The Week that Was

OK so there is not much to talk about this week. The girls were away all week at grandma's house and that is sure to make next week interesting but that made this week pretty dull for me.

The Spider Monkeys did not play this week due to rain which seemed to last all week.

I had lunch with friends all this week and that was great. I am having Ryan over on Saturday and then I am going to get the girls on Sunday. Next week appears to be pretty busy already so maybe that will make up for this week.

Still Winning

The Monkeys win again last night. In yet another close game the Monkeys were able to come from behind and win in the late innings. After giving up alternating three run innings (in the even numbered innings) they found themselves facing a 6-9 deficit heading into the bottom of the 6th inning. Clutch hitting, keen awareness of the strike zone, and good base running keyed the victory. The Mafia's pitchers could not find the strike zone in the late innings and many of the Monkeys made it on base via the free pass. The final score 10-9.

Nikki was back in action last night. She did not appear to be bothered by the neck injury as she played a great game getting hits in all of her at bats and making a couple of great catches in the outfield. Once again Kristen made a good play when making an awkward catch in foul territory at third. The umpire even commented on the great catch.

On a Roll

The Spider Monkeys won their third straight game tonight. In keeping with the tradition the Monkeys gave up some runs in the first innings and dug themselves into a deep hole. They were down 5-1 heading into the bottom of the fourth but they turned it around with a couple of big innings and ended up winning 10-7.

Injury update:
Nikki is out for an indeterminate time with a broken neck.
Lori is out for an indeterminate time with a sprained ankle.

Nikki was replaced in the line up with Keri, who played a wonderful game at catcher and had a double. Recille filled in for Lori and played right field. She also a couple of good hits. The Monkeys are now over .500 and have shown great improvement especially defensively. They have just a couple more games left this summer.

A Busy Day

Interesting day at school today for the girls. Adrienne and her friends at Adventure Club painted faces today. Adrienne of course has a heart on her face and was devastated to have to wash it off before swimming. Abbie lost a tooth today at school. She had been playing with it for a while and I was devastated not to be able to pull it out. After the exciting day at school the girls got to cool off in the pool that recently opened at the apartment complex. Adrienne still needs a little help so in jumped Dad.

Spider Monkeys Win Again!

The Spider Monkeys won again this week that makes two in a row, but again this victory comes with a high cost. The Monkeys gave up their customary big first inning, giving up 6 runs in the top of the first. But they put the clamps on after that and did not give up another run the remainder of the game. The runs came slowly at first but they managed a big 6th inning scoring 7 runs in the bottom of that frame.

It was also in the 6th that the Spider Monkeys lost their left fielder to injury. Lori, the boisterous mid season acquisition, suffered a serious injury at third. Third seems to be a tough base for the Monkeys, I recommend extreme caution to all approaching third for the remainder of the season. For my well-being I may need to reconsider my commitment of playing in the fall.

I will try to get an injury update tomorrow.

Independence Day

The Smith Family had a full day on the 4th. We started with fireworks on the outskirts of town and then baked brownies for the BBQ at Melissa's house. The BBQ was a lot of fun the girls played washers with Eric and John and we ate great food. After the BBQ we went to the top of a parking garage and watched the city's fireworks display. The girls had a great time but we were all exhausted by the end.

I would have gotten the pictures posted earlier but I forgot my camera at Melissa's house. She and John were kind enough to bring the camera by the house on Sunday. Thanks guys. It is probably thanks at least in part, to Abbie professing her love of John as we were leaving the BBQ.