Sponsored Date Night

Burke was invited to a Bees game with America First.

The plan was that he was going to take Ryker on a fun little outing.

Ryker wanted to go to baseball practice instead.

I was very proud of him for that!

So, Burke got to take me instead.

We don't take these moments for granted!

We hold hands in the car.

We talk about work and kids and baseball and football.

This was our first time at the new stadium...

More on my thoughts regarding that later.

It was a beautiful night.

Free food.

Meeting his associates with America First.

Hearing baseball bats hit baseballs.

 

Baseball Season

Ryker had his first baseball game on Tuesday.

He is a Cub this year.

His coach is Ray, a coach he's had for years and years in all sports.

Ryker played first base and right field on Tuesday.

I love sitting at the field and I love watching Ryker play with his friends.

On another note, look at this beautiful nightstand!

Cooper made this in wood class.

I am stunned.

I mean, Coop is great.

But THIS is extra!

 

This Boy

This kid, though!

Daddy gave him a big boy haircut.

He looks way too grown up.

Yes, there is a waffle, "mac," whipped cream, and milk in a bottle.

You don't see the fruit snacks and pop tart.

When at Papa & Gigi's, you get what you want!!

He talks in the third person - hilarious.

He says some bad words very appropriately - not hilarious, but so hard not to laugh.

He sprayed water ALL OVER the kitchen and himself whilst "doing dishes."

Uncle Cooper told him no more.

Hudson: 

"Oh, dammit. Ah, dammit. Oh, dammit."

All whilst looking down and shaking his head.

I finally got out of me, "Hudson, that's a bad word."

I'm pretty sure his Smith-like selective hearing did not hear a word I said.

He loves nerf guns (thanks Uncle Ryker), trucks (thanks Uncle Cooper), tools (thanks Uncle Porter), "cooking," "doing laundry," and the park.

 

Girlies

Isis sent me this pictures from the weekend.

These cute girlies got to ride ponies!

I am literally obsessed with my grand babies...

Not that it's obvious!

I love that they were not afraid to hop right on and take a little horse ride!

Cute little family!

 

Lucky #7

I opened a Mother's Day gift from Colton & Diana yesterday.

THIS was inside!!

Grandbaby #7 will be here in October!

A Fall baby is coming!

Papa cried a little.

I just couldn't stop talking!

We are so excited!

 

Cheeeeeeeeeeeser

Mia sent me this picture last night.

Can you even?!?!

He is a little cheeeeser!

Love our Hudson Dean!

 

Annual Lunch & Softball

We did it again!

Steak & Softball.

For the people who make this place go 'round.

I am so grateful, again, for my people!

Did I mention I have a new boss?

It's literally been life-changing.

P told me from day one that Gage would eventually be my boss... that when P was done working for the city (or died in a plane crash), Gage would be P.

Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

Unfortunately, V was hired as our boss and was over our division for seven years.

It's been a very, very hard seven years.

I went to work daily in actual fear.

My stress level was never at baseline.

I cried most days.

I just kept going.

I often felt P close by, telling me to just keep going... that everything would be okay.

Sweet Burke would try to comfort me and validate me and just support me.

It's been an actual nightmare.

Finally, and mercifully, he retired.

And Gage got the job.

From day one, my fear went away.

The tears have ceased.

I am validated WAY more than I should be at this point.

I feel P close, rooting on his Gager.

Everything has changed for us, in the best possible way.

I am so grateful.