May 7 – “Semifinals”

We got off to an early start yesterday for our first 9 a.m. game.  Kel and Jachin had to leave really early to get to the field for batting practice at 7:30.  To do my part in the morning scurry to get ready, I was enlisted to help the final stragglers rise and shine.  And how else would I do that but through a rousing rendition of that wonderful classical piece, “I’m a Nut”?  It ended up serving its delightful purpose for all four of the younger children.  They absolutely loved it.  Josiah was especially enamored when he received assistance with shedding his covers as well as a little hauling from the mattress by his ankles.  Sigh.  Such fond memories we are building.

 

Of course some memories are more difficult than others.  The baseball game was one of the latter.  We played another team from Texas, the Fort Worth Riders.  They have a first baseman who has already committed to play for LSU.  That was the highlight of the game.  Well, that and the run we scored.  Of course the bad guys scored 13.  Ouch.

 

To celebrate, many of the team families decided to have ice cream for lunch.  No, really.  We went to a place called Ridge Island Groves.  It was an actual working farm of peaches and blueberries.  And we jumped right into the whole experience.  Yep.  Blueberry picking.  My first time at that interesting cultural experience.  Oh … and their ice cream.  Yum.  I had some combination of peach and vanilla.  While on our hunt for the blueberries, I came across another example of area wildlife.  I saw a massive grasshopper.  He even had a few smaller versions of himself nearby.  Ezra tried to pet him.  Brave lad.  I also met some other Texans.  I first saw the daughter’s Texas Rangers Nolan Ryan jersey.  Can’t help but be drawn to an iconic remnant such as that.  I chatted with the Dad for a bit.  They were also in town for the baseball tournament.  They are in a different division than us, though.  When Mom joined the conversation I found out that her Mom was a BOI.  Small world.

 

Last night we played host to a gathering of players and families.  It was a conglomeration of swimming and video games and table games and ultimately Kel figuring out a way to watch the Astros game on the TV.  And the Astros won!  Great to add a victory to the mix.

 

Ephesians 6:2-3 says, “’Honor your father and mother’ – which is the first commandment with a promise – ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’”

 

Father, thank you for the comradery we saw among the guys who were here last night.  Give them experiences like that throughout their lives.  Amen.