2008 Winter Nationals

You would think I had a ton of photos since it was such a long tournament. Wrong. The first day Billy came down with the stomach flu and the other games with the exception of one was a night or early morning game with horrible light and shadows. I really wanted to play with my new lens but I needed bright sunlight and it was just not happening. There are a few of Dennis playing ion the cold, winter weather. Poor kid had to wear long johns under his uniform because of the cold weather.

Opening Day Winter Nationals

The Cougars were invited to participate in Winter Nationals this year and it was the first time for the team. It involves four 0r five days of pool play games as well as the opening day activities. There was pin trading, skills and agility competitions and a friendly game of wiffle ball with the pros. It was a perfect way to wind down from the holiday festivities.

Dennis and his Chrome Hearts......

Christmas Day

We had a very nice Christmas celebration this year. My parents, mother in law, aunt and cousins all came over for a Christmas Meal and gift exchange. It was perfect with the exception that my sister and her family were celebrating in Santa Barbara. I'm already looking forward to next year Buffy!

I'm disappointed that I didn't take more photos. I was still suffering from the flu and not up to speed. I'm sorry that I didn't capture any pictures of my father, Judie, aunt and cousins. Next time....

Christmas monring

We are lucky enough to spend Christmas morning at home with just our cozy little family of four....well five if you count Annie. The boys really enjoyed coming downstairs to find what goodies Santa left. After a quick breakfast we got the house ready for company and more presents......

Christmas Eve 2008

On Christmas Eve little Dennis and I woke up to the stomach flu. It was a horrible, gut wrenching flu. I won't go into the details as we've all had the stomach flu but this one took the cake. At one point during the day Dennis asked me to take him to the hospital because he felt so bad. But we survived and despite our hesitations we made the drive down to Apache Junction to spend the holiday with the Strieter family. Dennis and Andrea hosted the event and Julie and her boys, Shannon, Grandma Jane, Jeff and Alex and family, Jack and Jackie were all in attendance. It was a gorgeous potluck of flank steak and all the fixing's! The boys received enough toys for a toy store and the evening ended with Papa playing his guitar and singing Christmas carols. It was a wonderful holiday celebration. The photos do not due it justice as I was just not in the mood to play with my camera despite my new 18-200VR lens that I opened(thanks honey!)

One more!

As I was editing photos to upload I came across our Christmas Card session. I think this one of the boys turned out good enough to share! I'm glad we don't have to do that again for another year.

Billy's Holiday Performance

Billy's preschool had a holiday performance and potluck in December. Each class sang one song for the audience. Billy advised his class was singing jingle bells and so for a few weeks leading up to the big day we practiced the famous song. However, we learned the night of the performance his class sang a different song about hats, gloves and snowmen. I think Billy got a little confused. He stood very still during the performance and did not sing a word. Priceless.

Final Lil' Slugger game of the season

Billy's first T-ball season has come to an end. What we learned is that Billy enjoys the after game snacks most of all. He gets bored easily in the field and running the bases makes him "tired." However, he does have fun when "fans" come to watch him play. Before every game he asks who is coming to the game to see him and as he runs the bases he gives a parade style wave to the spectators. We decided to give it one more shot next season. We found a great group of parents and kids and we hope Billy wants to continue to play. Billy is very proud of his first trophy and it sits on his nightstand next to his bed.