SWEET SIXTEEN!

Happy 16th birthday to my sweet Emery Jean. To say time has flown would be an understatement. I know I cannot freeze time, so I am trying to enjoy every single moment. I could not be more proud of my amazing daughter. The choices she has made, her positive influence on others, and how she sticks to her guns about how she feels are all not easy as a teenager. She is the kind of girl I wish was my friend when I was 16. As much as I wish I could keep her little and home forever, it is exciting to see what she does next and I have full confidence that she isn't just going to survive but thrive and be successful is everything she chooses to do. Happy sweet 16 to my strong, beautiful and smart girl! 

A new baseball family

 Following the all-star baseball season Ryan was invited to continue to play with the same kids on a travel team. Most of the kids he played all stars with have played together since they were Owen's age. It was kinda a big deal he was asked to join, I think we all passed the test. Ha! They are a super tight group of families who are nothing but supportive of the kids and like to have a lot of fun. First of all their name is the Tacos and one of the coaches owns an embroidery company so they have a ton of uniforms and fan gear. We've already been to a few travel tournaments and have had a blast. And despite their funny name, they are really good! I think they've won 5 of the 8 tournaments they've played in! And of course Owen has been embraced and welcomed as well :) 

First tournament - a win! 

Second tournament - a win!

This one was labor day and we were there until 9:30p before heading to school the next day! 

First home runs on the Tacos - 3 in a weekend!

Vegas Baby! I wasn't able to make it so it was a boys trip :) 

This tournament was tough, they played nationally ranked teams. So instead of wallowing in defeat, they rented a party bus! 

And Owen met Blake Snell! 

Back at it to win the Veteran's Day tournament! 

Lake Havasu! I went on this trip so there are a lot more pictures. Haha. Driving out there gave me a new found appreciation for the desert. It was a beautiful and we had the best time that weekend! 

Team breakfast 

Our block of rooms was right on the lake 

O-dog living on snack food and candy 

White elephant gift exchange 

5:30a wake up time!

Sunrise 

This kid was living his BEST life exploring the desert on his scooter, in his jammies and crocs. He told me after he wasn't wearing underwear either. Ahahaha

Came up slightly short on this one - runner-up! 

Looking forward to LOTS more tournaments and trips to come. Big one is Cooperstown, NY this summer for SIX days of games!