Syndi's First Baseball Game

Syndi had her first baseball game on a recent Saturday. The Indians battled the Athletics. Syndi did well. The whole family came to watch.

Syndi stands in for her first at bat. She was a little timid, but hit the ball solidly without needing a tee.
Syndi at first base as the next batter takes aim. Junior occupied himself by climbing.
Stephen watched from his own lawn chair.
Syndi played in left field.
She awaited another at-bat in the dugout.
Syndi's second trip to the plate...

...produced her second hit. No tee necessary.
Coming home, she almost got passed by the runner behind her. Syndi scored a run after each of her first two hits.
Meanwhile, Junior continued to climb...
...and climb... and scare some of the parents in the bleachers beside us. He was about 6 feet clear from the ground on the 10-foot fence.
The game ended, and the teams lined up to shake hands. Syndi went 2-for-3, with her potential third "hit" turning into an out as she ran slowly and timidly to first base. She had a lot of fun, and we are proud of her. Way to go Syndi!

Baseball Time

Syndi is in a YMCA baseball league, and had just received her uniform on the night we took these pictures.

She decided to try it on. Her team is the Indians, and the league is coach-pitch baseball.
Syndi is really enjoying playing, and she's doing well.
Her brothers decided to get in on the fun, too.
This little one - Stephen - has quite the arm.
Syndi and Junior were tossing the ball back and forth. If only Junior would keep his eyes open.
Syndi looking like a real baseball player in her uniform. Next time I'll update you on Syndi's first baseball game.

The Aunt Lorrie Move

So we packed up and headed to New Jersey to pack Aunt Lorrie's belongings up and move her to Georgia. We left late morning and made a lunch stop at a rest stop.

The kids did great on the road. (In fact, they really did well for the entire trip.)
We stayed over at Doug and Debbie's near DC. We really enjoyed sitting and talking with them before getting a good night's rest.
This food stop was at Wendy's. I'll have to make another post of Stephen enjoying his Frosty.
On the front porch at Aunt Lorrie's.
The kids enjoyed helping load the ABF truck. They were good helpers all through. The only problem was seeing them around the boxes and furniture we carried.
ABF U-pack is truly a great way to go! Less expensive and easier than driving yourself. Everything arrived just like we packed it.
Water break for Stephen.
Aunt Lorrie had some pretty azaleas planted throughout the yard.
One last day at the Demarest house.
Aunt Lorrie, Jon and the kids on the front porch.
We made a visit to Belmont Street for old times' sake. My grandfather helped build this place. I spent many a holiday here.
Aunt Lorrie enjoyed one last visit.
We stayed at Chris and Brent's palce. Brent grilled some delicious food. Kudos to the cook!
Breakfast after a good rest.
And a group picture outside their apartment.
A passing shot of Philadelphia, near my old stomping grounds.
Beltway traffic in DC.
Junior having fun on the ride.
At our hotel in Virginia, surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Passing through the western part of Virginia. It's a beautiful place!
After a jaunt through Tennessee, we made it home to Rome.

Stephen's Birthday!

Stevie Boy turned two a couple of weeks ago! The family celebrated with a picnic dinner at a local park, birthday pie at home, and presents in the family room.

Stephen was really enjoying his meal. Open wide!
Junior and Daddy were likewise enjoying their meals. Thanks Mom!
The kids had fun running from slide to slide, climbing steps, crossing bridges, crawling through tunnels and swinging on swings.

Syndi was a good helper for Stephen.
But Stephen likes to be very independent.
Stephen got a little scared when Daddy pushed him too high, but the payoff of "flying" was well worth it.
Will you stop taking pictures and give us our underdog?
Stephen especially enjoyed when Daddy twisted the swing in circles and let him spin out of it. Maybe that smile gives it away.

Junior is a crazy climbing man.
Standing firm on the Rock!
Here comes the strawberry pie!
Happy Birthday Stephen!
One down. One to go.


OK, who gets to lick the icing off the candles?
Stephen wonders where his piece is.
Um...I think he liked the pie.

Ya, he liked it. Now you see why he's only wearing a diaper.Hey Dad, what's in there?

The kids anxiously await the contents of the box.
Stephen: "Great Dad, what am I supposed to do with this black thing?"

Daddy: "Aunt Chris and Uncle Brent sent it...ask them."

Daddy works diligently to assemble the trike while Stephen notices there is another present.
Here you go Stevie Boy!
Stephen: "Cool, it's got popcorn packing...literally!"
Daddy: "Thanks Aunt Mary and Uncle Justin. Paybacks are tough."

The perfect card for a two-year-old!
"Look Dad, there's more popcorn IN the toy's box!"
"Dad, I don't want to pose...there's popcorn to be eaten!"
Stephen using one gift to help assemble the other gift.
Done at last! What a cool ride.