Braves Game-Part 2

We finally made it back to Turner Field for Part 2 of our Braves adventure.  The Braves played the Washington Nationals.  It was on a Friday night and so busy!  Jelani let us know that there were more people doing the Meet & Greet than last time.  Considering it was just our family at the last one, one more would have made it more.  Well, there were A LOT more.  We had to squeeze the kids in to be able to meet and see the players.

We managed to get 5 more autographs and met a few players.

On the field

It's hard to see but Chipper (aka Larry) Jones was being interviewed.  Apparently Chipper doesn't do autograph signings at all.  Lame-O!  If you choose to go into a profession where fans fund your paycheck, you go sign a couple of autographs.  Thanks Laaaarrrry.

Batting Practice

Awesome photo of the kids

I think this is Paul Janish...I just really don't know the names of the players.

Coach Fredi Gonzalez

Leave it to Sam to ask how he looks in a particular outfit.

Tim Hudson-pitcher

Leaving the field

Todd managed to get some suite tickets (thanks Uncle Greg) so he invited a few customers to join us.  Let me just say this about the suite...it's a bit high up but nothing beats having your own clean private bathroom at a sporting venue where there are thousands of people using the public restrooms.  Oh, and the ice cream cart comes around too.

The National Anthem...

Todd felt it necessary that Abby have a Chipper Jones jersey.

After the Meet & Greet we hit the kids play zone and let them hit some balls, pitch some balls and play a bit.

Abby wanted her face painted so she got one on each cheek.

Pitching with the speed gun

Batting cage

The sweet suite

Play ball!

Bringing out the closer...

We had a great time and the Braves won to top it off!

"Honesty is (ALWAYS) the best policy."

Do you know who penned that quote?  Well, I did add always to it but funny enough, it was Benjamin Franklin.  Well, I've got a story about a Ben Franklin.

A few weeks ago I was at the pediatrician's office getting some paperwork signed.  As I was waiting to be next at the window, I glanced over and saw something under a chair.  I walked over and noticed it was a folded up bill.  I opened it up and to my surprise it was a $100 bill!  

Yikes!

If I had lost a $100 I would be freaking out!

It was my turn and I handed the lady the money and I said, "I found this on the floor."  She looked surprised that I would turn it in.  I said, "I don't want that on my conscience."

A little over a week went by and I got a call from the doctor's office and the lady said that no one had claimed the money so it was mine.  Seriously?  They even called patients who had been in that day to see if they had lost "something" and no one did.

I guess on some rare occasions, it does pay, literally, to be honest.

Service Sunday

I decided to link our SS with 9/11 so we picked up some Starbucks gift cards and Abby made this little note and we took it to our local fire station.  We had thought there would be a ton of baked goods that had been dropped off but actually, there was only one.

I don't know if 9/11 commemoration is fading or what but I want my kids to know how important that date is and to do something in honor of that day.

Many thanks to our fire, EMS & police who work so hard to protect & serve. 

Fall Tennis Tournament

 Each Spring & Fall tennis lessons are available to kids w/special needs in our county.  Special Pops is the group that provides them and we've been participating for several years.  As of late, Sam hasn't wanted to play.  In his words, "Lessons are gross."  Fair enough.

The Fall Skills Tournament was coming up and I asked if we could participate even though we haven't been doing the lessons and they said yes so that's where we were this morning.

The event is held in Marietta at the Harrison Tennis Center.   It's really nice and they have small courts for kids.  The event is always fun and Sam quite enjoys it.

 They test the kids and give them points if they get the ball in the court.  They test forehand, backhand and serve.  I think Sam got the highest score.  But who's counting.

This is the prize game and anything that your ball hits, you get to take it home.  Sam got a t-shirt, a duck call whistle thing, a teddy bear and a dinosaur thing.

It also rained while we were there so we helped get the courts dried so the rest of the kids could play

Due to the rain and the "open house" nature of the event, there was no real awards ceremony.  Sam was not too pleased with that...where was the microphone?  He's famous for making a speech.

We had fun and we are truly grateful to Jim and Jeannie Hamm for their dedication to Special Pops and to these special kids who love to play tennis...or who love to get an award and make a speech.

Happy 40th

 My friend Teresa texted me and let me know that September 4th marked the 40th anniversary of The Price is Right.  What?!  I decided I would quickly put together a celebration in honor of this very special day.

I made some silly signs & hung them up

Decorated with some crepe paper & more signage

I made some brownies and some homemade vanilla ice cream to celebrate although I forgot to use candles!

Even Newman joined in the fun with ice cream and dog treats!

Teresa also reminded me that me and The Price is Right turn 40 the same year.  

Thanks for the reminder.