Tanner and baseball 2009

Tanner has had a great year in baseball. He was in majors playing on the Cubs! They got first place the first half and 2nd the second half and have qualified to go to the Tournament of Champions this weekend.

Tanner is a utility player, which means he is used in all infield positions and some outfield as needed by the coach. He sometimes plays 4 positions a game. His favorite is shortstop but spent time at right and third this year. He also pitches and really holds his emotions on the mound well. He has 5 pitches; 2 and 4 finger fastball, slip pitch, curve ball and a slider. He just tried out for the All Stars and had some stiff competition but we won't know if he made until June 12th so we will update you on that later. He would love to make it but with so many kids trying out it's very tough.

Because he is only 11 years old during the season he is one of the youngest on his majors team. Most of the kids are 12 and leaving for juniors next year. Tanner did well playing with the older kids and learned a lot this year. He has one more year of majors and that will put him on top since he will then be the oldest.

He is trying to make a decision as to whether play competitive winter ball or travel ball this winter. It all depends on what his friends do I guess. Well, we are proud of his hard work and competitive spirit along with his awesome sportsmanship and respect for his coaches. His coaches love his attitude which gives him high scores for the next round of tryouts. Every year we are told by one coach or another that they want to get Tanner for their team. So that makes us proud and gives him a boost of confidence.

Go Cubs!

I know, I know...it's about time right?

I can't believe that it is already May and I have Tanner graduating from elementary school and heading to middle school next year.  Wayne is 6 months post surgery and has snowboarded this year and is now back in the water and is surfing.  It is amazing the change in him and his life.  I am so proud of his hard work in his recovery efforts.  He still has a while to go to be completly 100% but he is on his way.  

Now...I guess it is my turn.  I have had some hip pain for about 8 weeks and finally got my way to the doctor when I could barely get out to the baseball field the other day.  I was afraid the doctor was going to tell me the pain was in my head or what Wayne was told but thank goodness it was neither.  I was diagnosised with Hip Impingement and I need arthroscopic hip surgery to remove some bone.  Wonderful!  Oh well.......  :(

But in better news....Tanner's team is on their way to the Tournament of Champions this year which could take them all the way to the Little League World Series....it's a huge long shot but the slightest chance is cool for the boys.  They have only lost 3 games this year out of 21 and they are great bunch of kids and treat each other with respect and reassurance.  It's amazing to watch.  

Tonya and Billy are doing fantastic.  They are getting ready to go to Europe in September, I believe, and I hope it can happen for them.  Billy's business ventures are doing great!  He is such a hard worker and will be a wonderful provider for their family.  

Tonya did plan an April Fool's Day joke on all the parents this year....and had us all jumping for joy and crying when she told us that we were going to be grandparents....well, after the tears of joy were shed we got the "April Fools" sent to us via text message.  I was sad, angry and a little relieved since hearing the word "Grandma" may be a bit pre-mature for me yet.  But I know just based on my reaction from the joke that I will be absolutely ecstactic for her and Billy.  They will be great parents.

Cole is still working full-time at Home Depot and loves it.  He also spends much of his spare time surfing and when the wind does get around to blowing....kite-boarding.  It's hard to keep up with him and all his activities but as long as I don't get anymore calls from the hospital...all is good.

Wayne is back to work.  Not what I was hoping he would go back doing but work is work in these economic times.  He tries to hit the water after work as much as he can and it's nice to see that smile on his face again.  

Wayne and I celebrate 14 years this year....it's amazing!  We are happier, absolutely more infatuated with each other, more at ease with each other...and respect each other more each year.  I appreciate his hard work and understand that he does it for us.  I know that he would rather be traveling the world for the perfect peak!  I hope that when we retire we can do that together.  It would be wonderful!   

Dreaming for that time to come..... :)