Field of Dreams...

We took our little dudes to the ballpark last night where they got to accompany the Orem Owls Minor League players out onto the field to open the game.  It was pretty awesome for them and just one of those moments as a parent where you give yourself a little pat on the back for cracking the "dream door" a little bit wider for your offspring.

Here is Team Hooks ready to take the field at the start of the game.

Dax headed out to the field with #23 Francisco Del Valle.

Ace raced out with Kevin Maitan #9.  And literally, he raced him.  Sprinted like a maniac.

Ace told us that "his player" told him he looked like a really good ball player and he beamed with pride.  LOL

Kael accompanied #12 Rayneldy Stats and that sweet dude held Kael's hand all the way out to center field.  Then he asked if Kael was ready to play for him and Kael got nervous and said, "Well I'm not a professional yet!"

It is pretty awesome to see your mini ball player out on the field removing the hat for the National Anthem and getting to experience a first surrounding a game they love.

Boone got up close and personal with Rowly, the Owl mascot.  And also made an appearance running across the dugout (uninvited) twice.  I'm sweating just reliving this.

Cutest Little Trouble Maker of All Time Right There.

It was a gorgeous night for a ball game. 

My fellers and their friends were all dressed in their uniforms looking great and having a blast together.

The field was in prime condition and the company was great.  No wonder baseball is America's passtime.

A Baptism for Someone Gr8...

We celebrated Dax Man's baptism this past weekend.  

He is SUCH a sweet and gracious dude and he looked so dang handsome in his blue suit.  

That smattering of freckles across his nose, and his eyes that light up when he smiles, make for the very best accessories any little gent could wear.

It was a great day.

Here is the spotlight we submitted to our ward newsletter in celebration of one of our favorite fellers:

Dax Ryan Gardner was born on May Day and he has been just like the warm sun for our family ever since.  Dax gives friendship and love to every person he meets because he has a giant heart.  He is sharp as a tack, athletic as they come, and just honest to goodness, a dream come true.

Dax loves reading, playing soccer, baseball, basketball & football and he also swims like a fish.  He is helpful, eager to do what is right, and impossibly important to us.

We are so thrilled that our Dax Man has decided to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.  We love him deeply and we know his Heavenly Father loves him too.

We are proud to call you ours, Dax.  It is so fun to get to watch you thrive and grow.  You will do amazing things, buddy, and we'll be cheering you on from the sidelines.  We love you like crazy!

We were lucky enough to score pictures with his amazing grandparents.  Thanks to them he is all outfitted with his Book of Mormon and a case to carry it in. 

We had lots of cousins and friends who came to support our awesome 8-year-old.  We are grateful to everyone who came to participate in his program and wish him well.  

After Dax's program we gathered in our backyard for a BBQ on a beautiful June day.  

Our darling neighbor made Dax his birthday cake.  Poor dude had to wait a full month for us to sing Happy Birthday and blow out his candles.  The wait was worth it because this thing was divine.  We're lucky he shared.

We hope you always make great choices that bring you joy and freedoms.  Thanks for sharing your testimony after your big day.  And Thanks for making this parenting gig pretty dang easy.

You're going places, bud.

Congrats.

Memorial Day...

We spent our Memorial Day Weekend in the sun and heat of St. George.

It was nice to wrap up baseball season and hit the road for some R&R with the fam.

We made it a point to stop and decorate Great Grandpa Clement's grave with Grandma.  It was a beautiful day and the grounds looked so pretty.  

And after that it was all pool all the time.  Just how we like it.

It cracks me up how much they need to eat after they swim.  Ryan cut up a watermelon and there was a trail of juice and some bare rinds left after about five minutes.  It was if little piranhas had devoured it in mere moments.  :)

We got our base tans.

Boone staked claim of the kiddie pool.

The boys wore their cheeks raw from their goggles.

And that equates to an amazing long weekend.

Look out summer - we comin' for ya.