April 24

So many joys to report.

Opening day across the Hudson Valley for T-Ball leagues!! Today was Alan's first ever experience with an organized sport. He and about every 5-year-old in Rhinbeck was equipped with a glove and bat. We met at the field near the Aerodrome, so in between throws and catches, one could look up and watch WWII Biplanes circle the sky. Pops and Boots accompanied us. The coaches showed Alan how to "step-throw-step" and to keep your head up while throwing the ball. It was sooooo cute watching him follow the coaches instructions and how after just a few times, he was doing it!!! So cool!!! Catching is still a challenge. Pops suggested getting him a better glove. After batting practice, the league actually arranged for the children to play a game!! All the parents broke in hysterics when the first child hit the ball, and all of the children ran in a million directions. Roger took a video of Alan's first time at bat where he hit a single!!! If you watch it on facebook, you'll see how about 5 children tried to catch the ball, and Alan ran to first, gave the coach a high-five, then started to run to me...the coach had to turn him around to go back to first!!! How funny. We forget that the children really have no concept of the game. During practice, they even had to teach the children the basics like running the bases. BTW, Alan made it to home!!! Scored a point!! (my Dad corrected me...it's not a point, it's a run LOL).

After that experience, we went out for lunch at Ruby Tuesdays, food shopping, and I purchased a new portable DVD player and CD player.

We rested a little bit in the afternoon....Alan was tired after 2 hours of running...After watching a movie and listening to his new Bach CD, he went around the backyard picking flowers, etc. Bootie cleaned my refrigerator and kitchen, and Pops took a nap.

We then all prepared for the dinner party with the Kamrass crew. Bob made BBQ chicken, I made pesto, salad, corn muffins and baked beans, and Boots made some sort of asparagus with dip. Alan LOVES the Kamrass girls, so they had a great time playing together. Alan even let Sophia play his guitar. All three children made music in the bedroom....I love seeing them all grow up together....

Family, friends, fresh air. Breathing it all in :) Caio Bella!