Opening Day

As much as I am known for loving the winter,

 I equally love the benefits of warmer weather and summer.

Something happens to my hibernating state of mind and the hunt for the "Norman Rockwell" version of American life comes into full focus.

I get a heightened sense of love for lemonade, hot dogs, strawberry shortcake, 4th of July, playgrounds, flowers, sprinklers, laying in a hammock, bubbles, concerts in the parks, mowing the lawn, picnics, ice cream stands, fireworks, all things red, white, and blue, and... baseball.

Really list goes on and on.

Saturday morning was our introduction into the most simplistic form of

 Americana summer life. 

Sam's opening day of Little League.

After a Little League parade down Rt.11 he had his first "real game". 

It. Was. So. Much. Fun!

I really did not know what to expect. 

Well, I honestly was thinking that it would be just an 

extension of the last 3 years of ball at the Y.

 But it wasn't....

He GOT it!!!

As my aunts said, "He's got his head in the game!"

There was no doubt about that.

He was focused and knew what he was supposed to do.

The most important part was that he LOVED IT!!!

Coming into home plate he decided he needed to slide.

(Just wanted to test out his new skill.)

Brian is  great coach for these little guys.

And as if he knew what Sam was going to do, he pulled the T out of his way.

(I wish you could see Brian's huge smile on his face in the image above.)

On the pitcher's mound, in his "ready position."

Going for the grounder...

... throwing it to first base.

After a great hit, running to first with everything he had.

Playing first base and "encouraging" the pitcher to throw him the ball.

Part of #10's cheering squad.

Aunt Donna, Beth, and Grammie Theresa

#10 Himself.