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

Master Bedroom Re-Model, Elite Camp for Maci and More Basketball & Baseball for Connor man!

Weekdays:

• Monday - Our master bedroom got the full design treatment - only pending a few deliveries that are back ordered - vanity/full length mirror and new bed frame.  I walked into our room at night and almost cried.  I couldn’t believe how great it looked!  I will post pics once we have the remaining items but it looks like it is out of a magazine!!!  Alyssa did so good.  While that was going on, Maci started her Elite camp with Fusion and got to play with some of her former teammates which was so fun!  That night I did a quick pit stop to see the room and then was running Maci to her soccer practice.  While at practice, I watched Connor’s game vs Delano on my iPad.  They 10 run ruled them 12-2 which was a great win against a typically tough crew.  I saw the best fielding play made by Connor at 3rd base and Clint said kids twice his age can’t make that play at times LOVE IT!  Clint and Connor joined many families for dinner afterward but Maci and I were content hanging at home.

Sneak Preview ❤

• Tuesday - Another day of Elite camp for Maci and Connor was back to the Wayzata gym for his basketball skills and drills fun.  It is so funny to hear Connor talk about the kids he gets placed with and how the crew does each day.  I came home half way through the day b/c Maci had a soccer game out in St Croix (almost WI) at 530p but required a 430p arrival which means we were on the road around 330p.  We get all the way out there to find the other team didn’t have the right time so we had to wait for about 90 mins. . . .not a lot of happy TFE parents.  We had a drink at the bar and then came back for the scrimmage b/c they had to forfeit given they weren’t there at the start time.  Thankfully we also won the scrimmage :)

Killing time with some game since other team was late

• Wednesday - Even more elite camp for M and skills and drills for C.  I had a long day at work so Clint thankfully picked up Maci from track camp and transported her to soccer practice where I met up and brought her home.
• Thursday - Last day of Elite Camp & Skills and Drills for the week.  Maci had fun doing all the competitions on the last day and Connor was happy he got to scrimmage with his boys.  That night we all went to Maci’s game vs MTA at Hopkins high school.  First the parents met for a safety meeting at a Mexican restaurant.  The girls did not play their best game and ended up losing 0-2 to our dreaded enemies MTA.  We win the league either way BUT wanted to go undefeated so that was a bugger.

Friday:

• A good productive work from home day for me.
• In the afternoon, Clint was nice and ran Maci up to the nail place to get a full set with 4th of July colors before our cabin trip.  Clint was able to squeeze in a pedicure himself.
• Once home, Maci was getting picked up for her FC Pitz training at 6p.
• I got more work done while she was gone as Clint and Connor headed to Sunshine Factory for dinner before his night game.
• Once Maci was home, we ran to the field just in time for their first at bat.  This was supposed to be their last regular season game so we did funny walk up music.  CJ was the first up and his parents picked “I Will Always Love You” Whitney Houston - So good!!!  Connor’s was “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story.  The boys were laughing like crazy and played great.  We 10 run ruled the other team 14-4!  Connor got to come in and pitch one batter with bases loaded so that we didn’t have to go into more innings - strike out!
• This has been such a fun team for year 1 of travel ball!!!

He Cracks Us Up

The many faces of Connor while at 1st

 

Saturday:

• Started my day with a massage - Lovely!
• I then hustled to the ball field for the true final regular season game (darn rain outs!) - we had another powerful game with great hits, wonderful fielding and another 14-4 10 run rule game.
• Afterward, some of us went to Lucky 13 for lunch - Yummy!
• Scarlet (Brooks’ sister) then came over to our house to hang with Maci while Connor, Clint and I all took a nap.  Clint then got a wall in our room where the vanity is going touched up with paint and I got some laundry going, groceries for cabin weekend etc.
• We had a low key evening and started watching a new show together.
• Storms rolled in and we hung in the basement from 1230a-1a - super fun. . . NOT!  Fortunately no real damage and to bed we all went.

Working on getting all star patches made for the boys uniforms

Sunday:

• Get stuff done morning!
• Maci and I watched some of the Ireland vs USA Women’s game before I had to run her to soccer practice while Clint did all the yard work - or whatever he could do with the yard being so squishy!
• I got some week prep done before it was time to go get Maci and head to Neko’s for their end of season TFE soccer team pool party 
• Connor acted like he was going to be too cool to swim but he jumped right in!  The girls had a ball together, per usual.  We all enjoyed catered Chipotle as we had a bit more money in the central funds
• We had to be the first to roll around 720p so we could get to Connor’s 3v3 basketball games at the high school.
• We think the pool, heat and late night tornado warnings hit him b/c he was super emotional in both games - getting super frustrated with teammates and himself even though they won the first game.  We kept encouraging him to calm down, just for fun but he was a mess.  Nothing a good night sleep hopefully can’t help.

Pool Party Fun!

Back to the grind but only for 2 days b/c we leave for our cabin weekend with the Cassem’s and Fike’s on Wednesday :) WAHOOO!!!  Love that trip!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

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

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