Let’s Play Ball!

Last spring the boys played tee ball for the first time with i9 Sports.  Overall it was a good experience, but I didn’t know if they’d want to play again and I wasn’t going to force it.  After all, their first attempt was primarily for exposure to team sports.  Sometime in the fall, both boys started asking when they could play again.   Technically there is a fall tee ball season, but in Texas it’s about 200 degrees outside until November and that’s too HOT.  I promised them spring tee ball.

Much to the boys’ delight, the spring tee ball season started a couple of weeks ago.  Expecting more dandelion picking and snack munching, I was floored by the boys’ growth.  So far, they’ve stayed with the team, followed the coach’s directions, and paid attention to the entire game.  Folks, these guys are actually playing baseball!!!

Don’t get me wrong, they still need plenty of parental support, but they are far more independent than the toddlers who tried tee ball last year.  They have cleats this year, which they believe help them “run fast!!!”.

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Mason won the medal for “Positive Attitude” last week.  After striking out numerous times he continued to persevere until he made contact with the ball and ran the bases independently.  This mama could not have been more proud of him.   Each week, I notice more progress and it makes my heart beam.

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There may be people that have more talent than you,

but there is no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.

-Derek Jeter

 

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Hugs!

 

Amber

 

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Indoor Play Areas & Play Dates {Summer Bucket List}

Labor Day has come and gone, meaning it’s time to bid farewell to the lazy days of summer.  I’ve been back at work for nearly six weeks, and am starting a home school preschool routine for they days when I’m home.

Over the summer, we enjoyed an abundance of play dates and managed to soak in the cool air conditioning of indoor play areas in the process.   We met our friends at the library, local churches, restaurants, museums, and even their homes.

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Playing at a friend’s house offers opportunities for the quads to practice respecting the rules of others, using manners, and taking turns with toys.

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After spending time a local church’s playscape, my friend’s oldest daughter singlehandedly lined up five  three-year olds and led them to the parking lot.  This sweet big sister has a heart of gold and perhaps a future as a teacher.

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The quads received a family membership to our local children’s museum as a birthday gift and we’ve made good use of it.  We have a well established routine for meeting buddies there and noshing on a picnic in the courtyard.

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Play dates at the museum are terrific because there are ample things to do and explore and none of the toys belong to any of our kids.

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I don’t know why it took me so long to find the joy in a McCafe while the quads romp around McPlayland.  McDonald’s will never top my list of favorite places to dine, but a warm cup of coffee while my children play in a climate controlled area close to home?  I don’t mind if I do!

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©FourtoAdore.com

©FourtoAdore.com
We wrapped up our summer play dates with none other than the Bell Quads at our house.  I always marvel at lunch set up for eight.  It looks like a preschool class!

In lieu of naps, we had a screening of Tangled, which is a new quad favorite.  Sydney is hiding in the hallway to avoid seeing the “scary” part.

No play date is complete without bidding our friends farewell with a bear hug.

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©FourtoAdore.com

When I plunked down a summer bucket list, I didn’t consider the level of commitment involved.  It didn’t take us long to tackle the majority of the items listed, but keeping up with photo editing and blog publishing took me all summer long.  I’m glad I published the list though.  If I hadn’t, I may have skimped on our summer.  If you’re paying close attention, you probably noticed that “train ride” is yet to be accomplished.  Nisey and Poppa gave the kids a gift certificate to ride the train for the kid’s birthday.  We are waiting for fall weather to enjoy the trek so stay tuned for that quadventure!

  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Sprayground
  7. Zoo
  8. Bahama Buck’s
  9. Frozen yogurt
  10. Community pool
  11. Grill dinner outside
  12. Water Table
  13. Inflatable Pool
  14. Sprinklers
  15. Ice Cream
  16. Indoor playgrounds
  17. Lee’s Grilled Cheese
  18. Blow bubbles
  19. Chalk drawings
  20. Board games
  21. Play dates
  22. Summer Reading Club
  23. Dance classes
  24. Fireworks
  25. Sleep over with grandparents
  26. Nature Walks
  27. Bounce house
  28. Popsicles
  29. S’mores
  30. Sparklers
  31. Water pistol duels

hugs,

Amber

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Summer Bucket List 

This summer the quads will turn three years old (SERIOUSLY, HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!?!).  Being curious preschool aged kiddos, they enjoy exploring the world, and I’m actually getting brave enough to take them on outings myself.  Last Tuesday marked my five-week summer break from work and I thought it was time to jot down a summer “bucket list”.  We’ve already tackled a few, but have quite a few more to enjoy before summer comes to a close.

Summer bucket list for toddlers and preschoolers

library time

  1. Movies
  2. Sea Life Aquarium
  3. Train ride
  4. Fire station tour
  5. Library story time
  6. Splashground
  7. Zoo
  8. Bahama Buck’s
  9. Frozen yogurt
  10. Community pool
  11. Grill dinner outside
  12. Water Table
  13. Inflatable Pool
  14. Sprinklers
  15. Ice Cream
  16. Indoor playgrounds
  17. Lee’s Grilled Cheese
  18. Blow bubbles
  19. Chalk drawings
  20. Board games
  21. Play dates
  22. Summer Reading Club
  23. Dance classes
  24. Fireworks
  25. Sleep over with grandparents
  26. Nature Walks
  27. Bounce house
  28. Popsicles

Stay tuned as we knock items off our list.  What summer activities are nostalgic for you?  Anything we should add to our list?

hugs!

Amber

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