Great Lakes Nationals-Peoria, IL 2021

We lucked out in that our girls' teams ended up both attending the same National tournament this summer: Great Lakes Nationals in Peoria, IL. The complex is impressive, and with all games being played at the same location, we jumped from field to field watching game after game after game. 

Over the course of 5 days, we watched approximately 20 games. 

We went through a lot of sunscreen, water, and money for concession stand food! 

Peoria doesn't have a lot to offer beyond the fields, but we checked out the local Bass Pro Shop which Lincoln found to be quite entertaining! 

And always a playground nearby to get out those mid-day wiggles. It was so dreadfully hot several days, he found himself just needing to take a break. 

Sidney had a night out with her team/coaches where they dressed up "fancy" and hit up Olive Garden. 

They clean up nicely, I hardly recognize these girls without any dirt on their clothes. 

We absolutely love watching the girls in their element. And both of them seemed to have peeked just at the right time. 

Sidney has had a great season, she is so fun to watch both offensively and defensively. I love seeing her Hit and quickly scoot around the bases. She's a sneaky one on base and so quick! 

Sidney's team struggled to pull off many wins at Nationals. They had a good run for a couple of games, but in the end, were eliminated. 

Regan's bat was on FIRE as she hit singles, doubles and triples scoring plenty of RBI's.

Her team took 3rd place  at National's to finish out the season. We are so proud of her persistence in working hard and battling through her broken hand this spring. 

Saying goodbye to a great group of coaches brought some tears. 

Turns out she made their team again for next year and will be joining them back on the field once again!

 

Inaugural baseball season

Lincoln had always watched the girls play softball. Initially, dragging his toys from field to field, eventually upgrading to bringing his bike around to all of the fields. During these years, his feelings never waivered as he would exclaim "never sign me up for this game". He had zero interest in playing ball (baseball or softball). 

Then one day this winter, while we were dog-sitting and he was playing fetch, he had an "aha!" moment. 

He realized he could throw a ball pretty well and declared he was going to play baseball. 

I had no idea how we were going to manage getting the girls to their respective practices and tournaments, simultaneously getting Lincoln to his weekly games and practices. 

Thank goodness for great friends! We somehow made it work....until the final tournament. 

Lincoln's team was heading into playoffs just as we were leaving for the girls' National tournament. We had no choice but to skip Lincoln's tournament (and frankly it didn't bother any of us because his team was like watching Bad News Bears). 

Throughout our trip out of state, we were getting updates from Lincoln's team. They somehow were suddenly winning games!, and as luck would have it, we were going to make it home just in time for Lincoln to join his team for the 3rd place game!

Regan was lucky enough to help first base coach, for what turned out to be the longest baseball game in history! He was so excited to play catcher for a inning, and have his big sister help him suit up. 

Ok, it probably wasn't THE longest game in history, but it sure felt like it. A normal little kid (coach pitch) game lasts 6 innings, or roughly 2 hours. That's a very long time. 

Our team was up 7-1 heading into the 6th inning and unfortunately, the other team tied it up. We ended up going 3 more innings before it ended. Another full hour of ball! 

After 9 innings, our boys pulled off the win (even the scoreboard couldn't keep up with all those innings)! It was such an exciting game! 

Lincoln struggled this season with his hitting. He couldn't seem to make contact early on, and then figured it out, only to go back into a slump mid-season. We worked hard outside of practice time and he was able to pull out of it again just at the right time. 
We are so proud of his hard work and constant effort to get better! 

He made new friendships this summer and had a good group of boys cheering him on as he tried a new sport. I think he's hooked too, but he admits hockey is still his #1. 

 

Gopher stadium game 2021

Regan's team had an opportunity to play at the University of MN Gopher stadium this summer. She was definitely on cloud 9 during this whole experience. What a fun evening of ball for these girls! It was a Vortex vs Vortex game so the stands were filled with all sorts of familiar families as well. 

And to make it even better, a mom on the other team is a professional photographer so shared her gorgeous pictures to all of us!  

Regan had an awesome Hit to the outfield and managed to get a triple out of the deal. So proud and such a fun day!