The Ole Ball Team

Here we have the glorious, albeit win less, Spider Monkeys! Above is captain/manager/leader Brandon. And pictured below is the second basewoman, Kristen. Behind Kristen in right field (it's important you know) is Melissa.

And in this bottom picture is the pitching staff's ace, John. John is working hard at improving his walk to strikeout ratio and has made great improvements from game one to this the second game. Had rain not cut the game short they would have certainly won this game.

A Public Service Anouncement

Just in case you did not know or somehow forgot!

Big Tigers and Little Tigers, What a Busy Saturday!!

Saturday was very eventful for the Smiths. We awoke early, for a Saturday, and went to Jesse Hall for Adventures in Education. The girls had a blast. We visited booths from Political Science, Archeology, and many others. The girls had their pictures taken with TJ at Jesse. Then we ate lunch and went to the Spring Game. Here the girls had their pictures taken with Truman and we watched the game. The girls came home each with a load of freebies and memories. A great time that we will surely enjoy next year.

Kentucky

Abbriel started horseback riding lessons today. This is done in conjunction with girl scouts and she is going with one of her friends. Abbriel was a little anxious and admitted, once on the horse, that she was scared. I am proud of her and her courage. When she was done she sounded very eager to go back and ride again. Adrienne was very jealous of Abbriel and begged me to let her ride on a horse. Yes, Adrienne the same little girl that had been telling me for a week how dangerous it was to let little girls like Abbriel ride horses. What have I gotten myself into?

Click this link or the title at the top to see more pictures from the horseback riding lessons.

Beware the Squirrel

BEWARE THE RAVENOUS SQUIRREL!!

I have been telling people for years to watch out for the squirrels. They are dangerous creatures. They may look cute and cuddly but that is a deceptive mask the put on for the people. "Yo! squirrels be front'n y'all", as some may say. Look at the pictures below and tell me that the squirrel is an herbivore. I have a great swell of pity for the poor unfortunate chicken that had to sacrifice its femur so that this squirrel could eat well.

To Bee or Not to Bee

After several weeks of trying we finally got to go to the free movie that plays at the Forum 8 on the weekends. We had tried something like three straight times and could not get a ticket. We managed to break the streak and we watched the Bee Movie an animated film with Jerry Sienfield as the main voice actor. The girls loved the movie. Abbriel had seen it on a field trip with the Adventure Club but it was new to Adrienne and I and we had lots to laugh about. The theater has these great kids packs that include soda, popcorn, and a candy treat. Adrienne could not finish her popcorn so Abbriel and I gladly helped her with it.

Self-defense and safety

The girls had a chance to go to a free seminar at the local Taekowndo dojo (the one in the gas station). The lesson was safety and how to protect yourself from strangers. This was done in coordination with the Amber alert system with the purpose, not to get kids to kick the crap out of each other and their parents, but to teach children the correct things to do if they are in trouble and a stranger is trying to hurt them. I think it was a valuable lesson for the girls and they had a great time. I even went on the mat with them and let them kick the crap out of me. There is a good story about the event in the Columbia paper from Sunday.

Book it

Adrienne wanted to use her book it coupon for a free personal pan pizza at Pizza Hut. I chose to take her on a day that Abbriel was at girl scouts so that Adrienne and I could be alone and have some fun. The Worley Pizza Hut has to be the worst one in town. If it is not then I don't want to try the other one. We made the best of the situation and had a good time.

Happy Birthday John!!

We had our monthly birthday celebration at work and John was one of the lucky celebrators. We had a flashback themed party and there were a few good outfits and lots of good music. We had lunch at Flat Branch which was a first for me, and I must say that the food was very good. I really hope the picture above doesn't get anyone in trouble ;)

Lets Go Fly a Kite

The girls went out earlier this week and flew their kites. Adrienne's kite is a fish and it really flew great. She had a great time. Abbriel is flying her Pokemon kite that she bought. I know hard to believe right Abbriel and Pokemon. :)