Teammates in MN, Gopher State Baseball & HOT Weather!!

Weekdays:

• Monday - Clint got the Volvo serviced in the morning which meant I drove Maci to her soccer Infiniti training at 830a.  After a full day of work for me, I wrapped the day with a Happy Hour with some MN teammates and a few others who were in town from Florida and Iowa for meetings/training.

Clay borrows his dad's yellow Hummer while in town

• Tuesday - Maci had another day of Infiniti training but given work is busy, Clint offered to take and pick her up so I could get into the office at a good time.  In the afternoon, Connor had some skills and drills for basketball.
• Wednesday - Maci had another day of Infiniti training and once again, Clint was super dad on the driving.  That afternoon she went to see the Lilo & Stitch movie with 2 friends from middle school.  After work, I went to Redstone to meet my 2 former coworkers Lisa & Megan for drinks/fondu.  Always good having some laughs with them

Lisa/Megan/Kellie

Fundo for 10+ Years

• Thursday - Connor did some batting cages in the morning to get ready for this weekend's tournament.  Maci attended Scarlet's birthday party at cheesecake party and then some afternoon shopping.  She bought herself a cute top from American Eagle and a pair of hoop earrings from Gap.  Then Connor had some more skills and drills basketball in the late afternoon.  That night, I had a going away dinner for my business leader, Chris.  He is relocating to Ireland for the next 2 years.  It was a lot of good belly laughs!  I got home and joined Clint and the other baseball coaches in the basement for some beers and prep for the state weekend.

B-Day Party Fun!

Friday:

• Game 1 was at 10a but I had to go into work for a 1/2 day workshop from 8-12 so I was watching on the game changer app.  It was super stressful as Connor came in to close at the bottom of the 6th and it got to 6-7 with a runner on 2nd and 3rd.  But Connor struck out the final batter!!!!  GO BUDDY!!!
• I wrapped the meeting, talked to my boss quick and then got rolling to Jordan for game 2 at 2p.
• This game was against Prior Lake and we came out SWINGING.  We had great hitting and were crushing them in the heat.  We ended up winning 19-10.
• After the game we stopped by the worlds largest candy store and then had a dinner/drinks at the Jordan Tap Room before heading home to cool off, rest and get ready for the next day.

Best Fans!

Candy Shop Fun!

Watching Other Teams on Game Changer

Saturday:

• Game 3 of pool play was at 8a so we had to be at the fields by 7a and that meant a 630a departure from home - BOO!
• We were playing Zimmerman who beat us in an earlier tournament and they werent the nicest fans so we were wanting to beat them bad!!!
• Connor had an amazing game!  He had 2 doubles which ran in 2 runs each time.  He also pitched to close us out in the 5th and 6th innings.  We beat them a resounding 11-7 and were pumped!  Connor got the game ball which had a cool state stamp on it!
• We were all so pumped from that W that many of us went to Duke's for some brunch before heading home and napping in the AC 
• Our whole crew collapsed and arose in time to head out for game 1 of bracket play against a TOUGH Jordan team.  It was at 515p start time and the sun was beating down in a 90 degree day, it was icky!
• We were hanging with them going a few runs to a few runs each inning until in the 5th we were exhausted and tired and they opened it up to beat us 5-15.  That same team went on to win 3rd after being beat by the champions.  We once again were in the top 16 of the state by making it where we did and had some TOUGH pool play!  These boys should be so proud!!!
• After the game, we ran to Medina Ballroom for some dinner/drinks and celebration of a great season.  We are very fortunate that it isn't fully over for us b/c of the all start tourney the next weekend and at least most of us are coming back together for fall ball!

Pre-Game Fun

Take Down Zimmerman!!

Boys in Dugouts never gets Old

They made a W for us in our batter's warm up circle

Post Game Speech

Brunch Fun!

Sunday:

• A wonderful quiet weekend day at home!!!!
• Clint started the day by mowing the lawn before it hit 95 degrees.
• I got all the laundry done, did a lot of cleaning, got things prepared for the week, took Connor for his first pedicure which felt so nice on his tired baseball feet and dry legs.  
• Maci did her FC Pitz training and then Elliana came over to hang for the day.  We are going to have some KFC for dinner and then run her home.
• Connor got the pedicure and some chill time at home but now is at his buddy Chuck's house for slip in slide, pizza and watching the Savannah Banana baseball game on TV.
• We are so fortunate they each have such an awesome friend group that can keep them entertained all summer, even when we are doing things like laundry, groceries etc.
• No 3v3 this week b/c we are in between sessions so also a nice evening at home - yay!

We are hope you are all beating the heat and enjoying summer!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

17 Years of Marriage & Connor's 1st State Baseball Tournament!

Weekdays:

• Monday - Maci did some Infiniti Soccer training.  Clint got a massage mid day.  Connor had another playoff game Monday night this time down in Jordan.  Dang they were a good team and some of our fielding was just off.  We ended up losing 4-12.  Oh well we made it pretty dang far and Jordan ended up losing to Hastings in the Championship so we were close to the best!  Some of us went for pizza at a local bar before making the drive home.  The boys got to watch the All Star Home Run Derby while we ate.

This gal - I had to snap a live action pic

She is such a great fan for her brother

She is super into the games and one of the loudest cheerleaders!

• Tuesday - The cleaning ladies came which always makes the house seem nicer!  Connor had some basketball skills and drills in the afternoon followed by a baseball scrimmage at night.  I got there right after work as it started down pouring but that only lasted about 10 mins and then it all dried up and we got the scrimmage in.  We won!  Then grabbed some Culver's ice cream on the way home.
• Wednesday - Clint took the Pilot in for maintenance, fortunately all good.  I ran Maci to another day of Infiniti training.  I had a super busy day at work and decided to scrap a Happy Hour with some former Cargill colleagues to have a quiet evening of getting caught up at home.
• Thursday - I had my non profit board meeting to start the day.  Then a full day of work.  Connor had another afternoon of skills and drills basketball.  I got home just in time to leave for our anniversary early dinner at Gianni's.  So yummy!!!!  We had a great conversation and enjoyed our time together before heading home to laundry and packing for State Tournament.

Quick Selfie to Remember the Night

Friday:

• We both took the day off b/c Connor's first state tournament game was 12p in Eagan and had to be there by 11a.
• Game 1 was close at first but then we unleashed and won 10-4 vs Lake Elmo.
• We had a little down time so headed to the next field, ate some lunch and watched the Triple A Wayzata team play.
• Game 2 was a resounding win against Rosemount with a 14-0 W in the 4th inning, love that 10 run rule.
• Afterward we checked into our hotel, let the boys swim a bit, waited on pizza etc.
• We got all the boys to bed at a good time and parents weren't far behind b/c we had an early morning the next day.

On the Road!  Maci is Super Fan!

Such a good 1st day!!

Getting a good night sleep in the hotel with his fan!

Saturday:

• Happy Official 17 Years to Us!
• Game 3 was at 9a vs Minnetonka White - both Minnetonka teams have been our nemesis all season long!  The boys were ready and they wanted to beat them even though we didn't need this win to advance.  We played so TOUGH and ended up 10 run ruling them in the 4th with a 10-0 W!!!  Connor hit the final hit right down the 1st base line that got 2 runners in and GAME OVER!!!!
• We left from the field to lunch at a pizza place as our next game wasn't until 130p.  We got to the field and shortly after starting realized we were playing a sad team. . . we have zero clue how they made it out of pool play.  We were up 21-1 in no time - that was all before the end of the 2nd inning.  We took the gas off a bit which meant they got some runs but it ended in 4 innings with a 22-9 victory.  And dang was that game HOT!!!!  We were all tired, hot and cranky after that one!
• We went back to the hotel and chilled a bit.  Clint ran Maci home for her birthday party with Aanya (friend from soccer).  We cooked up a plan where the boys and the dads went to dinner and a movie to watch "How to Train a Dragon."
• While the boys did this, I went to the local outlet mall with Sarah (Cal's mom) we really only made it to Under Armor and Crocs b/c her little daughter was NOT in the mood to shop.  We ended up going to dinner with Coach Andrew and his family as well as Dereck's family + Sarah and me.  It was good fun and nice convo about our next game - Minnetonka Blue!
• Once back to the hotel, we all helped get kids to bed b/c another early morning.

My #1 Slugger!

Sisters Trying to Make it through Game 2's Heat

Boys at the Movies

Maci Escape Room & Slumber Party Birthday Fun for Aanya!

School Friends + Aanya in the front Middle + Soccer Pals (Isla behind Aanya, Maci, Elliana & Mikah)

Sunday:

• Up and at 'em to check out of the hotel and get to the fields for our 9a game vs Minnetonka Blue.
• The boys were ready, we shared how proud of them we were and they started warming up.  Us moms were so nervous for them.  We know they wanted to beat Minnetonka again but I would also say this was the tougher of the 2 teams.
• We were the home team which gave us a slight advantage but they were up 1st - they got 2 runs in but defense did their job.  We get up to bat and Graham smacked one that ended up getting him and Brooks home!  Tied game.
• Inning 2 got rough.  We had 2 outs with no runs and then we made a few errors and let the ball land in some rough patches.  We ended up coming out of that inning down 2-8.
• Inning 3 they put in a new pitcher but after 2 walks, in came Connor man.  He got us out of there with only 1 of the runs scoring.  Down 2-9 - need to get bats going!
• Connor had another great pitching series and only gave up 1 earned run so down 2-10.  Up came the top of our line up and before you know it we put another 4 on the board and were going nuts!!!!  6-10 bottom of 4th and we are in this!!!!!
• Connor did some more great work but with some crazy good hits in the 5th they got up 6-12.  We couldn't get the bats going again so on to the 6th and final inning
• Connor held them with some great fielding behind him and now it was down to our hitting. . . but alas, too much and we lost 6-12.  The boys held it together and realized we could do this!!  On to next weekend's other state tournament.
• We got home around lunch, started to do all the laundry, pick up the house, took a walk etc.  Maci napped b/c her slumber party kept her going until 4a!!  Connor also napped b/c he was wiped. 
• We are now eating some dinner, catching up on life around the house and getting ready for Connor's 3v3 Basketball tonight at Wayzata high school - 720 and 810p game times.

Found him snoozing in his room!

We need a weekend from our weekend HAHA but dang was it fun!

Hope you are all enjoying your summer time weekends as well!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Connor Baseball Playoffs, Maci TFE Tryouts and Rodeo Weekend!

Weekdays:

• Monday - Back to work and some form of routine (not super typical in the summer time).  I started my day by running Maci to Fusion indoor complex for a training session from 830-11a.  She really enjoyed it as a handful of her teammates also attended.  After work, I hustled to Prior Lake to catch Connor's team's first playoff game.  They beat Prior Lake on their home field 11-8.  We got the bats really going in the 3rd when Connor had a beautiful triple followed by Oliver hitting an in the park homerun!!!  Great W and we went to the Tin Shed to have pizza, beer and sodas afterward.

• Tuesday - Pretty quiet day time for our crew.  Maci went to some FC Pitz soccer training from 430-530p.  Clint ran them out there and I picked them up but dang traffic was bad so their coach kindly went an extra 20 mins with them.  Elliana, Maci and I grabbed Culvers on the way home for dinner.  While we were doing this, Clint and Connor ran up to the middle school to get fitted for football pads and helmet (it's getting real!) and then hustled to a baseball scrimmage in Chanhassen.  They did well for a scrimmage with minimal effort really exhorted on either side.  Afterward, Connor and Clint joined some families at a local brewery for Tom's birthday.  Maci and I chilled at home in the AC.
• Wednesday - Day 1 of TFE Tryouts for Maci.  I dropped her off at Hopkins HS before heading into work.  I love that the girls all did a major flex and wore their TFE practice kits to show the other girls who already had an advantage.  Maci felt she did well!  Then I again met them after work at a baseball playoff game this time in Eagan.  Eagan was the #1 seed in the playoffs so it could have been a tight game BUT Nope!  We were ready!!!!  Connor had his best game by far all season!  He had 2 doubles, ran in 7 runners through his hits - he batted 4 times and hit 3 and walked 1.  Then he came in to relieve in inning 5 and 6 - pitching scoreless innings with zero hits, striking out 3 and walking only one.  We beat them 20-5!!!  This win deserved celebration so the kids went to dairy queen while I hit up Sunshine Factory for a dinner table.  4 Families then came for a late night dinner and talk of how amazing the boys played.  Next game is in Jordan on Monday night!

Game Changer AI Game Summary

Cont. with the commentary on his pitching

Brooks & Connor

Pumped to Beat #1 Seed

Kid Fun at Sunshine Factory

• Thursday - Day 2 of TFE Tryouts but this one got funky thanks to some rain storms.  They didn't end up starting until 10a and wrapped at 1130 (vs the planned 830-10a).  Once again Maci felt strong so now we wait!  In the afternoon, Maci got to go get her nails done with one of the other baseball sister pals, Scarlet.  Late that afternoon, Clint ran Connor to Ander's birthday party in the neighborhood.  I picked up b/c Clint went to watch the house baseball championship since he is the 3rd grade commissioner.  

Friday:

• Clint did a chiropractor apt at 930a.
• I was then on a call around 1030a when I realized Maci got the invite to join TFE again!!  Within seconds she was out of her room b/c their group team text started blowing up asking who got invited.  Our core team all got invited back and we learned we have 5 new girls from all various prior teams - should be a fun year!  We are so proud of her for her work ethic, attitude and effort!
• Maci's pal Elliana from soccer came over for a bit as they are crocheting together.
• I finished a productive work day and then we were getting ready for the Hamel Rodeo. 
• We quickly learned I love going to this but the kids are getting over it and Clint has never enjoyed sitting on a grassy hill in the heat with crowds.  Ugh - I got super annoyed with my crew but still tried to make the most of it.
• Before heading home, we drove the kids by the Innkahoots after party so they can see how crazy it gets :)

Pics before the "I'm Bored" started

Not all bad - I scored a new hat via a local vendor!

Maci also got a new flannel, seen in her pic & Connor got a tshirt & sweatshirt

Saturday:

• A clear calendar allowed us to get things done around the house and then Connor's pals Anna and Graham came over around 1230p and I took them swimming over at the Harty's as they are out of town camping this weekend and kindly let us use the pool.
• While they swam, I cleaned my email, prepared for the week etc at their outdoor table.
• Around 230p they were ready to head home, I got going on laundry and they were picked up at 3p.
• We took a quick cat nap and then got ready for the Galzki's Country at the Creek - a big outdoor BBQ event at Nate's (Connor's buddy from basketball & school) house.  We ate, played cornhole and helped umpire an intense game of whiffle ball which Maci did a ok in!  Connor of course had fun pitching and striking out older kids.
• We headed home around 9p and decided not to head up to the bar and instead watch some tv and relax in bed.

Sunday:

• Started the day with another morning walk - lovely!
• Elliana's parents drove Maci and Elliana to FC Pitz soccer training at 11a.
• Maci is now having lunch with them and crocheting at their house for a bit.
• Connor slept until about 12p and has been chilling as he has HOT baseball practice yet this early evening and then 3v3 basketball starting at 755p.
• Clint has been getting all sorts of yard work done and I am getting things prepared for the week, laundry complete, groceries etc.  
• I treat myself to a nail apt late this afternoon and then will enjoy watching Connor's 3v3 before wrapping the weekend.

This week ahead has more baseball games, soccer and basketball camps/training, our 17th wedding anniversary and the 1st state baseball tournament weekend!

Here's to more summer fun!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Annual Lake Weekend w. New Momma Friends & 4th of July!!!!

Stephanie H had a Pro Photographer at the boys' last night game

These are the results - OMG - So Good!!!

Throwing Strikes!

Throwing 'em out at 1st

Rock Paper Scissors while waiting for a new pitcher to warm up

The best of buddies!

So many laughs

Getting this emblem turned into All Star Patches for their All Star Team 💓

Weekdays:

• Monday - Maci did a training at FC Pitz in the middle of the day thanks to Elliana’s dad driving them.  I stayed at work late getting some things done since I was Maci’s ride home from practice at 7p but at 620p I got a call that practice just got cancelled due to a fluky hail storm that rolled through.  I hauled over there and grabbed her as everything was sunning back up HA. . . But given this was a fun practice they stayed cancelled.  We also got Connor registered for fall baseball that night.
• Tuesday - Last day of work for the week!!!  Our cleaning lady came which put the house in nice order before we head out of town.  We also had the best people come and deal with a bee nest that showed up in our hot tub cover.  That night, Clint ran Maci to her game b/c it was out by my work but just dropped her and ran b/c Connor had a game at Hamel.  I got there shortly after work and enjoyed watching them finish a great season with a dominate 5-1 W.  Maci had a beaut of a pass to Annie for her 2nd goal on the night.  Our coach even switched them around given the last game and Maci hung well as our right outside back for about 1/2 of the 1st 1/2.  Fun to see them all shift around and still work together!  We hustled out of there to Connor’s game at Hamel where they tied.  Connor came in to close them out with a kid on base.  He did great but in this scrimmage you could steal home and the catcher didn’t knock down the ball so the kid started running from 3rd.  Connor as pitcher came to home but the catcher tried to out hustle the runner vs throwing the ball to Connor - oh well, all learning and it was just a scrimmage.  Afterward we went with two other families to a late dinner at Rock Elm on the patio.  We were all shipping out for holiday long weekends the next day.

Loved this team - Great Pre-GA Year!

• Wednesday - And we are off!!!  Out of office messages are on, sunshine is in the sky and car was loaded for the 3 hour drive to Detroit lakes.  We got up there around 1p, did a super fast unpack, threw on suits and were on the boat and heading to long bridge for swimming / eating/ drinking by 2p.  The water was nice and calm and hardly any lake traffic which made for a great first day of tubing.  That night we hit up Zorbaz for dinner and some ice cream on the way home.

Bridge Jumping!

Tubing Fun!

Walking to Ice Cream

Boat Ride Home

• Thursday - We started the day with a walk and it was HOT!  We hustled back and got ready for the boat.  The water was a little choppier but still super fun for tubing and felt awesome to jump into.  I got off with Gena and took a nap at one point which was super nice.  Then she got ambitious to take the girls on a paddle boarding cruise.  Maci and Gena both crushed it and went really far… the others gave up at various points along the way.  The kids really didn’t feel like going out to eat so we let the dads head to Fireside for a light bite and drinks while the moms ate at the hotel and enjoyed S’more hour with the kids.  Once the guys were back, we decided to take a super nice evening cruise on the boat - damn the weather has been HOT but so great for boating!

Morning Walk 

Fun Drinks at Lunch

Lunch Bros

More Boating

Paddle Boarding

Night Cruise

Boat Driving Fun!

Friday:

• Happy 4th of July!!!
• We were up and at ‘em on the boat by 1030a
• This was the choppiest of the water days due to wind AND so many boats.  The kids called is extreme tubing.
• We did lunch at the bridge again which the kids always love for the jumping and fun drinks.  
• At one point the kids were all exhausted from tubing so we dropped them and took a little 4p cruise as just adults.  We were having a great time until “what’s that, no are we out of gas again?!”  For the 2nd time this group ran out of gas, only this time no kids with us AND a storm was starting to roll in.  Jacey quickly called Fireside and pushed our dinner reservation back by 30 mins and I helped to flag down a boat to tow us to the marina.  I swear we will laugh at this, one day!
• Once at the hotel, we quickly got ready and hauled to dinner just ahead of the storm rolling in across the lake. 
• Due to the storm, fireworks were unfortunately cancelled.  However, people at our hotel brought a ton and lit off their own show :). The kids had a blast swimming in the indoor pool and we played games until bed time.

More Boating. . . 

Bridge Jumping Again

Out of Gas . . . Again!

Silly girls in the rain, leaving the restaurant to get smores in time!

Saturday:

• Time to head home :(
• We all had our nice lazy hotel breakfast, picked out our date/plan for next year and then headed to the rooms to pack up.  We were checked out by 11a and on our way to Zorbaz for a final friend lunch.
• We had a blast at Zorbaz enjoying their patio and took our annual photos before hugging goodbye and heading on the road by 1p.
• We pulled into home around 430p, unpacked, started laundry, tidied up, took a walk and around 730p popped on A League of Their Own which our kids had never seen.  Both were super into it and they believe in my theory that Dottie intentionally dropped the ball to give Kit that moment in the World Series.
• Clint and I climbed into bed and enjoyed some episodes of the Middle before crashing with the comfort of our own sheets/mattress etc.

Hanging before we push out!

Annual Pics!

BFF!

Year 1 vs Year 9

Sunday:

• So nice to be home today!
• I am finishing up laundry, ordered groceries, I have the week planned etc.  
• Connor is over at his buddy Graham’s house before baseball practice 4-6p and then an evening of 3v3 basketball 
• Maci is enjoying down time and last I saw her she was watching Now and Then but Clint put her through a strength work out earlier in the day
• Clint is getting the yard back in order as I get the indoor to dos complete.

Tomorrow we head back to our normal routine which is ok with me as it was such a wonderful break this past week!  Wish Maci luck as she has her TFE try outs this coming week :)

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C