T-Ball and the Sky Sox Game

It's no secret that Preston absolutely loved T-Ball this summer. He looked forward to and attended every single game and practice. There were two games cancelled (one because of smoke from the fire, the other because of lightning) and both times it was devastating for him. He is already asking about next summer, if he will be able to play T-Ball. My response... "Oh yeah little man! We will for sure be doing this again!"

One reason he loved it so much is because he had the coolest coach. Seriously! We totally lucked out this year with "Coach Tony." Having a great coach really does make a difference. Preston was so cute thanking him after the last game and shaking his hand. It also helped that his little buddy Madison was on his team. Overall, he had a fabulous experience. We are all so very thankful!!

 Preston

 "Official" Photo

 The team

Yes, he is the tallest on the team

(He gets it from me haha!)

 Accepting his award from the best coach ever!

He is so proud of that trophy!!

For our "End of Season Party" we went to the Sky Sox game. We have taken the boys to Sox games before, but not yet this summer. All four kids had a blast!! As we were walking in, we were approached and asked if Preston would like to join the team on the field for the singing of the National Anthem and to yell "Play Ball!" into the microphone. Oh my was he excited!!

Here he is on the field getting ready. 

He must have practiced "Play Ball" 50 times!

 On the field next to the players for the National Anthem

How cool is that?!

When the moment of truth came, Preston was a bit nervous and yelled, "Play game!" which was funny and totally adorable! He received a game ball for his participation and has yet to let it out of his sight. What a great experience for him! I am so happy for him!!

Icing on the cake...

Sox the Fox came over and played with the kids.

Even Zac had fun!

This week, as summer winds down, we have many adventures planned. We are heading out to the movies this afternoon, and will be fitting in time with friends before Rachele leaves this weekend. Did I mention that we have 2 weeks left until school starts! Ahh! This summer really cruised by. But it was a great summer, we all had a ton of fun!

More adventures to come...

Summer Time!!

Ok, ok, ok... I know its been a while since my last post. In my defense, things have been extremely for the Shoats bunch. But for those of you asking, I thought I would bring you up to speed on our Summer 2012!

Firstly, when I say we have been busy, this is almost an understatement. Preston has been enjoying T-Ball, swimming lessons and gymnastics practice. (Yes- we are always on the go!) In addition, we spend 3-4 days a week at the pool, almost every weekday we make a trip to the gym, we also have been spending time with friends and family. We go the park quite a bit (there are several of our favorite spots close). In the afternoons we fit in Summer Bridge & Kindergarten workbooks. Whew! That is exhausting just putting into words! In fact, I can't think of a single day this summer that we haven't had anything planned. Last month we spend 5 amazing days at VBS. The kids really had a blast!!

Rachele has been here for over a month now and still has a few weeks left with us! The boys are really enjoying spending time with "Sissy." Reggie started summer classes at CTU today. He is such a bright young man, we are so proud of his academic accomplishments. There is about 3 1/2 weeks left until Preston starts all-day Kindergarten (gulp!) so the countdown is definitely on! And my little Zac man is working on potty training. Hopefully we will be 100% soon!!

The fire here slowed us down for a few days. Not because we were in the fire or evacuation zone (thankfully!) but because we had some activities get cancelled and outdoor time was reduced due to poor air quality.  We still stayed busy and modified our plans to include the mall and Focus on the Family play area. It is great that the fire is almost completely contained (98% as of earlier today) and there has been no sign of smoke in the air for several days now. Today, we are inside this afternoon because of scattered rainstorms (hence the opportunity to update everyone) and I have a feeling T-Ball tonight will be cancelled. God sure listened when we prayed for rain!

Anyway, here are some fun pics of our summer so far...

 At the Denver Zoo on the 4th of July

Preston, Cousin Autumn, Rachele

 Splash Park with friends

Rachele, Reggie, Christopher, Madison

Justin, Zac, Preston, Ryan

 After leaving Madagascar 3 the kids 

couldn't resist the fountain. 

Clothes and all. 

 One of my favorite pictures of Preston

He is such a handsome little guy!

 Happy at the Circus. 

Both kids really enjoyed it!!

 Preston and Madison

Yes, the marriage is already arranged :)

 Chuck E. Cheese

Preston and Madison

 With swim coach Sarah

 Rock Climbing

 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Aren't they cute :) 

 Zac with Spiderman

At the movie theater

 First pony ride with Auntie Melissa

At Berthoud Days

First Pony Ride

At Berthoud Days

I promise to keep everyone updated a bit more often. School starts soon and things will begin to slow down. I have even started back-to-school-shopping! (Thanks Joey!) I am really going to miss my Preston but I am also looking forward to the one-on-one time with Zac. 

More adventures to come...