Blastball!

Hudson LOVED playing Blastball this year.  It was actually for 4-5 year olds, so I had to fudge on his birthdate (just a little) to get him on the team.  He turned 4 on the day of the last game.  He missed the first practice because he was sick, so we weren't real sure how he'd do at his first game.  But the hitting was not a problem.  Got right up and slugged it past everyone on his first hit.  Of course, with the fielding skills that wasn't real hard to do!  

So Blastball is intended to teach the kids the basics of the game and get used to playing a team sport.  There is only a first base (and when you step on it it squeaks!) and every kid bats every inning (getting as many tries as they need to actually hit the ball) and then they run to first base.  After they jump on the base and make it squeak, they go back to the bench.  So there's no actual base running.  Then for fielding, all the kids have a base to stand on along the infield baseline and it's a free for all as to whoever gets the ball.  Some use mitts, some don't.  Whoever ends up with the ball holds it up in the air and yells "blastball" and then throws it back to the coach.  So they don't even try to get an "out".  They play 3 innings or the 45 minute time limit and that's it.  So it goes pretty quick (except for those few who REALLY struggle to hit the ball!)

Here he is after getting to first base after his first hit.  He was pretty proud of himself! 

The fielding part he was not so sure of.  He's always preferred to bat over fielding the ball (although that has changed since playing blastball) so when he got out there he just stood there and waited for the ball to come to him.  Typical ball game that would have been fine - but with 4-5 year olds, everyone just swarms to the ball, wherever it is on the field.

So the first game he stood out there with his arms crossed, huffing about not catching any balls.

But after a couple games, he figured it out and got right in there.  He had several really great stops, using his mitt even!  Notice the tongue.  He did like to complain though that Kylin (the little girl) was too fast and always beat him to the ball.  Which was true. She was a fast runner.

So you'll recall all they are supposed to do is hit the ball and run to first base, then go back to the bench.  Hudson did that fine the first game, but the second game he didn't see the point in only running to first.  Not when the balls were rolling all the way to the outfield!

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He hit "homeruns" every time up to bat that game, but never did it again at any of the other games.  Although after every game he always asked how many homeruns he had and who won.

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Team Huddle

Good Game

You made me a mom

Although this day is supposed to be all about me, today, I find myself reflecting more on you…

You made me a mom.

Every day you discover new things and explore the world…but it is really me who has learned so much and had my eyes opened to the real beauty of life.

You made me a mom.

I take care of you when you’re sick, snuggle with you when you’re scared, hold you when you have an “ouchie” but it is really you who has taught me so much about love and selflessness.

You made me a mom.

You are the one hitting the home runs, learning new words, absorbing life and climbing to new heights – literally – every day.  But I am the one filled with pride and joy at what you have become and will become.

                                                                     You made me a mom.

Although it is you who thinks I am so smart and I have so much to teach you,

it is you who have taught me:

unconditional love

forgiveness

kindness

innocence

honesty.

                                                              I love you.

Love, 

Mommy

No caption needed :)