Making Me Proud

Alex and I had lunch at Pizza Ranch today and when he finished his pizza, he asked for $1.00 to play a game in the arcade.

Despite the fact that I hate these games, I had a few minutes to kill before heading back to work so I unloaded the change in my wallet for him amusement. He came out with a stuffed puppy dog which he’d won from playing THE CLAW – like in Toy Story – IT’S THE CLAW

He told me about this little boy who was watching him play and was supper excited when he won. After leaving the Pizza Ranch, Alex asked me to wait for a few seconds because he wanted to do something quick. A few seconds passed when the father of the little boy walked out with him – rut row I thought.
The dad told me I should be proud because Alex gave his little puppy prize to the boy who had been trying to win a prize, but couldn’t quite get the claw around the toy. I am so incredibly proud of Alex when he does things like this! It makes me feel like something is sinking in and we're on the right track

Summer

Wow - it has been a month since my last post! Since most of these posts go directly to Alex's baby book (by "baby" I mean ages 0-90 when it comes to Alex), I'll catch up on what's been going on in our lives.

Alex participated in tennis this year and loved it! I know zip-o about tennis, but Ashley and Jordan (Bruce's kids) both played in high school so guess whose expertise will be summoned - look out kids.

We've also been busy with swimming, fishing, baseball, and enjoying our last days in Madison. We move next week - and although we've had three months to prepare, it feels like crunch time is here and we're scrambling to get everything moved. Alex and I had lunch at the Mexican restaurant in town and I asked him what his favorite memory of Madison is and his answer was "just having fun with all of my friends". We ran into a classmate of his at the baseball diamond on Tuesday and she told him she was going to miss Alex because he always made her laugh. :)

Alex's baseball team placed 2nd in the mid season baseball tournament. The two teams who played in the championship were both undefeated and both teams played great - congratulations boys!




One more thing that I love about my son - we were watching a classic last night (Dukes of Hazard - Season 2) when I dozed off on the sofa. I woke up to Alex tucking a blanket under my chin :) He makes me smile

Visit to Target Field

We made our first visit to the new Twins stadium this weekend. I grew up a Twins fan as my father was a diehard true blue Twinkie lover and Alex is following suite by also following the fabulous homer hanky hitting boys in red/white/blue.





Alex went around collecting a few autographs prior to the game on Saturday. They included Twins right-fielder, #5 Michael Cuddyer, starting pitcher Francisco Liriano, DH Jason Kubel, pitcher Matt Guerrier, 1991 World Series MVP pitcher Jack Morris, Harmon “Killer” Killebrew, pitcher of the 1988 WS and Twins commentator Bert Blyleven, short stop Roy Smalley and some players who I had to Google to make sure they were Minnesota Twins.

Alex wanted to get Lirianno to sign a baseball and his baseball card and he made sure to have his card on top so we didn't have to search the deck to locate the card. Lirianno signed the baseball and talked to Alex for a few minutes while I frantically searched my bottomless handbag for the baseball cards. I carry a mini suitcase for a purse when we attend these events because we had nine or ten baseballs, three jerseys and two decks of baseball cards. Finally, I just grew tired of it and dumped my entire purse on the table. Belongings inside the purse (as well as the baseball memorabilia) included a pair of Alex's socks, an old spelling test, wind chimes, tampons, lipstick, juice and cookies, hair brush, two necklaces, a ring, hand wipes, cell phone, a book, a DS, Alex's batting gloves and his baseball glove, powder foundation, a ponytail, and my camera.Lirianno looked at me like I was the craziest woman he would lay eyes on - but God bless him, he just smiled and waited patiently. I'm sure he was thinking "good luck kid....you're gonna need it"

Then we get to Bert Blyleven, who is a pretty big deal in the Twins community, and Alex forgot his name. Alex handed his baseball to Mr. Blyleven and asked "please sign my baseball and write To Alex, From.....(long pause) whatever your name is". I sort of gasped as I didn't know if he'd be offended, but he started laughing as did everyone else in the clubhouse. Jabs by fellow Twin players were directed at Blyleven by telling Alex they didn't know who he was either so he shouldn't feel bad.



Then on to the game. The new stadium is beautiful and I would like to take this opportunity to thank many of my family members who reside in Hennepin County for paying for this stadium - it's awesome ;)





Twins lost Saturday on a suicide squeeze in the 9th and Sunday....well Sunday's game looked like a Braves home-run derby. Despite the loss, Alex and I had a great time full of many memories. I feel so blessed to be able to attend these events with my son and wouldn't trade it for the world. Every player that Alex approached for an autograph was a class act and very accommodating to him which made this weekend even more special.

Baseball

I've been a camera manic lately - thus, I have had plenty of Kodak memories to share.

Alex had his first fast-pitch baseball game last week and it’s presented itself to be a wonderful challenge compared to coach pitch which was what he participated in last year. It’s a faster pace and he has had to adjust to hitting a pitch that’s not thrown right across the plate. So far his team is 2-0! Go Rangers

Willey Park

Sunday night was absolutely beautiful! After a perfect-o supper which included roast on the grill, we decided to take a walk around Willey Park in Aberdeen.

They have a small, but fun "zoo" which essentially included farm animals, but to us "city folk", we were amused.





Included in the park are exhibits featuring storybook character. I assumed Alex would find this portion boring, but I guess you're never too old for Pinocchio and Captain Hook

Hersey Track Meet

Alex participated in the Hersey Track Meet last Wednesday by competing in the softball throw and the standing long jump. He placed third place in the softball throw and is eligible to compete at the state track meet in Aberdeen! However, it’s the same day as his baseball tournament so I think he will miss out on that opportunity, but I'm still super excited that he placed! I told him prior to the meet that I was very proud of his wiliness to get out there and try because he is not one that is often willing to try new events and he takes defeat so hard. I’m hoping that he will eventually learn that it’s okay to lose as long as he tries, but after he didn’t place in the long jump; tears were welling in his eye which is heartbreaking for me to watch. I think there are valuable lessons that can arise from loosing so I refuse to shelter him from the feelings, but man it’s hard.

Welcome Summer

I've grilled my first burger, drank my first beer outside and sat at the pool for the first time this year. Summer is officially here

Alex and I attended Jordan’s' graduation from Roncolli High School a few weeks ago. Jordan is Bruce’s oldest and will be attending South Dakota State University in the fall of 2010. Jordan reminds me of Alex is so many ways. Both are determined, engaging, persistent and charming. We started the day with mass at the high school which proved to be an emotional experience. Alex asked me why Bruce was crying and I explained to him that while mom and dad’s are happy for their children and proud of their high school success, it’s emotional when we watch them venture into the world for the first time. Alex predicted that I will probably be attached to his leg bawling when he graduates and I have to say, he’s probably correct

Bruce and Jordan

Alex with Bruce's kids - Haley, Ashley and Jordan