Catching up... Sacramento Day trip

Well, Thursday was our trip to Sacramento.  All in all it was a good day. Except for the plane being late getting out of Sacramento.  It was just after midnight when we got home.

This was kind of cool, the shadow of our plane as we were landing.

 

 

 

 

The state capitol building.  It was kind of nice that the senate was in session while we were there. We got to witness them discuss a pending bill and conduct the roll call for the vote, which passed.

Mark and Governor Arnold's bear outside the Governor's office.

 

The California Vietnam War Memorial. It's outside the Capitol building.  It was nicely done.

Another statue from the war memorial.

 

Old Town Sacramento, and the statue for the Pony Express.

After lunch it was off to the Railroad museum. It was a quick trip through the museum. Especially since my group was anxious to get to the gift shop. :(

In an effort to keep the kids busy when we couldn't get into the Old Schoolhouse we walked to the other side of Old Town to see and hear about the Eagle Theatre. Never made it to the Old Schoolhouse.  :(

One of the sites we saw from the buggy ride through Old Town.

Listening to little fourth grade girls scream "Eureka" at the top of their lungs.

Our last stop of the day was Sutter's Fort. It was interesting, there was a group of 4th graders there acting out the time period.

 

 

The boys had a fun time in the jail. Of course, so did Becca, but that's probably because Mark was there!

Amazingly, fast trip but overall the kids were great, with the possible exception of the airport.  But 3 hours in an airport will make anyone crazy.

The "Happiest" Place on Earth

Today is our friend, Ron's, birthday.  So he came to town with his son, Andrew, for a day at Disneyland.  Mark and I met them for a day of fun.

It was a good day overall, not super crowded and not super hot. 

 

Ron and Andrew...

Ron and Mark

Then our trip to "Australia"....

And after our trip to Australia we took a little trip to the jungle...

Thankful Thursday

Last night as I was preparing to go to bed I was reflecting on the events of the day. I had lunch with a good friend, helped a few people with their computer problems, created different problems for co-workers, a pretty typical day.

I was thanking God for the good things that are happening to my friend and thinking about my family. I realized I should be more thankful for the things I have in my life. So I commissioned today to be "Thankful Thursday."  Of course, I wake up tired and am really struggling with the concept of being thankful.  But here I go...

I'm thankful for...

...my family

...my job where I get to work with amazing people

...my amazing church family

...the opportunity to plan worship services that will hopefully encourage them to draw closer to their Heavenly Father

...friends who make me laugh and sometimes make me think

I'm sure there's more and it will come to me after some caffeine.  (another thing I'm thankful but it's a little too addictive!)

So, what are you thankful.

A Victory At Last

Well, today the young Tar heels A/AA team finally got their first victory!  The top of the first inning they went down pretty quick.  The bottom of the first inning they gave up 6 runs.  It looked like it was going to be a LONG day.  However, the kids didn't give up and the final score, 17-7!

Mark went 2 - 3 and yes, he laid down the bunt on his first at bat.  I, of course, missed it again.  I get so excited hoping that he's going to hit it I forget to take the picture. 

He struck out at his second at bat, but on his third at bat, he hit a nice ball that ended up being a double. He stole third and then unfortunately ended up out at home plate.  But I was impressed that he slid at home and did a nice job of it.

Here's just after the hit...

Second base looking to head for third...

Waiting to steal home...

You make the call... "Safe or Out"

Mark says he didn't feel the plate until after the catcher hit his shoulder. Regardless, he did a good job, better than the photographer taking the picture.  <groan> After the game coach congratulated them on their first victory of the season and their making it to the playoffs.  Of course he was kidding, no playoffs for these guys, but at least they won one.

Meet Mr. Cates

 

Bob emailed me to complain about my Easter pictures of his wonderful wife and 2 of his 3 wonderful daughters.  So, here's a picture of Bob and Betsy.

Pictures from Mark's game were "outstanding" yesterday. When he laid down his bunt I was in a bad spot and he's not in focus.  :( When Cameron pitches and Mark's at second they've been working at the  pick off at 2nd base.  Thanks to the "odd" KYL rules they got one yesterday.

He made a great move here, but unfortunately missed the ball. But he looks good!

As a mom of a child with ADHD who really isn't overly athletic it has been rewarding to see him excel this season.  He has room for improvement but he's made giant steps this season.  He'll play baseball until the of May then we move on to soccer!

So close and yet so far...

Mark had another baseball game today (pictures to follow) and again they lost by one run!  Second game in a row that they lost by one run.

Mark has played 2nd base the last 3 games.  He's playing the best he's ever done on defensive. Still struggling with batting, but today he was able to put down the bunt on his second at bat. Unfortunately for him the picture had a good arm and their first baseman could catch the ball. Hopefully I got the picture of the bunt. 

Tim is going into finals week for his second semester of college.  UNBELIEVABLE