Batter up!

After weeks of trying to get back to blogging, I am excited to share that Caleb has been participating in his first ever t-ball league through Fort Wayne Parks and Rec! For the past month, we've been going out to Lawton Park Tuesday and Thursday mornings with our Twins hat and baseball glove to meet up with Coach Kate, Coach Sarah, and our new friends Abigail, Sarah, Kate, Xavier and Brayton for a 45 minute practice session. It is a non-competitive league, so instead of playing games they practice catching (alligator chomp style), throwing (apple, muscle, step, throw!) batting and running around the bases. The coaches mixed in some games of red light, green light and duck, duck, goose and provided constant encouragement to keep the kids excited about t-ball! Today was their last practice for the June session, so they invited the grown-ups out for a game of kids vs. adults! The kids won of course, but it was tons of fun—Ethan even got to throw a couple balls in to home plate.

Caleb has always enjoyed baseball and watching him play with some other kids his age proved that he has a good arm, long, speedy legs and a strong swing! The June session went so quickly, we decided to sign him up for another session in July. And besides his development with t-ball, I can see that he is becoming more independent as he runs out on the field for practice on his own every day. I just can't wait to see how he develops over the next couple years!

Besides t-ball, Caleb has made a new best friend. We had to say good-bye to our good friends the Heinecke's last month as they headed out for their first call to Webster, Wisconsin (ironically, something like an hour north of Kevin's parents). So Caleb had his buddy Malachi over for a sleep over just before their move. Since then, he has developed an unexpected friendship with "Princess Madeline!" One of the wives at the sem, works as a nanny for a couple of doctors, so we've been having playdates with her and the doctors' kids, Madeline (6) and Isaac (3). I'm not sure what it was, but after our first playdate, Caleb was so excited to tell me about his adventures with Princess Madeline and the palace at the park! Since then he continually asks, "When are we going to play with Madeline again?" And on our last visit to the zoo, the two of them paid more attention to each other, than to the animals (not to mention they held hands for much of the day). Kevin and I still aren't quite sure what to think of it all.

Luckily, my "baby" Ethan still thinks his mama is his best girl ;) Although, he is much more social than Caleb ever was at his age. He'll say hi or bye to almost anyone—or anything for that matter. He has even started passing out kisses to everyone at church! Which can't possibly be hurting Daddy's reputation, right? Ha! I could go on for hours about all the adorable things he is doing these days. He is incredibly giggly and chatty and continues to follow and mimic his big brother with every turn. His vocabulary is increasing every day, but still no luck saying "Caleb." He has figured out the concept of two—two crayons, two cars, two cookies, etc.—and we're working on colors, although everything at this point is "blue!" He is just all around CUTE! And one of our favorite games is to shout "hey!" and wait for him to say "hey!" back. It always gets a giggle and continues for a good four or five rounds ;)

Nothing compares to the many proud parenting moments, but I am finding myself overwhelmed with a variety of other activities as well. Many new families have starting moving to Fort Wayne for the upcoming year (it is strange, how often people come and go in this place). So I am meeting some fun new ladies, while trying to figure out how to keep up with those I just met last fall. I adopted a "little sister" from Colorado—a new sem wife who I am helping transition into her new lifestyle as a sem wife and citizen of Fort Wayne. She and I are getting along very well, and I was excited to learn that she will be expecting baby #2 in February!! Besides attending bi-weekly SWA events such as knitting and cardmaking, I also just finished my second newsletter for the Seminary Wives Association—which is probably my favorite extra-curricular activity!

Kevin, on the other hand, gets one or two nights a week with the seminary softball team (I think they're ranked 3rd in their league). But the much of the rest of his time is spent flipping through Hebrew flashcards from his recliner in the living room. He is relieved to be wrapping up session one, but then session two (Hebrew part II) begins shortly thereafter.

Despite the typical summer church slump, we are becoming very busy out at our field work church. Kevin mentioned preaching a couple sermons in the near future (Wednesday services this month I believe) and the two of us are leading youth group twice a month through August. Kevin will prepare the devotions and I really just get to enjoy the games, canoeing, mini-golf and supporting the kids in their efforts to give Kevin a hard time ;)

With all of that on our schedule, I can only imagine our trip home will be here before we know it! Love and hugs...