Fall ball 2016

We wrapped up another season of softball this weekend when the fall ball state tournaments came to a close. It's tough having two ball players in different age brackets, in a fairly competitive league. This season, it meant practices spread across 4-5 days/week and an overlap of games on most days which meant having to 'divide and conquer'. Ryan was an assistant coach for Sidney's 8U team which meant he obviously went to all of her games. Lincoln and I then went to all of Regan's games but thankfully were able to make it to many of Sidney's as a result of timing/good location. Unfortunately that was not the case for the state tournament. Sid played in Rosemount and Regan in Minnetonka, and as luck would have it, after a very long day of ball, they both ended up in the consolation championship game! And then they both won! We had all of the grandparents divide and conquer yesterday too, which meant that I had a few extra hands to help chase a busy toddler (just look at those devilish eyes!). 

After 6 straight months of softball (summer then fall seasons), we are actually all a little sad to see it end! I'm going to miss the friendships, both of the girls and our own. This sport is just as much an activity as it is socialization and we have been with some pretty great parents. I'll miss the excitement, the nail-biter tied-up games, the triumphs and the successes. I'll miss the look in their eyes after they made an out, the pride after sliding safe at home, and the cheering on of teammates. Heck, I might even miss the rah-rah repetitive cheers...ok maybe not! 

But I'll tell you what I won't miss: the never ending amount of sand at the back door. No matter how often I would sweep, mysteriously, more appeared seconds later. Some days, I swear we brought home more sand than we left on the field. We all are looking forward to a few clinics during the off season, improving skills and having more fun as we gear up for next spring! We're down to just dance 3 days/week for the bulk of winter, and I'm a little curious what we're going to do with all of our free time!

Congratulations girls, on another great season!