Daddy Dollars

We are going to try a new system in our house. The kids are going to earn Daddy Dollars to spend in the Mommy Market for various things around the house. I had to share the dollar I created. I love this picture of Carey. It is the face that always makes me smile. It's his I'm happy and sharing that happiness with the world face. I hope it motivates the kids!

Happy Halloween!

First off, it's been a little crazy around here the past couple of weeks, so we never made it to the pumpkin patch to get a pumpkin. But, I win the bad Halloween Mommy Award because I didn't even get one at the grocery store. So, on Halloween, AB was about to have a fit to carve our pumpkin, which of course meant we had to find a pumpkin. I wasn't really worried though. I was sure there would be a few at the grocery store, but you know what? There was not one anywhere! Nana and Pop were already planning to come over before we headed out for Trick-or-Treating, and Mandy is always festive and prepared. So, we called them, and Nana saved me! She had a pumpkin, and they brought it to carve with us.

It takes a lot of people to clean out a pumpkin.

I know there are all kind of cool carving kits, and we even have an inexpensive one. But, Pop is old school when it comes to pumpkin carving. Give him a giant knife and a little girl with a plan, and he can conquer the pumpkin!

Next, I had to get pictures of the kids in costume, just in case I didn't get a chance later. Bryant very wisely requested a picture by himself. I'm glad he did. It turned out much better than any of the pics of them together. Plus, he is not sure if he is going to trick-or-treat again. If this is the last one, I'm glad I have a pic. You might be thinking this picture looks a little familiar. If so, you're right. Bryant wore this same thing last year. I might not get a pumpkin, but I've had enough costume issues to know to be prepared. So, early in October I started asking him what he wanted to be. He said, he'd just wear one of his jerseys or something. He never changed his mind, and he was perfectly happy in this. Plus, we didn't spend 2 cents on it! I think he likes it because he can play football at the party/dinner before heading out.

Ann Bennett on the other hand, looked through every magazine that came our way. She decided she liked a "car hop" outfit. However, I thought it was entirely too short, so I made one. She picked out the materials, oh and Kristine -- who made the amazing costume AB wore last year -- made the hat for her. I've been amazed at the number of people who don't know what a car hop is! We never found the saddle oxfords she wanted, but when it came down to it, she was happy without them. I was happy not to have spent the money on shoes for one night!

For the past few years, we have gone to some friends' neighborhood and done Halloween together. We did this again this year. It starts with a party/dinner in the park. Ann Bennett was a little freaked out to see Anne Cathryn as this scary creature. It was a little better when blond headed AC lost her black wig. You can see AB's somewhat confused/apprehensive look on her face! I found it kind of funny that both Bryant and Mac's costumes were the same this year as last. Well, Mac adapted his. He had a new hat, and a different blanket I think. But, he was still a Carolina fan. Mac says he's going to be this for the rest of his life, so if B does dress up next year, I think he should be an obnoxious State fan!

I think Frances' costume was a little more comfortable for AB, and I know all the girls were happy to be together.

Not the best picture of AB, but she's with Lily - a friend from church. We lost her by the time we were trick-or-treating, but they had fun together before hand!

Last, heading out to get some treats. Griffith, Frances and AB. Somehow I missed getting a picture of AC and Mac's brother, Dean -- aka Michael Jackson. I also don't have any more pictures of the boys at the party because they were too busy chasing the girls and throwing the football to stand still for me.

Fall Fun?

A couple of weeks ago I was determined to get at least our front yard raked. For some reason, Ann Bennett thinks this is a fun job, and I certainly enjoy the help. Unfortunately, her passion does not last as long as the job, but hey, she's 7.

Bryant on the other hand, does not think this is a fun job at all! He was my not so willing participant, but I appreciated his help as well!

I could have done without his pre-adolescent drama, but at least he helped pick up the leaves and dead grass -- killed by the guys who we PAY to fertilize and kill weeds, but that's another story! I spared you the picture the kids took of me raking. Let's just say it wasn't pretty!

Far From Home

I have not felt so far from home since Mom's accident. At that point, I felt I was far from home no matter where I was. When I was here, home felt like GA. When I was there, home felt like NC. I essentially moved to NC in 1989! I went home for summers for a couple of years, and I was in school the first 3 years. Those years don't REALLY count, but still, I moved HERE in 1992. It was so hard to be away from home, and many times I wonder why in the world I stuck it out! In retrospect, I realize I could have found another job in GA. It might not have been the exact same thing, but really. Certainly wonderful things happened because I moved here. I would not be the woman I am today if I hadn't, and I would not have the honor of living this life I live. But, sometimes I just miss "home." And I wonder if this will ever BE home.

My dear friend Katrina lost her father last night. And, every nerve in my body wants to be with her. I want to cook something, take it the family, hold her hand, go to the visitation, go to the funeral, hug her mom, hug her sisters and brothers. She is such a good friend, and Doc was such an amazing man. I did not always agree with him, but what parent does a child always understand? One thing I always understood about him, even as a teenager, was his love. He loved in such a big way! His big hugs, his big laughs, his big talks, his big discipline -- they all were models of a loving father, so in a way a picture of God for me. For some reason the thing that is sticking out right now is when Linda, Katrina and I were sophmores, I think, we wanted to take a bus from Marietta to St. Petersburg to visit our friend Patricia who had recently moved. We were all good girls, and Linda and I managed to convince our parents it was OK. Katrina tried, I tried, I even think my mom tried to talk to Doc, but he was having nothing of it. He did not trust what others might do to us. At the time, it felt like an excuse to me and that he didnt' trust us, but he was the boss and Katrina stayed home. Linda and I got on a bus to FL. When I think about that trip, I understand his fears and persistence. That was the first time I ever saw the mentally ill. At the time I didn't know it, but I clearly remember a person talking to door knobs. We made it there and back safely -- except for a sunburn that will probably one day soon turn into skin cancer, but at this point in my life, I think Doc was right. Boy, would he like to hear that! He liked to be right and have others know it. But, at the same time, he was so down to earth. He was a dentist in Cobb county, but he basically managed to live and raise his family on a "farm" - at least by Cobb county standards. Only at Kat's house did I get close enough to a cow to understand just how big they were! And, oh, could he sing with a sparkle in his eye, heart and voice. He loved music and loved sharing it. He passed on that love to his family, and I have been lucky enough to recieve the gift of that music. Karen played for us on many BSU trips in college. Kristy played the violin/fiddle when I didn't even know about the instrument. The two brightest and most recent memories of this music occurred when Mom was in the hospital. The first was when Kat came to to visit at Windy Hill and sang hymns with Mom. It was beautiful. Mom sang along with Kat's beautiful, loving, gentle voice, and I will never forget it. It was a miraculous gift and picture that Mom was in that body somewhere. Then, the Easter Mom was at Kennestone, they were looking for someone to come lead a group on the rehab floor in song. I called Katrina, and she and Doc came and sang. It was the last time I saw him, and he was singing and ministering with his daughter at the very hospital where he took his last breath in this life. I love that man and the legacy he leaves behind. I can't imagine how his children and Kathy must be feeling. What a joy it is to know that he is in heaven rejoicing, singing and not worrying about his health, but oh the hole he left behind!

Remembering this man and knowing my friend is hurting, makes me feel very far from home! I want to be there to celebrate his life, but I really do not know if I am going to be able to make it happen or not. My heart hurts to think about missing it, but my head just can't see a way. Anyway, I'm feeling very far from home and wondering if THIS will ever be home. I know it is home for my children, and it is where I will live my life. If we moved, I'd miss this life and all the friends we have. When I am logical, I can't really imagine living back in GA, but then this homesickness comes along. I guess that is why you should just never leave home. That is what I'm telling my children -- go off to school, go travel, but come home to have children and live your life!

How Did He Get Old Enough for This?

Yesterday was the first day of Junior Cotillion for Bryant and many of his friends from school. He actually missed baseball practice for this. Doesn't he look handsome? It was the first time he's worn a coat and tie, escorted and seated a lady, danced with a girl. It was also the first time I tied a tie. (Carey still went to practice since he's the coach, but we figured it out! You really can find anything on google.) ANYWAY, I did not do cotillion as a child, but my cousins did. I guess it might be something you do in smaller towns. As it turned out, I was asked to chaperone this week, and I am really glad I was there. We both learned a lot. In this first class, Bryant learned:

* He should offer a lady his right arm to escort her. He is responsible for choosing where they are going to sit. But, she went ahead and told the boys that even though they are officially in charge, it is nice and polite to ask the lady where she would like to sit. So, really, the lady decides. I thought that was probably a good lesson to go ahead and learn when you are 10!

* He learned to button his coat when standing, unbutton when seated.

* He learned to place his nametag on his right side.

* He learned the electric slide, the fox trot and the shag.

This is just a list of a few of the things he learned. I was so impressed with how well everyone behaved, and I was super impressed with how clearly the teacher taught the children. I'm glad I was there to learn the fox trot! There were basically two schools represented in this session of cotillion, and many of the moms from the other school stayed and watched. I would never have thought that was an option, and Bryant did not want me to stay anyway. We talked ahead of time about what I should not do to embarass him, and he told me not to get mad at him and not to take pictures. I told him the only thing I would be upset with him was if he was mean or rude or in some way made a girl feel bad when he was told to dance with her. He did a pretty good job with this. I only saw him cringe or roll his eyes once. We've already talked about how this can be very hurtful. I held true to my promise and did not take pics, but another mom there snapped a few for me. If I get them I just might post them as well.

Anyway, now I can dance with my son. It isn't fancy, but we can do it. How in the world did he get old enough for this? As you can see by this last picture, he's not quite sure what he thinks about this just yet.

The Boys Let Me Down

Thursday night Bryant and Carey went to Raleigh to see NC State play USC. It was opening night. ESPN was there. They were all excited. And, it was even better because they were able to take friends with them. Hunter and Bryant have been playing baseball together for a long time now, and they are on the Braves together. So, over the years we have spent a lot of time with this family. They are also BIG State fans. They even found a ticket for Hunter's little brother Nick to go -- his first State game. So, off the five of them go Thursday. I sent my camera with them. Bryant is kind of obsessed with cameras, phones, ipods, itouches, or all things techy right now. I was not relying on Carey at all to take any pics, but I thought for sure Bryant would come through for me. Nope. Not one picture. When they go off to State together in 8 years, I'm still going to mad at them for not taking any pictures! To add insult to injury, State lost the game, and the boys swear it was the worst officiated college football game they've ever seen -- in their entire 10 years of life.

Good-bye, sigh

This weekend we had to say good bye to a wonderful family. The Robinsons are moving to NY, and we are sad to see them go. Ann Bennett and Lydia started kindergarten together and became fast friends. Lydia's dad coached AB in soccer, and Lydia's big sister, Caroline is a rising 5th grader like Bryant. Lydia and AB have really had fun together, and we are going to miss her. It's hard to say good-bye to a friend when you are only 7. We know they'll be back, and I'm hoping this will make AB want to write. But, it is just not ever the same as having a friend in town with you. Best wishes to the Robinsons. You will be greatly missed!

These are the only pictures I have of the going away party we helped throw last Friday night. First Baptist has a fabulous room for youth at their activity center, and since we were rained out of the pool, the party was in the Cove. The kids danced, played video games, ran around and acted silly, played a little basketball, ate dinner, played ping-pong, pool and the wii. They had a great time and did not want to stop for photos. It was a really fun night. I hope Lydia and Caroline enjoyed it.

First Day of School

The first day of school for 2009-2010. For some reason I never get good pictures of the first day. I don't know if it's because it is so humid in August here, or if it is because we are trying to do this and get to school on time. But, these are the best I could do.

Bryant is 10 and is starting the 5th grade. He is at the same school where he started K. We tried to move to another school last year, but when we did not get a spot, I felt certain that God was leading us to stay put through 5th grade. If you asked him before school started what he was most excited about this year, he probably would have told you not having to tuck in his shirt this year. Last year the 5th graders did not have to follow that rule. Bryant is in a combo 4th/5th grade homeroom, but his academic instruction will take place with 5th graders. It's a complicated system that the principal concocted. I hope it works.

Ann Bennett is 7 and is starting 2nd grade. For the first time in her life she is in a girl heavy class. She has a fabulous teacher/assistant combo. She is also in a 1st/2nd grade combo. (There are only 2 combos in the school and both of our kids are in them.) Her combo class is going to be great. They have taken a lot of independent workers (code for a higher ability group) in each grade and placed them together with few, if any, children with known behavior problems. I think she will have a really good year, and I'm happy for her!

Just to give you an example of what most of my pictures looked like, I thought I'd throw this one in to the mix. What's funny to me is this is how I wore my hair at her age, but I never fixed AB's hair like this. Hers has always gone to the side with a bow -- at least when I had it my way! But, she has decided that she likes it like this. I'll have to look for a pic of me with my hair just like this, but mine was not as fine as hers. In that way, her hair is more like Sandy's.

I wish that at the end of the day we were excited about the year, but with all honesty, we are feeling very shaky. The school is attempting to address behavior more aggressively this year (as they should), but it seems that in so doing a very negative environment has been created. Ann Bennett ended her day with a tantrum, and Bryant asked me to move him to another school or home school him. The only good thing about a bad first day is that day 2 has to be better! At least they were able to wear more color this year (any solid color shirt with a collar), and Ann Bennett can accessorize with belts, bows and jewelry. That always makes you feel better!

Last Day of Summer

EVERY year since my children started preschool I have been ready for school to start. When they were preschoolers, I loved their preschool so much, and they were so happy there that we were delighted when it started. Last summer you might have heard me say there was nothing like summer vacation to make you appreciate public school. But, this year, I am just not ready for summer to end. We have had such a good summer! We decided not to have Bryant considered for all stars this summer, and I think that was the BEST decision we have made in a long time. It slowed the pace of our summer, let us all get some much needed sleep and really set the start of our summer off right! But, today was the last day of summer vacation. Ann Bennett spent the morning with her very good friend who will be moving to NY next week. Bryant, AB and I went to the beach this afternoon with our friends the Colemans and the Brownings. I had my camera and never took it out! The beach was gorgeous. The waves were a little rough, but the boys are all big enough and strong enough swimmers that they can boogy board just fine. The girls played in the water and sand for a long time, and I even had a little time to sit and chat with my friends. It was a great afternoon. Bryant always likes to end the summer with putt-putt, so tonight the whole family went to play. It was a really nice way to end the summer. None of us are really ready for school to start. This age has its challenges, but it is mostly a lot of fun!

Bryant and Carey in the basketball challenge -- Carey smoked him!

Bryant wearing AB's sunglasses and being silly. He's going to love me for posting this one!

As Carey says when he gives the score, Ann Bennett is "having fun." But, she and I both made a hole in one on the first hole, so we each won a free game! The funny thing is that the very first time she ever played putt putt, the same thing happened on this very hole. After that, she took the max for every hole. She's making progress, but for now, she's having fun. And, with our free games, we can go practice some more.

So, that's how we spent our last day of summer. I really hope next year is as much fun as this year was!

Girls Gone FAB

From the time Ann Bennett was tiny, like maybe 2, she loved the princesses and dressing up. She especially loved "Cindelella." For a while she even went through a phase where she called herself "Ann Bennett Cindelella princess." Even as a toddler she always had a purse. She loved (still does) shoes and accessories. Teaching toddlers and having a 2 yo niece reminds me of this stage -- as do all the blogs I read of younger girls. About a year and a half or maybe even 2 years ago she decided Cinderella couldn't be her favorite because she wears Carolina blue, and recently the princesses have become a bit uncool in her age group. But, she has struggled against this. Earlier this year she told me that she didn't like princesses any more, but she was on the verge of tears while saying this. We talked about how it seemed like she did like princesses but most of her friends didn't really like them. I told her it was OK to still like them even in her friends didn't. But, the period of all things princess and fancy seemed to be fading. Don't get me wrong, she still loves her shoes, accessories, nails, lip gloss and recently hair stuff, but the princesses seemed to be fading away.

Anyway, this week, I saw the newest version of dressing up. It seems a little like a trendy, hip, slightly sassy princess version. Notice they also dressed up Allie. In this picture, they are wearing the very first set of princess dress up clothes Ann Bennett had. Somewhere in this house I have a picture of a preschool Bryant in these clothes. He'd kill me if I ever found it and posted it, but trust me it was funny. It also only happened once.

It's funny how as Ann Bennett gets older her play seems more familiar to what I remember as a child. I never dressed up a dog, but our poor cat, Daisy, was tormented by the dress up clothes. Allie did NOT like the dress up! I don't have a great picture because she kept moving around trying to get this stuff off!

And just so you can see what the previous princesses looked like, here are a couple of pictures of Ann Bennett and Anne Catherine 3 years ago (obviously in the "cheese" stage). These are the oldest pictures on this computer. I'd have to work a lot harder, but I bet I could find one very much like this even earlier. Just so you don't have to do the math, the girls were 4 in these pics. (These two are "birthday buddies" as they say. Their birthdays are only a week apart.)

Letters Home!

I really didn't think I would get a letter home from camp Trinity, but my B surprised me. In my mailbox today was the following letter.

Monday 1:37PM

Dear Mom, and Dad
I already miss you.
Today we played metec ball
for share shops and crazy softball
during free swim. Because everybody
had to take a swim test. It is rest period
right now. We also won the cleanest
cabin award.
Love you all the way
to the moon and back,
Bryant

While this might demonstrate just a wee bit why I think he needs some work on his writing skills, it sure makes me feel good to have a little love in writing from my son. Carey thinks he is pulling our leg on the cleanest cabin award, but I don't know. B has always been competitive. Perhaps if I institute a competition for the cleanest room I'd be more successful! For now, I'm just happy to have a letter.

New Post Below

OK, someone has to tell me if it is possible to rearrange posts. I wanted the post about B going to camp to be the top post, so I posted the one about his nose first. But, apparently, since I started the one about camp first, it is listed as an older post. Is there any way to flip these? Either way, be sure to read the post about Gone Camping.

Gone Camping

This afternoon we drove Bryant to his first week of sleep away camp. He is at Camp Trinity, http://www.trinityctr.com/campt/. (Someday I'm going to learn how you do that fancy thing where you can just click on the words and go to the link.) Anyway, it is an Episcopal affiliated camp that is about 2 hours from here. It is at the beach, and from what I hear it is an old fashioned camp. The kids play a lot. They swim and learn to sail some, but they have a lot of games and general silliness. We knew that one friend was signed up for this week, but after he was accepted, we found out that a slew of kids from here are going to be there this week. In his cabin are 3 kids who were in the toddler class with B at preschool. Bryant doesn't remember one of the guys because they have not hung out since preschool, but the other 2 guys are really good friends. And, there are 3 girls from his school there and another girl he knows as well.

Anyway, we got him settled in his cabin -- made his bed, put his toiletries away, etc. It was time for us to leave, and I asked B if he wanted to walk us out. He said yes, and my wonderful, precious big guy gave me the best hug on that porch. He told me he was going to miss me, and he even admitted he was just the tiniest bit nervous. Fortunately, there are a bunch of kids he knows and families I know. I felt completely comfortable leaving him there. If I had not felt so certain, it would have been much harder to leave. I KNOW he is going to have a great time. I KNOW he will learn a lot about being away. I KNOW camp is where so many of us really begin our personal relationship with God. I just HOPE he brushes his teeth, changes his clothes and MOST of all I hope he doesn't mess up his nose again! Tonight's group activity is dodge ball. I have not heard from the camp yet, so I'm hoping this means his nose is OK. I am pretty sure evening activities are over and they are moving into the camp fire time.

Long story short, my son is away for a week of camp, and I cannot wait to hear all about it and have him back home.

Broken But Not Beaten

July 8th, Carey and Bryant went to the baseball park for some batting practice. Carey was throwing balls to B. B squared around to bunt and somehow missed the ball. Instead, the ball hit him in the face. They both knew instantly that the nose was broken. He dropped to his knees and said take me home. Carey was really flipped out, but the doctors didn't even want to see him immediately. That Friday, July 10, we went to see the ENT. She confirmed it was broken and that Bryant would need some surgery to repair it. The tricky part, as is always the case for the Sassers, is that we were leaving town on Sunday for a world series baseball tournament. It is really the biggest event of the travel ball team. Long story short, we decided to let B play in the tournament. His nose was already broken. If he got hit in the nose again, it would hurt, but they would just fix it when we do the surgery the following week. By waiting until we returned, it also meant one of Betsy's, our ENT, partners would have to do the surgery. We all decided that was OK. Bryant had to wear the face mask on his batting helmet, and he hated it, but he didn't have a choice. And, you know what? He had a great tournament. He made some great plays, slid into many bases head first, hit the ball and had a really good time with his team.

The picture at the top of the post is right after he came home. He was diligent about keeping ice on his nose. If you look very carefully, you can see that on HIS right, the bone is sticking out a bit at the top. You can also see on his left that the swelling or something was pushing right up into his left eye. The left side of his nose was also indented? It felt and still feels like it was flattened a little. I'm writing most of this so I remember later. Sorry.

Just so you can see the black eye and swelling. A lot of people asked him about it.

Mini golf in Myrtle Beach. This was a cool course. Some of the holes were in these huts. It also kept us a little drier than the group that played another course! Dylan, Hunter, Bryant and Duane. Every time we go to MB, Bryant wants to play putt putt, but we rarely have the chance. It was nice to be able to indulge this request!

Back home after surgery, with the "cast." He did really well with the surgery and anesthesia. He was really itching and not happy that he could not scratch his nose, but that was about all. The anesthesiologist gave him a benadryl, and the nurse warned that with the anesthesia and the adult dosage of benadryl that he would be very sleepy all day. He wasn't. He did not even take a nap until very late afternoon.

Finally, just so you know he's back to normal, this is what I found on my camera after driving to GA. Apparently B was entertaining himself with taking pics on my camera. This one made me smile. Surgery to make sure his nose is fixed so he can contort his nose like this!

Happy 4th!

We certainly had a memorable 4th. We have spent the weekend at Ocracoke (an island on the outer banks where Glenn and Mandy have a house). You have to take a ferry to get here. From our direction you ride a 2 hour 15 minute ferry. From the north end the ferry is about 40 minutes, I think. Anyway, right at 9:00am, there was a huge explosion that shook the house. I thought it sounded like some strange kind of thunder that just kept rumbling. Carey thought it sounded like something blew up in here and water was then rushing through/pouring through the house. We looked out the porch and (in addition to the gazillion other people we saw rushing out to look, including a man in his boxers which had Bryant in stitches) saw what looked like a huge white mushroom cloud. As it began to fade, darker clouds of smoke were seen. If you have not heard, the fireworks truck blew up. They were just beginning to unload the fireworks and set them up for the celebration that night. As they opened the back door to the truck, it blew up. It threw one person to the water. One person died quickly, and 4 were taken to the burn unit in Chapel Hill, I think. Two more have since died, and the remaining 2 are in critical condition. They immediately turned the ferry around and sent them back -- they were very close to landing. I can't imaging how frustrating it must have been to see the island and then be turned around. They did not allow anyone to come over on that ferry all day. The northern ferry was closed for much of the day to allow emergency vehicles on and off. It took quite a while for the helicopters to get here for the injured people, but fortunately there was some medical support on the island. It was very tragic.

Today, we are thankful that more people were not injured in the accident. This was only the 3rd year fireworks have been planned on this island. I'm guessing that might be because they must drive those things over on a ferry. Can you imagine being on the ferry with a loaded truck of fireworks? I don't know if they will ever do it again. I'm praying that the others injured will heal quickly and with minimal pain. Having been in the burn unit at Chapel Hill, I know it is a very scary, hard place to be. These people were all from Rock Hill, SC, so I hope their families are able to come be with them. Every time I see fireworks from now on, I will probably remember this firework show that did not happen and just how dangerous a business fireworks can be.

The JOY of Coaching Your Son

OK, it is not always easy to coach your son. It is frustrating when your son will not listen to you. You feel like he might need someone else's instruction. You worry about whether you are being blind to your child's difficulties or playing daddy ball. Sometimes you don't even recognize their strengths in an effort to be fair. It's hard to be coach and dad. But, Carey would not have traded the experience for anything. How long do you have this chance? And, then there are the rare opportunities you get to experience the joy of sharing a big victory with your son. I love these pictures of Carey giving B his trophy because he seems so happy, and he is so obvious with his love. No one else got a hug!

Hoisting the Cup!

The summer of 2007 Carey finished his 4th year coaching Cal Ripkin baseball (2 years of tee ball and 2 years of machine pitch). He was an assistant coach on the All Star team the first year of machine pitch, and he was the head guy the summer of '07. We won the District III All-Star tournament and did well at states, but we only did OK at our local park. After All-Stars, Carey was determined he would not be coaching Bryant any more. He told everyone who asked and even some who didn't. He felt like he had coached all he could. Well, it is now 2 years later, and he's coached 2 full years (4 seasons) more.

At the start of this year, Sasser Appraisals was one of the teams to beat. We lost (or maybe tied) our very first game to an expansion team. It was not a pretty picture. But, we finished our season 9-3-1. Oh the stories I could tell. It's amazing the politics and craziness that accompany kids' sports! Anyway, our park has an end of the year tournament for all levels except tee-ball. (Although the first year Bryant played even tee ball had a tourney - it was crazy!) All of the games in our division, the Minors, were exciting games. Our second game was against the team that finished just ahead of us and had beaten us in the last regular season game. Man were we off that night! But, we beat them in an exciting game to make it to the Championship game. Our biggest competition and the winners of the regular season did not make it to the championships! That was a big upset.

Anyway, I'm sure you can tell where this is going. The Sasser Appraisal boys played their hearts out and won the tournament. It was very exciting! There were so many people there that night. It was the last week of school, and people turned out to watch. It made me very nervous. But, the boys won, and I'm not sure who was more excited - Carey, Coach Brian (who coached the team for 2 years even though he did not have a child on the team), the parents or the boys. But, here's the story in pictures.

Coach Brian huddling the infield up in the last inning (we were visitors), so we needed one last out to win. Who knows what he said!

Just after he struck out the batter for the final out. Have you seen a more joyous expression? I love how the others are running in to celebrate with him.

The mob scene after the win.

Hoisting the team trophy -- as Carey says.

Waiting for their individual trophies. At this point, you only get trophies if you win the regular season or the tournament, so these actually mean something.

Alright, here's what we're going to do. One more huddle and let's make sure everyone can hear us.

1, 2, 3, "Sassquatch" (For some reason that's what they always called it up with.)

And that ends the 2009 Minor League season. We'll see what happens in the Majors next year! If you want to see a video of the joy, here's a link to another Mom's video. It is NOT me yelling beside her. I was yelling, but I just wasn't right beside her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcSSJPqO5HY