"Spring is Here"!

Spring is here, and so is soccer, baseball, and pollen!  EB is playing soccer, but is helping "coach" a local disabilities baseball league with Jay.  He did this last year too and really enjoyed it, and we thought it would be a really good experience for him. With both mine and Jay's experience with special needs, we knew we would always want our children to be involved in some way also. We love it!  EB has grown so much since last year and his comfort level is higher and I was so proud of him this past week for striking up conversations with several of the players on our team. Oh, and the players loved him and Ellison so much!  Most of EB's "coaching" responsibilities involved talking to the players and running after stray balls etc....., but the pitcher lets him hit a few times each game, which is always exciting for him. As far as soccer, we had to change leagues this year, but we are absolutely loving our new coach and new league - it has been a great experience so far and EB is really enjoying it. His team is called the "Sandpipers" - kind of had to get him excited about the team name though!  He really wanted to be something really tough like a wolf or tiger - but I have been playing up the fact that sandpipers run super fast, and that has helped somewhat!  Okay, and here's just to prove how nerdy I am, I actually looked up sandpipers online and found that they "are quite agile on the ground and display a high degree of coordination while running".  And I think my boy makes a very good, and fast, little sandpiper.

Here's to a fun Spring being outside, and taking lots of Zyrtec!

This is Piglet!  I love this dog.  She is one of the "assistance dogs" that will come to each baseball game. Some of the players like to have her walk with them to the bases.  I think Piglet could use a few laps around the baseball field! Yes, she has a bandana on her head and pink toenails. 

EB becoming good friends with Matt, one of our players

"Dolly", another assistance dog 

El's reaction to the dogs - she is definitely an animal lover 

"Coach" checking out his team 

EB's turn to bat

She adored Ellison - and her favorite thing to do was wave to her from the field, and then run to put her paci in her mouth, whether or not she wanted it! 

My "Sandpiper"

This is Ellison most of her waking moments. I don't think her feet hardly ever touch the ground!  She is on the move, and is so fast, and dances on her tip-toes everywhere. 

He was serious in this picture!  Had no idea the look of determination on his face in the moment. 

Team devotional at the half 

Just enjoying the game, and I am enjoying a free second not to be chasing her off the field!