First Of The Season

First Of The Season
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

As if the seasons were in lock step with the calendar, summer weather arrived this weekend: 90s and humid. Fortunately, the pool opened this weekend also, and we spent a few hours there each day. The water is not the only tool at the pool's disposal to keep us cool; there are also the fabled 75 cent snocones. This year Alex has chosen the green flavor (yes, green is a flavor now!) and Michael is a bit more wild, preferring a blue-green mix.
RAP (5.31.2006)

Shipwrecked

Shipwrecked
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Michael had his end of the year school party and enjoyed many good times during it. The girls who are "shipwrecked" with him are Lauren and Madison. Michael was suppose have a game last night, but begged Jenny to stay at the party saying it "was the best day of his life!" Looking at the weather (storms were moving in) she relented, and they stayed.

Alex was not so fortunate; since I coach we go. Alex had a rough first inning, missing several balls while at second base. When I talked to him about it he said it was because he "did not get a lot sleep 2 nights ago." I told him I did not care. Fortunately, he recovered in the third inning and made three great fielding plays while being the pitcher.
RAP (5.29.2006)

First Base Your Out!

First Base, Your Out!
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

There was a break in the weather last that let us squeeze in a game, with one condition; we hade to play in the outfield. That is why you see first baseman Alex in the grass. Initially he did pretty well. On the third hit of the game he attacked the ball, fielded it and tagged the base before the runner got there. It was a perfect play.

As the inning wore on his interest melted away. Soon he was mentally picking daises, which is a bad thing to do at first base because they throw the ball to first every play. As the inning ended many balls would be sailing towards Alex and he would be looking elsewhere; thankfully no one throws the ball that hard or acurately or else it could have been bad for Alejandro.
RAP (5.22.2006)

First Communion

Offering
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

When a picture captures a good moment, but is lacking in quality (in this case it was too low light) to salvage it you do something artistic; for this image, this was my attempt at saving it. Michael is the clean cut kid closest to you and the priest is Monsignor Hendricks.

Due to his food allergies Michael needed the non-gluten host so he and Jenny go to church early and request it. Before first communion, Michael went up to the clergyman at the entrance of the show and said "Special Host, please!" as if he was ordering a ham and rye
R.A.Patton (5.19.2006)

Dublin Learning Academy

Where is the Party?
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Recently Alejandro tried to persuade his mother that she really needed to work part-time at Whole Foods. You would think his motivation would be for the 20% discount or that it is a cool place to be, but those were not among his reasons. He wanted her to work there so that he could go to Daycare after school with his friends!

With Jens' health, we decided that it would be good to lighten her load, so Alex's is spending the last afternoons of the school year at the Dublin Learning Academy. The social animal in him is having a great time, and he is overjoyed to get 2 more recesses. In addition, we think it will be good practice getting him ready for all day first grade next year.
RAPatton (5.18.2006)

Little Angel

Little Angel
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Michael had his first communion last week and, with his hands clasped, looked like a little angel. Actually, he looked very much like a door to door missionary or bible salesman; completely wholesome and trustworthy.

Alex also had to wear a suit, but with different results; his jacket was unbuttoned, his shirt was untucked and generally he looked like he was trying to find the nearest party. What is ironic about that is that overall Alex is the one that we joke is our little padre, but clearly if Alex was going to be a man of the cloth he would be one of those Irish priests that "seeks out" the lost sheep.
RAP (5.17.2006)

Rally!

Rally!
Originally uploaded by Jagrap

Michael had his first game the night after Alex's opener, and went 2 for 3. If you would had seen him at the batting cages before the game, you would consider that a miracle. He was so good hitting at the batting cages when we had last went (he went 11 for 12 in one set), but before the game he swung and missed at the first 36 pitches,and never got much better. Ouch.

I had no idea what was wrong. At the game his troubles continued through his first at bat; after that I had him switch bats and he got on base at his next 2 bats. He was forced out at 3rd during his 2nd at bat and stranded on 3rd during his last so he was a little disappointed that he did not score, but I think he enjoyed the contest.
RAP (5.12.2006)