Well the second half of summer turned out to be just as busy as the first. I don’t know what we did all summer. All that I DO know is we blinked, and it was over.
In seriousness – baseball. We did baseball this summer. And it was fantastic. Abby’s u17 girls team and Joe’s u13 boys teamS kept us hopping! The girls played well all summer. We ended up with 14 girls on the team which was challenging to get everyone equal playing time, but was a fun team made up of a bunch of great girls. Hoping to see most if not all of them back next year! Abby really sorted out her bat. Started a bit slow for the first half, but the second half things started clicking and she started making some decent contact. Her defensive play was fantastic as always. Hoping next season, now that she’s more established at work, she can schedule her shifts around the games so the poor kid doesn’t have to miss so many.
Joe’s house league and also his rep teams played well all year. Really grew as a group to play some decent ball. Joe even started pitching! Lots of power, but the consistency needs some work. Time and practice will solve that. His bat on the other hand was on a new level. His physical growth over the winter coupled with his non stop trip to his batting cages paid off. He crushed all summer. Can’t wait to see where his skills take him if he sticks with it and really pushes himself. One extra bright spot this summer was the Field of Dreams. Joes team had the opportunity to play in an exhibition day. Bunch of the rep teams sent players, who were divided into teams and played a day long tournament. Was super cool and gotcha right in the feels. Definitely one to remember.
Only downside to the summer was I sprained my ankle — badly. It happened on July 30th and I’m still struggling pretty bad. Looking like ligaments on both in and outside of the ankle were affected and I’m just now walking mostly normally. Still with a decent amount of pain/discomfort. Hoping the stiffness will eventually loosen and the pain will subside. At least I wasn’t doing anything stupid this time. Just rolled it stepping off the pool deck.
Since the last update, kiddos are both officially employed. Abby still working at Giant Tiger. And like every other VanDalen she struggles to say no to shifts so she spends a LOT of time there. And Joe officially started him umpiring career. Did a bout 10 games I believe. Little nervous at first, but I think he settled in as the season progressed.
Next up: NEW DRIVER ALERT. Abby has, after 8 years of counting down, officially passed her G1 and is licensed driver! Shes been doing awesome! She bought her own car (2002 VW Golf TDI) and has been be-bopping around every chance she gets. Starting to get pretty comfortable. Congrats baby girl! Very proud of you!
Doggos are amazing. Still roaming like the hippos they are. Lots of love, laughs and entertainment. Thankfully Boba’s seizure meds seem to be working. We aren’t down to zero, but thankfully far fewer, and far less intense.
Auto update:
- Golf – as mentioned Abby picked up a 2002 VW Golf TDI. He baby as she puts it. In very good shape for an older car. Runs like a top and treating her well so far. I’ve been daily driving it to keep it available for the days she is able to drive and to keep the MINI off the road as weather changes.
- Jeep – New Wrangler going strong! Just put the hard top on. Snow tires go on this week despite Shannons protests. Safety first! Its amazing how much smoother it is from the previous Jeep. Already hit 14K.
- MINI 2.75 years in and I think it’s time to start looking for replacement. Maybe. LOL. Still haven’t fully decided what to do yet. Leaning towards a new-to-me toy for summer use and a winter beater for next year. Time will tell.
- Bike – GONE. Just didn’t love it. Amazing bike, just not the one for me long term. Decided to sell it and it went quick! All the way to New Brunswick. Hope it treats the new owner well! Still haven’t decided what, if anything will replace it.
- Bug – Snoozing.
Garage is nearly done. Just need to finish the drywall (almost there!) and prime/paint it and the base project is done! Once that’s complete, I can start looking into heat for next winter and building some work benches for my tools. Little by little she’s getting there.