Memorial Day

The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,

But not of war it sings to-day.

The road is rhythmic with the feet

Of men-at-arms who come to pray.

The roses blossom white and red

On tombs where weary soldiers lie;

Flags wave above the honored dead

And martial music cleaves the sky.

Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,

They kept the faith and fought the fight.

Through flying lead and crimson steel

They plunged for Freedom and the Right.

May we, their grateful children, learn

Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,

Who went through fire and death to earn

At last the accolade of God.

In shining rank on rank arrayed

They march, the legions of the Lord;

He is their Captain unafraid,

The Prince of Peace...Who brought a sword.

--Joyce Kilmer

School Picnic

Friday found the Little Prince's school at Knoebel's Amusement Park for the end-of-the-year picnic. Hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks, pasta salad, chips, pretzels, snack, cupcakes, brownies...it was all good! Then it was time to head to the rides. The Little Prince had the map so he was in charge of finding the next ride. Not that he got to pick the next ride, but he did get to point it out on the map.

He loves the helicopter ride. Not too fast, not too high, it's a goldilocks ride all over.

Some of his buddies he hung out with. It was hard being the smallest and youngest and not loving the fast, crazy rides. But he held his own and waited his turn and when they got separated, he did all the rides he loves. He raced from one to the next with shining eyes: Sky Slide, Kiddie Whip, Flying Tigers, Froghopper, Red Baron, Panther Cars, the list went on and on until it was time for dinner. Then he practiced his cursive on the back of the placemat by listing his favorite rides.

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It was a long day, but we all had fun. My favorite part was when the Little Prince asked if the three of us could go on the Sky Ride ride together. It is a kind of ski lift ride, 14 minutes long, that takes you up and down the mountain, giving a fabulous view of the entire park. Just the 3 of us sitting and looking around at all the beautiful scenery and chatting. Doesn't happen often enough and I cherished every second!

Wordless Wednesday

Herb Garden

Not much, compared to some, but it's more than he had last year. Parsley, Oregano, Basil and marigolds for color. Normally the marigolds would be used to keep the rabbits out, but past experience has shown that they love to eat them. The Little Prince has already used some fresh parsley when he made scrambled eggs for Sunday brunch.

Visiting the family

The three of us went down home to visit my mom yesterday. We didn't get to see the whole family, just a little part (pun totally intended). The Little Prince met his cousin Kyle for the second time. The first time was at Thanksgiving. Back then, Kyle slept in his car seat the whole time. Now, he is crawling all over the place. He and the Little Prince had a great time playing peek-a-boo.

Then it was off across the yard to the neighbors' farmette to see the kids. They belong to the Little Prince's cousin David. (That's his knee in the picture. We were so focused on the kids, that's the only part of him that was caught on film). Those kids were the cutest little things! We also saw David's amazing garden, of which I was extremely impressed and jealous.

Next we headed back across the state line to the reason for our visit: lunch at Aunt Becky's. After a delicious lunch of chicken, baked potatoes, corn, green beans, applesauce and on and on, the guys retired to the back yard where the Little Prince showed off his pitching skills. The girls sat in the shade and visited. Aunt Becky then took the Little Prince on a nature walk through the woods and down to the river. She's so much more fun than we are. He had a great time.

While relaxing on the back deck, we got to enjoy the wildlife. Along with this ruby throated humming bird, we saw butterflies and heard various other birds in the trees. It was a beautiful day and was spent with beautiful company. Wonder which of my 7 other sisters would like to be next to have us for a visit?

Wordless Wednesday

A bit of light reading.

Socializing

After all, isn't that why they have dugouts in baseball? To give you something to do when it is not your turn to bat?

Pitching Sequence

Three strikes and you're out!

Cinco de Mayo

The Little Prince tried tacos for the first time last night in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. He ate two and said they were good. See all the good stuff he put on them? Yea, that's right. Meat and cheese. He's not that adventurous when it comes to food. Just the basics, please.

Opening Day

Opening Day was Saturday, May 1st. Team pictures at 10:40am, opening ceremony at 11:00am, first game at 12 noon. Adding to the fun, it was 91 degrees. But there was a breeze and everyone had sunscreen. The Little Prince and his team were at 3rd base. Hunter green shirts, black pants and green socks. "Mommy, they were really, really thick socks and it wasn't even winter out. My legs were dying!"

Coach Rupert kept the kids in line through the 30 minute ceremony. They were good, considering how hot it was.

There's the Little Prince warming up for his first inning of pitching. Just like the pros. And, yes, he does watch the pros to see how they do it. Practices with the wiffle ball in the back yard, causing much wincing and crossing of fingers on my part with regard to my windows, siding, flowers, plants...


Coach Rupert was keeper of the papers as well. Not sure what all that includes, but he seemed to do a wonderful job and has not yet been fired.

Now comes the important part: the Little Prince's stats. There are 3 teams in town and we played the best of the 3 on Saturday, so it was not surprising that we lost 13-5. Most of their kids are 2nd year players. It could have been worse. But back to the stats...2 hits, 3 at bats, 2 runs, 3 RBIs (runs batted in, I think), 1 SB (stolen base), 1.1 IP (innings pitched*), and 4 KO (strike outs). Please note all these are from Coach Rupert. I know nothing of baseball speak, I just ran the camcorder. But it was fun and the kids all enjoyed themselves.

*Coach took him out after 1.1 innings because they are only allowed so many pitches and then they have to sit out a week. We made sure he knew it was not because he was doing a bad job.

A sign of summer

The buzz cut. First one ever for the Little Prince. Think he's proud of it? Pretty much. He was scheduled for his 5-week haircut next week, but I didn't wait. After buzz-cutting the hyacinth bush in the yard, I thought I'd just go with the flow and have the Little Prince be next.

He's also quite proud that he now has the same hair cut as dad. Yay, I say. Saves money and mommy can buy a new pair of shoes...