you must on the road!)  It was a great start with a 13-4 W.  Our kids are on fire!!
Happy B-Day Sav!
Saturday :
  • These are the days I wish I could clone myself!
  • Maci had game 2 vs DASC and we crushed them 7-0 OH MY!  Lauren had a hat trick in the first 5 mins and Maci had yet another goal.
  • At the same time, Connor was playing his game 2 vs Spring Lake and won 18-1 OH MY!
  • Connor then had game 3 vs OMGAA and won 17-1 - GOODNESS BOYS!!!
  • Maci had her game 3 and they won 5-0 with her netting 2 goals vs DMSC.  Shut out in bracket play!
  • Clint and Connor decided to stay in a hotel with the team out at East Ridge but Maci and I came home, took quick naps and then went over to our neighbor's the Herness for Jacob's graduation party.  Yummy Mexican food and a few beers before crashing for the night!
Our Gals
Team Lunch Fun
These Boys!
Hotel Night!
Sunday :
  • Another day of cloning desires!!!  Connor's semi was at 10a - he was brought in to pitch in the 5th and 6th inning of a TIGHT game.  This kid is insane confident at pitching and he did it again.  They pulled off the W 10-8 to head on to the championship game!!!!
  • While he was in that semi, I was at Blaine with Maci in her own semi where they won 4-0 with Maci and Neko each taking a PK and 2 other goals by Annie and Sav.
  • Connor went on to play for the championship against Minnetonka but they came up short getting 2nd place after a tough 3-8 loss.  However, they got rings and that finish nets them a spot in both state tournaments!!!!
  • They then came out to Maci's championship game vs a team from Grand Forks.  Unfortunately we lost our 1-0 lead towards the end of the game and had to go into PKs.  We lost on PK #7 and the girls were super down.  We reminded them that they played so strong all weekend!!!!
  • I ran Maci to Pizza Luce where she got to enjoy an end of school year slumber party with Natalie and some of Natalie's pals.
  • I then hustled to Connor's 3v3 games at 730 and 755p.
  • We completely crashed in bed after this one HAHAHA!!!
Connor Crushing It Again - Gets them to Championship!

My pic of the final strike on GameChanger
2nd Place - Connor was bummed
Sweet 2nd place ring

Waiting for penalty kicks as a team!
2nd Place is still Great!
Lots of Love,
C, K, M & C