Mall Fun, End of Baseball Party and All Star Weekend!

Weekdays:

• Monday - Busy week for the kids with each having at least one camp.  Maci had day 1 of baking camp and Connor had day 1 of the Trojan pride football camp.  That evening I ran the kids to the mall.  Maci and Elliana had cooked up this idea the day before and they wanted to get matching tube tops from PacSun and a few goodies at Sephora.  While they wandered on their own, Connor and I explored Dicks, got some Boba and did our own exploring.

Mall Cuties

• Tuesday - I headed into work early since our earnings call began at 7a.  Maci had day 2 of baking camp and Connor had another day of Football camp.  Later in the afternoon, Connor also had Skills and Drills for Basketball.  That night, Clint had an intro to the Wayzata baseball board and then hit up a Wayzata Football coaches meeting.

Corn Shucker Helpers

• Wednesday - Clint had a quick Dr apt in the morning so I got to drive Maci to baking camp and pull into the office a little later than usual.  Connor had day 3 of football camp.  That night, Connor and Clint headed up to Brower's indoor baseball center for a practice with our all star team.  While they did that, Maci and I went to the nail salon to get my nails filled and her fake ones removed.
• Thursday - Last day of baking camp and football camp - fun had by all!  Connor had another afternoon of skills and drills basketball too.  That evening we headed over to the Sorenson's house in our neighborhood for the end of year baseball party!  Maci and I had to step away for an hour to do her TFE virtual kick off call with coach Julian and the team.  The boys played wiffle ball, the parents reminisced on a great season and the kids wrapped the night with some ghost in the graveyard.

Wiffle Ball Fun!

Bros!

One Great Group of Boys + Eli's Head Since he was at Camp

Friday:

• Clint and I started the day by grabbing bruegger bagels and ran into Danny Kane on the way in!
• I had a busy but productive Friday and before I knew it, we were at 4p and had to head out to Game 1 of all star weekend.  
• Game 1 was at 6p in Apple Valley and our boys beat the other team 10-0 in the 5th inning.  Nice start!!!
• Afterward, many of the Wayzata families headed to El Azteca for Margaritas and Mexican food.  So fun to chill with them after a long week of work and running around.

These 2 have started doing workouts together in the basement

Maci is ripped

Sisters at the Game

 Mexican Restaurant Fun

Maci giving Harper a Card & Cute Crochet Penguin

Saturday:

• Busy baseball day!  Game 1 was at 11a in Apple Valley but we left home at 915a as we were taking Tom and Calvin to the game too.
• Game 2 was another great one with us winning by a resounding 17-2 in the 4th inning.
• After the game, we ran to Wild Bills with most of the team for some lunch.  The service and food was SLOW so most kids had to take theirs in boxes and eat during warm ups - rough.  But due to this they gave us a $50 gift card to come back.
• Game 3 was a heart breaker with us losing 7-8 in the final 6th inning.
• After the game, we headed back over to Wild Bills for a quick drink to use our $50.  The boys had fun hanging with their main crew.
• We werent done so we decided to head up to Medina Ballroom by our house for some kid bowling/pizza and parent food/drinks/pull tabs.  We were hot on the pull tabs and each family went home around 930p with an extra $200 wahoo!

We had 2 #22s this weekend!

Theo from Edina and Cal from Wayzata

Good Buddies Hanging Post 2 Games

No Clue

Coaches Minus Aaron

Bowling Fun

Sunday:

• A final game for the weekend at 11:15a.  We played a tough crew and just couldnt seem to get anything really going on offense.  A final loss 4-10 but all found their smiles with the All Star trophies, tshirts and bragging rights for being there!  Such a great group of kiddos and families!
• We hauled home, grabbed some McDonalds and we got right to "life" - Clint cut the grass and I ran laundry, prepared for the week, ordered groceries etc.  
• The Sorenson's were nice enough to invite everyone back over to finish off some of the beer from the party.  Connor rode his dirt bike over around 3p and then Clint just ran over at 5p.  I'm still home with Maci getting things done.
• At 730p we head up to Maple Grove middle school for Connor's 3v3 Basketball which I always enjoy.

Wanting to pitch :)

Always Proud of Our #3

The Wayzata All Stars

A great weekend of ball!

We hope you are enjoying these final days of summer before back to school!  I know we are :)

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

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