Kenny!

It's often been stated that Camelot was a perfect place, in the perfect time. On Wednesday night I had one of those nights where everything not only went well but was simply perfect. We went to the Kenny Chesney concert (we love him over here) with 16 of my favorite people (a few others were missing). A few months ago a friend/family of ours won a suite so we were treated to our own bathroom, cases of cold Corona, food and a balcony dead center stage. It was a blast - room to dance, sing, move around. We absolutely soared through the night. After which we were lucky enough that my sister-in-law, Missy, won two tickets to the after party. Now here's the lesson ... she went to pick up her two tickets and asked for more. She told them her party has 16 people and they ... gave her 16 tickets. Hmmm ... ask for what you want? It gets better. We arrived at the bar to a line two city blocks long and 5 people wide. So, a few went walking and came back with news that there was a much shorter line converging at the door with the LONG line. Fifteen minutes later we were in, cold beer in hand and making our way to the stage. We ran into some other friends -- she had her hat signed by Kenny and had sat in the "Sandbar" (a closed off section of the front stage). I asked her how she got the tickets and she said ... "I just asked if there was room for me to get in". Hmm ... again, ask for what you want? We ended up in the front (Missy literally IN THE FRONT) while Kenny made an appearance at the bar and sang one of my favorite songs (along with a few others). Luke Bryan made a brief appearance also. We had a fantastic time and it made me remember (thank you Jayne, thank you Missy) that you absolutely have to ask for what you want in this world.

Baseball & Ice Cream

The baseball tournament went well. Cooper played one game behind the plate and did really well for his first game--not to mention that game they played against the #3 team in the nation. He is not playing as much as last year--there are only four boys who didn't play this level of ball last year and he's one of them so he is sitting more often. It is a character builder for sure--but he is also learning a lot about the game.

Last night they had their first league game--different rules and even up play time--and he caught for 3 innings and did fantastic. They got two players in a pickle at the same time (between 2 and 3 and 3 and home) and he stayed in the game, threw and caught with confidence. Eric was laughing and smiling and very proud. As was Coopy.

The best part though--most of the team was going to our resident ice cream stop walking distance from the baseball park. We were going to forgo the pit stop but as I was going to drive by I realized nearly his whole team was there. We swung in and I was so happy we did. He is new to this group of kids and it was worth the late night to watch him giggling and being integrated into a new group of boys.

I told Eric late last night--it is so much fun to watch your kids grow up, find their passion and learn their way. It is painful sometimes, too (It's not the most fun I've ever had watching him sit the bench) but I know he's learning life lessons and I know he's growing. Sad. Happy. Excited. Tearful. Proud.

Swing, Batter-Batter, Swing!

Cooper has his first baseball game tonight. I'm a little nervous for him as this is definitely a step up in competition from what he's done in the past. The boys were told in the beginning of practice that they were chosen to "bring home a state championship!" Yikes. So, here we go.

What's interesting is the demeanor on the field is actually much more positive and healthy than it was last year when he played recreational ball. It's amazing the difference the leadership of a team can make. The new coach will not raise his voice. If he has comments to make to the boys he walks out to them and discusses quietly and personally what they need to work on. Right on! Cooper is enjoying himself and feeling good about what they're doing so that's all that really matters.

I'm hoping in a few months I'll look back on this post and have memories of a fun, exciting, learning year of ball for him. I think about my tenth year and how passionate I was about skating and know how important this all is to him. I think it may be harder to have my job--sit back, watch, wait, enjoy. Having no control of the outcome for him is a little nerve racking--and a little expensive. I've bought everything he could possibly need to feel comfortable, look right and play. That's pretty much my job. Do the shopping. Do the driving. Do the cheering while he does the playing.