Club Ball anyone?

The HamFam has embarked upon a new baseball phenomenon: Club Ball. You're just going to have to get used to way too many posts about baseball on this blog. It fills most of our days, some of our nights and a good number of our weekends. It's a big part of who we are, what we do and what we love!

Kohl and Kyle are now playing for the Peoria Grizzlies 12U team. It's quite an adjustment from Little League and we're learning the ropes as we go. They have had two tournaments so far and they're both learning a lot about the game.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from this weekend:

Rockin' the Beach

Here are some highlights from our San Diego vacation...

(Allow me to remind you this kid is only 4. He's not just catching the waves in on his tummy or knees. No. He's standing. Standing!)

Four Brothers x 2

I have to share this really cool picture with you...

Since Doug is one of four boys, I thought it would be fun to see the parallel between his brothers and our boys. Each set of brothers is spaced almost exactly the same in age. The only real difference is that the big guys have a lovely sister sandwiched in their sibling set.

Here are two generations of four Hamrick brothers:

Now... those are some strong genes!

Our Critter-Gitter

Kade is critter crazy! He will gladly catch any life form without an ounce of hesitation. We all think he's going to be like the crocodile hunter, Man vs. Wild, Jeff Corwin or possibly a marine biologist. I have never seen someone so fascinated by nature. He's amazing. Hands down his absolute favorite - Buddy. I thought I'd share a few pictures where I have been able to capture his passion. There are so many more, but here are a few.

Here he is checking out the bugs in Munds Park...


Lizards in LoLoMai Springs. He spent most of the weekend catching them and adding them to the habitat he created.


While all of the other kids were catching waves in Rocky Point, he was catching a duckling.


He found a frog in Granny and Pa's backyard. Had to have it!


And in the same trip, he befriended a stray cat...


He seeks out ocean creatures...


And his latest catch... a bird!


* Update - Here's his latest catch (they seem to be getting bigger!):

I can honestly say that I have never caught any of these things! Nor will I be starting to in the near future. But, I do think it's really cool that this is "his thing". It clearly sets him apart from any of the other boys in this house and what a wonderful thing for him.

Little League Champs!

Ladies and Gentlemen... I am proud to announce that Kohl and Kyle's team - the Padres - WON the Little League Minor Division Championship!! What an amazing ride for us all and something to really be proud of.

The only game they lost in this entire season was the first tournament game. That automatically placed them in the losers bracket. So, in order to earn the championship title, they had to beat the best team in the winners bracket TWICE.

Well... they did. I am so proud! Allow me to gush a little... please.

Kohl was the catcher for the team and his type A personality makes him perfect for mastering this position. Baseball is truly his passion. He has been invited to be on the Little League All Stars team, which starts this week.

Kyle played first base and his baseball skills sky-rocketed this season! He hit in many, many runs and proved to be a very valuable part of this winning team. He has been invited to play on the Tops Tournament team, which also starts this week.

Doug was an assistant coach and enjoyed working with this great group of kids! I got a picture of him with his two favorite players. I took on the title of "paparazzi".

All American Boys

Our house is a baseball house. Period. This season we had three of the boys involved in ball and it won't be long before all four are rounding bases. Kade played on his first coach pitch team and did great!

Kohl and Kyle had their last game of the season last night and their team was undefeated, with a record of 16-0. Next week the tournament begins and we're keeping our fingers crossed for another undefeated record. One thing is for sure... these guys will be back for more ball, regardless of the outcome!

Having a Ball!

Each year, Doug and I are fortunate enough to be able to attend the annual Charity Ball for the organization I work for. It's their largest fundraising event and always a treat for us to attend. This event has been taking place for 95 years and we have enjoyed attending the past six.

I am so blessed to work for a non-profit organization that exists solely for the purpose of raising money to give it way. How cool is that?!

I have had the opportunity to work for, and become friends with, so many amazing women! I am honored and flattered to be a part of such a prestigious organization and Valley tradition: The Board of Visitors.

I thought it would be fun to take a look back...

2009