That's A Wrap

After a fun first season, Cade's spring t-ball has come to a close.  We loved our fellow Pirates and their families...it really was such a sweet team.  Thankful for great coaches and that Cade seems to have found a love for the game.  He's already asking when we can sign up for the fall :)  Cole also welcomed the break from ball and liked cheering on his little bro as well as hanging with his buddies during the games.  Fun weekdays and Saturdays at the ball field.  Now I feel that summer can truly begin!

Cole and his buddies - London and Bryson

 So proud of our #9!

At the last game on June 6, our team mom, Amanda, made the cutest awards for each player.  Coach Andrew presented each one with big smiles all around.  I think the kids were just happy to see some candy ;)

My STAR player

After the game, the team gathered at the park to enjoy some pizza, ice cream, and adorable pirate ship treats provided by the parents.  It's been a great year!

The following weekend, we attended the American Legion t-ball and baseball Awards Ceremony.  Each child is given a trophy, the coach a plaque, and All-Star players are announced.  

So proud of you Perkins Pirates!  What a great bunch of ball players!

Strawberry Picking Day Date

With the onset of lots of late April/early May rain, the local strawberry patches haven't produced their usual abundance.  We always pick in late May, but headed to a favorite spot a little earlier in the month to make sure that they had enough delicious berries to fill our fridge and freezer with strawberry goodness.

As in the past, I invited my iMom gals to come with us for a spring playdate, and it just so happened that Michael was able to take off work for the DAY and come with us too :)  Kyle also joined his crew, so it quickly became a friend and family date.  There were plenty of berries to choose from and we picked our baskets full.  Perfect!

Mrs. Amanda explaining how they grow and the proper way to pick

Annnd no one is looking...fabulous!

A picnic at the park was a great way to end our morning together - happy picking!

It's Gardening Time!

After a taste of gardening last year, and reaping the benefits of home grown veggies, we couldn't wait to get ours planted again.  With a crazy April schedule, the planting had to wait until the week after Mother's Day.  This was exactly what I had asked for as my 'gift' and the boys didn't disappoint!

Cole's stance cracks me up!

The soil from last year was still good and the boxes were still quite full, so we just added a few bags of Miracle-Gro Organic to make them complete.  The boys were excellent helpers as they tilled, spread, and prepared the boxes for planting.

When deciding what to plant, we basically stuck with last year's choices.  Cucumbers are a favorite (and I'm hoping to try my hand at homemade pickles this year), squash, carrots, roma and cherry tomatoes, sweet potatoes, banana peppers (only one plant this year), jalepeno peppers, and oblong sweet peppers.  Didn't get a 'day-of' shot, but here it is just a couple of weeks after planting.  Carrots are just starting to peek above the soil...lookin' good!

We nixed the green beans and peas which is quite hilarious since beans are growing ON THEIR OWN beside the patio...ha!

Hopefully our seeds/plants will produce more quickly this go around - now that I know not to drown the poor things with over watering.
Beside the patio, I'll plant my herbs again since they seemed to thrive there in the morning sun and afternoon/evening shade.  The mint and chives returned on their own and I'll add basil, rosemary, oregano, and lavender.  Not only are they wonderful for cooking, but sitting outside smells SO good!

Here's to a fruitful, yummy, summer!