Talent Show

Well truth be told, I was WAY more nervous about Tate performing in the school Talent Show than he was. He signed up. Decided he wanted to hula hoop. Barely practiced. Never knew what music it would be. Never really knew who was in the group. All of these things caused great concern for me. None for him. Clearly I was the rookie on this one. Several other parents with older kids at our school assured me all would be well. So glad they were right.

The entire (very laid back) Talent Show was seriously one of the most adorable pieces of of live entertainment I've seen in awhile. There were applause, tears, hilarity, impressive skills, awkward moments, and a TON of bravery. I loved every single minute. 

Tate and his hula-hooping friends all did a great job!

 Take a bow!

Kindergarten Field Trip

An exciting rite of passage when you're 6 years old...your first Field Trip! I'm sure they are fun every year, but your first one is a biggie. And it was a great day at the local Nash Farm that was built in 1859 filled with everything from riding the bus, cotton picking, old school clothes washing, a tour of the house, corralling kids, potato sack races, a tour guide who looked just like Beet Farmer Mose from The Office, lots of history, good friends, and then everyone's favorite...lunch!

Go Angels! ~ Spring Tball

Tate had a great spring season of Tball on the Angels. This was one of the first seasons where things seemed to really start clicking. I loved seeing how he was figuring out more how the game worked and what some basic strategies were. He was much more into the game. And as always, very competitive about the outcome. Still working on channeling that the right way. :)

With any sport, there were tough lessons to learn at times and disappointments, but Tate is learning how to handle those better and better as time goes on. Obviously a lot can change in the next few years, but for now, he seems to really enjoy baseball. And I am enjoying watching him play. I can't wait to see what happens in years to come.

Some things to remember from this season: Tate loved playing pitcher or catcher, he was able to hit from the coach pitch most of the time, he loves to dive for the ball (now diving and then catching the ball is an entirely different story), he was always excited about going to practice and games, he was almost always eager to lead the team in "Let's Go Angels" cheer...loudly, and he LOVED the days when Wade was home in time to be one of the coach's assistants.

The team had a great coach. A good combination of teaching the boys elements of the game and what is good sportsmanship, but not taking it too seriously. They had fun and worked hard. And it was so much fun for him to have several sweet friends from school on the team with him. Way to go Angels!**

**A funny side note is that almost any time Tate wore his Angels hat, he received comments asking if he was a true Rangers or Angels fan. I blame Josh Hamilton.  :)

I'm bummed that the only video left on my phone is from an out. But still a big hit!

"Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder today."

It is impossible for me to go to a wedding and not say this out loud. Thank you, Princess Bride. Anyway, we had the honor of being a special part of a very special couple's BIG day. Wade has known the Hart family for pretty much the majority of his life, I believe. A long time. :)

And their youngest daughter, Emily, has been a super sweet babysitter for the boys during home visits from college. Actually Wade has worked with or volunteered with all members of the Hart family in some form or fashion. Needless to say, we think the world of this family. And so when Emily asked if Tate would be the ring bearer in her upcoming wedding, we were all thrilled.

Back in March, I loved being part of the opportunity to honor Emily as a hostess at her bridal shower. It was a beautiful day honoring a beautiful bride.

And then in mid-May, it was time for the big event. Tate was excited to finally figure out what all this talk about being a "ring barrier" was all about. :) First we started with the rehearsal.

Next up was the BIG day.

And a fun part of it for Tate was the many games of UNO as we waited for pictures.

I'm pretty sure it wins the award for windiest wedding, but that did not keep it from also being one of the most beautiful. It had Emily's touch of both simplicity & sophistication all over it. Plus it was fun, which I think is a key ingredient for a great wedding. :)

As for Tate's role as a first-time ring bearer, I forgot to tell him an important part of what would happen. Forgot to mention that the (adorable) flower girl would take petals out of the basket and toss on the ground. If you're 6 years old and have never even been to a wedding, let alone are standing right there when it happens, it is quite confusing. He just kept staring at her and the basket. Then the "I'm not sure what I should do about this" Mick Jagger, hands-on-hips came out. :)

Thankfully he recovered and did exactly what he was supposed to. I was so proud of my handsome guy. The ceremony was perfect. The bride and groom were adorable. The reception was super fun.

 Wade & the beautiful mother-of-the-bride

 And thankfully the wind died down just enough to cooperate for the sparkler send-off.

Busted. Going back for just one more cookie.

 Such a fun night!