Spring Training Week

The Chapel sponsored a fun event this week; bringing in 4 former professional athletes for a week of "Spring Training."

Visiting us were:
Mike McCoy: Former Green Bay Packers defensive tackle; former #1 Draft choice
Keith Elias: Former NFL player with the New York Giants and the Indianapolis Colts
Bryan Hickerson: Former MLB player with the San Fransisco Giants
Mike Davis: Former MLB player with the Dodgers and Athletics
(the above was copied from the ads as those names meant nothing to me) :-)

Each day the chaplains took them around to meet the units and they spoke at various events. The one we enjoyed the most was the training session for the kids. Here they are introducing themselves to the many kids who showed up at the ball field.

Kaebrie found Amberlee, our favorite babysitter and got to have some fun as well.

Mike Davis coaching the kids on proper technique.

Kaitlynn is easy to spot in her pink Auburn Tigers hat!

While the pro baseball guys were heading up the kids lessons, the pro football guys were off to the side tossing the ball with the dads. Christopher wanted in on some of the plays, so they set him up to block Mike McCoy. He looks a LITTLE nervous here !

But he tried his best and "blocked" Big Mr. Mike! He was so THRILLED with himself!

After, every child got autographed sports cards and picture opportunities. Collin had Mike sign his baseball glove as well.

The next day, a game was scheduled. It was the chapel staff and the athletes VS. the First Shirts. It was SUPPOSED to be a softball game, but it got a little gray out and they changed it to a volleyball game.

They really could have played! We have been here for 20 months and we have only heard thunder like four times!! :-)

Lauren and Kaebrie, two of the cutest little cheerleaders around!

Daddy saves the ball!

Mr. Mike twists his ankle at the beginning of the game. :-(

A group shot of all the players!

This afternoon Sam called, he said he was taking Mike and Keith out to the canyon and dunes and asked if Collin and KK wanted to go. YES!!! THEY DID!!

Collin got hit really hard with a fast pitch at his game last night, and he got to ask Mike about the times he was hit. Mike actually had his hand broken by a pitch once. OUCH!

Here they are at the beautiful canyon! Kaitlynn said Keith held her on her back because she was nervous being so close to the edge.

Then it was off to the dunes!

Keith challenged them to a race and off they went!

Mike walked up slowly due to his sore ankle, and they both said it sure was higher then it looked!

The kids REALLY enjoyed this whole afternoon alone with them, especially Collin, who might have experienced his first case of being a bit star-struck! :-)

We are off to the Rally at the chapel as the week of fun comes to an end. Tonight the athletes give their testimonies and a praise band will be here from Boise.

What a fun week for the whole family!

Baseball Season is Here!!

Last night was a night they have been looking forward to through weeks of practice. THE FIRST GAME! And this year, Kaitlynn is part of the team, not just the bat girl. :-)

Here they are before they head off to the game. Aren't they cute!?!?!? :-)

Naturally, Kaebrie wants her picture taken too! So I used it as an excuse to show you some of the beautiful tulips that have bloomed in the front yard!
Here is Collin, warming up for his first turn at bat!

Batter up!

SWING and HIT!!

Safely on second base and waiting and hoping to get to third!

Running to third (and yet another Smith tongue on the play) :-)

The sigh of relief when the ump yelled 'SAFE!" It was pretty close!

And the slide into home for the first run of the first game!!!

Kaitlynn warming up her swing!

Getting ready and concentrating!!

A little nervous about how fast that ball is coming at her!


Those 10 year old boys sure are strong!

She didn't get a hit this time, but she sure had fun!

Christopher and Kaebrie really didn't care to much about the game. But they sure had fun climbing all over the bleachers.

Proud Daddy watches intently from his perch!

Well, one game down, 14 more to go. Thankfully 9 of the games are here on base. The other games are in small towns within a 30 mile distance. They play most of the games here because the base has the best field. The other towns have to clear the cows off the fields before the games (no, I am NOT kidding)!

I am sure their will be more updates later!

( And a picture of a cow on home plate if I can catch it) :-)

The many faces of Kaebrie...............

Grandparents..get familiar with this look. This is the " I have done something, but trying to hide a grin " smile. :-)

Obviously, she put on Kaitlynn's skates for the first time when I wasn't looking.

Then comes the "pretty smile" and the "silly smile" for the camera.

Then, the "real" posing starts!

Complete with the full body cover model pose.

She is such a hoot!!!!

Christ the Lord is Risen Today!!!!!!

A Happy and Joyous Easter to everyone!

Sam and Collin were up at 5:50 this morning to cook a pancake breakfast for the 50 families who attended the sunrise service that was held in the fighter jet hanger over looking the mountains.

Last Easter Sunday, it SNOWED all day. This Easter..... rain. :-(

But that didn't stop us from taking a few pictures in our neighbors yard.

We did a FAST (under 5 minute) photo shoot in the drizzle and cold air and PRETENDED it was spring!

The grass is now green and the leaves are budding on the trees! YAY!!!!

It has been a wonderful Holy Week. Starting with the Palm Sunday service last week, to the Seder Supper, A Good Friday Service, Sunrise service and breakfast, and Easter Service today.

Collin and Kaitlynn have participated in it all and have been true servants.

Thank you to Tabitha and the girls for letting us use their pretty yard and for taking our family picture! Fred has been in Baghdad since January. Please pray for his continued safety and a quick return.

HAPPY EASTER!