Happy Friday from Everly!

How cute is this girl? Happy Friday from Everly!

T-ball Opening Ceremonies at Blue Bell Park

We decided it was time for Atticus to start playing on a team of some kind, so back in January we signed him up for T-ball. He doesn't really know anything about baseball, but we requested he be on Greer's team hoping it would be fun to have a friend with him while he learns and plays. About two weeks ago, we found out that he was, in fact, on Greer's team when his coach called to give us the details of the season and team. His coach is named Michelle, and ironically, I knew her from working at AgriLife long ago. Her son is one year younger than Atticus. His team is called the Brewers, and it is one of 24 T-ball teams! His team has 11 kids on it and are 6 and under (but mostly turning 5 and turning 6 right now). We were told the plan was to have 2 weeks of practice and then 6 weeks of games with 2 practices a week and then 2 games a week. We have just finished week 2 of practice and tonight we had Opening Ceremonies for all of College Station Little League. So far, Atticus likes to go practice and likes to practice outside with Vic hitting, catching grounders, and throwing. But, he still doesn't really understand a lot yet. I assume the games will be informal games/formal practices and I really hope he enjoys going and playing. We have told him we want him to learn to listen to his coach and be a good teammate. And that is the truth. We want him to start learning what it is to be part of a team and sportsmanship and a positive attitude. I know he is young, but sometimes he is still in a bubble and only concerned about how things affect him and what he wants to do or doesn't want to do. And he doesn't really know about hard work yet or how he needs to work hard to accomplish goals. Of course, I don't blame him; he's only 5! But, it's time to start seeing a little more outside his bubble, in a fun environment! So, we are looking forward to cheering him on during his games and giving him a chance to see if he likes baseball! It may be hilarious because Atticus gets sidetracked pretty quick. And of course, we assume most likely, he will probably love the game snack at the end of each game and just playing with Greer each time! But, hopefully some enjoyment of the game will come over time too! I have great memories cheering Charley on when he played many years ago! So, tonight they had Opening Ceremonies in Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park. They introduced each team as the team circled the field, sang the National Anthem, prayed over the teams, said some little league pledges, and then the Mayor threw a ceremonial first pitch. When we picked him up at the end, his coach said the kids were done about 20 minutes before! It was warm and for the hype, Atticus didn't understand why he didn't get to play baseball that night. But, it was still pretty neat! And it was really fun to watch him find us and wave! Greer, by the way, is the really tall one right behind him. Here's a few quick pics!

Here he was right before his first T-ball practice!

On this second day of practice, he decided he needed to carry his stuff in his backpack. So, he picked up his dinosaur backpack with his Star Wars key chain. He had me write his name on his ball and he put his glove, ball, and water bottle inside, grabbed some Chex Mix and headed out the door. 

And here are all of the Opening Ceremonies pictures!

 So, I only took a picture of half the field while kids were arriving, but there are 70 teams of kids in CSLL...so that was at least 700 kids out on the field tonight! 

He's Lucky Number 7!

And this one just made me laugh! Half the T-ballers knew to turn around to look at the flag for the National Anthem and the other half just stayed facing the crowd!

Here's some quick little videos I've taken here and there. I think they are funny because Atticus is such a talker and gets distracted and wants to play as well. It's gotta be fun I guess!

https://youtu.be/llKdSZUSQk0 - Atticus practicing catching grounders.

https://youtu.be/-0mhK_uFn_U - Atticus practicing more grounders.

https://youtu.be/RyLrKvJfj_o - Atticus practicing hitting off the tee.

Bluebonnets

The other day, after we got to see Vic and the TIR team off in Gonzales, I had great plans to go back to Bastrop, walk their downtown with the kids, eat lunch, make a stop into Bucee's and then head back home. And on the way home, we were going to stop in Bryan, because Hwy 40 had TONS of spots to beautiful bluebonnets, and get some pictures! Well...the best laid plans, right?

After we left Gonzales, we had about a 45 minute trip to Bastrop, arriving at 1:15. Everyone was hungry and I needed to nurse Everly, and we needed a bathroom stop. Since I had no idea what the downtown area was like or where we would find a bathroom or where we would eat, I realized our plans were about to change. I mean, Bucee's is a one stop shop. I nursed Everly, in privacy, on the outskirts of their giant parking lot. Then, we went into the clean restrooms, walked around to look at all they had to offer, found lunch, and got back in the car to eat it and then throw it away before driving away. But, did you know from start to finish, we were there an hour and a half? Goodness! So, I decided downtown would not be happening that day. We drove over there and I decided it was more of a "maybe when I am driving through on my own and want to stop and check it out" kind of downtown. I was expecting more like Fredericksburg, and although I'm sure it is great, I don't think my kids would have enjoyed it. And I couldn't find a park or playground close by either. But, no problem. We put a movie in, Everly fell asleep and we made it back just fine (minus the 17 times Atticus asked me how much longer we had to get home). So, we drove down Hwy 40, and found some bluebonnets in front of the Health Science Center campus. This was perfect so I didn't have to park on the side of the road. We get out, get settled and realize it is HOT and BRIGHT! I mean, I couldn't get over the fact that my eyes would not adjust. And the kids were facing the sun, but it seemed so much brighter than normal. So, we took a few and then left. Atticus has learned a lot about Texas recently, so he was really into the bluebonnets and Grace found some non-bluebonnets to pick for me. Anyways, Everly was pretty cute as she sat in the grass and checked them out! I am not good at taking bluebonnet pictures every year, but we can check it off for 2017!

 First, our trip to Bucee's. They love this place!

Texas Independence Relay 2017 Complete!

Well, they did it! Vic came home really proud and ready to do it again next year! He said this might have been his most relaxed year yet, so it must get more fun every time you do it! I got to hear about every leg and every highlight throughout the evening, but here's the overall scoop:

• Once again, 12 great guys to run with!
• Once again, another great driver in Lucas's dad, Ronald (but we still missed you Dad!) and all of Vic's organized binders paid off.
• The weather was SO hot. The first legs for everyone during the day were rough because even though it was in the high 70's, it felt like 85 or 90 to some of them. The night runs were cooler of course, but by the last legs the next day, it was back to pretty hot. Vic said he thinks this has been the hottest weather year so far for the race.
• They got 200 kills during the race, which shows how many runners they passed. Impressive!
• Vic felt good on all of his runs, but needs a much better watch. His was trying to give up on him and give him problems. He got his times though and they were great!
• One hilarious story happened was when it was time to get lunch in Schulenburg on Saturday afternoon. The team usually wants to load up on carbs so they go get sandwiches from Subway. But, Wes's team last year went to Oakridge Smokehouse, and he wanted to go there again. Most of the crew said a definite NO to greasy fried food, but Vic and Mike joined Wes. So, Vic ordered a nice turkey sandwich and Mike ordered a burger. But, Wes needed some serious calories so he went to the buffet 3 times and loaded up with chicken fried steaks, sausage biscuits, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and gravy. Then, he finished it off with two pieces of chocolate cake. He wanted peach cobbler but they were out of ice cream. ha! I seriously love telling this story because Wes is so fun and clearly so crazy because he still had many miles to run! Anyways, I couldn't stop laughing. Oh and he still ran less than 8 minute miles so I guess don't mess with what works for you! 

 What Vic needs to run a race. 

What Wes needs to run a race.

• Also, one of the best things for Vic was that he got 3 solid, hard, hours of sleep this time from about 12 to 3am. He said it took him 30 minutes to wake up and start comprehending what was going on around him again! haha! 
• Leg 3: 5.35 miles and he doesn't know the total minutes, but his pace was about 7:30. Between the hills, heat and dirt roads, it was his hardest leg. He started this leg at 1:45 pm on Saturday.
• Leg 16: 6.82 miles in 50:59 with a pace of 7:28. This leg was also a mostly dirt road, and pitch black dark through the countryside, so it was tougher to see ahead of where he was going. He started this leg at 9:30 pm Saturday night and ended it at some giant grain silos for his exchange.
  
• Leg 27: 6.25 miles in 45:44 with a pace of 7:19. This leg began in super swanky Cinco Ranch, still in the dark, around 5:30 am Sunday morning. Then, it immediately transitioned into George Bush Park, with absolutely no park lights. He relied on his headlamp and it was dark, but it was his favorite one to run this time. 
  
• Leg 38: 2.66 miles in 18:57 with a pace of 7:04. This leg began at noon on Sunday with a sweltering 81 degrees that felt like 100 degrees! This went through the Pasadena neighborhoods where the policemen stop traffic for the runners, but a lady got confused and almost hit Vic! But, this was his fastest leg of the race!
  
• Overall, Vic ran 21 miles of the 200 mile race!
• This next information is just amazing. So, the team was 7th in their division of 28 Open Men's teams. The crazy part? They completed the race in 25:46:51 with a 7:46 pace. Last year, their team completed it in 25:48:24 with a 7:46 pace. WHAT? How is it possible that they are so close? They even have two new members! And out of 191 teams, they were 20th. Amazing! For a side note, the winning team of the entire thing ran it in 6:13!
• So, I just have to point out how awesome all of these guys are! I know they enjoy it and have a great time, but it is really really hard on their bodies and they are so exhausted at the end. And for the guys that still have to drive back to DFW from College Station, I feel so bad for them too. I mean, they are just beat! The upbeat mood from Saturday morning is so different from the tired, quiet mood of Sunday afternoon, as it should be! They are sweaty, tired, hungry, and sore. But, anyways, I say all of this because Vic's 3 hour power nap at night must have given him tons of energy. I had planned to feed us leftovers except for Vic, who I would go pick up any food he wanted to eat. But, he was so energized, he took Grace and went to HEB to grab stuff for fajitas. We put it on the grill, visited outside, and had the nicest evening. I know he will sleep hard tonight, but I loved getting to hear everything and see him after such a fun weekend for him! 

Here are some more pictures!

 Vic said they found great places to just sit back and rest!

 I love this picture that Lucas got of Vic handing off to Matt at the end of his third leg. Also, the funny thing is Vic said you are supposed to "be cool and super smooth" and slap the bracelet onto the next runners arm and he said every single time he failed! haha! Towards the end, Matt was telling him to just hand it to him and he still dropped it. hahaha!

 

Vic said he took this picture as he ate his small breakfast taco and was wishing this place was open for a margarita!  

Smith Fountain in the middle of Downtown Houston.

Almost there! They all run the last .08 mile together as a team to finish the race!

A team picture at the finish line! (minus Dave, who somehow ran all 3 legs super fast by 10pm because he had to fly to Chicago on Sunday for work! Now, that is team dedication!)

And here they are with their awesome medals!

What a great weekend for Vic and his team! Before he crashed at 10:00 tonight, he posted this on Facebook and I just thought it summed it all up!

Oh and here is a last photo of Wes, with his many rub-on TIR tattoos when they got back to College Station. Team spirit!

 Can't wait for next year's race!

Texas Independence Relay 2017 Beginning

This is year #3 for the Texas Independence Relay for Vic and his team called "Don't Stop, Give 'em Hell!" It is this weekend, March 25th and 26th. Friday night, the DFW guys came down to spend the night. This year, from DFW was Charley and Matt Ange, and two new guys, Wes (Vic's cousin who ran it last year, loved it, but didn't have a team this year), and Coleman, a friend of Charley's. The next morning they met up with the other College Station guys (Lucas, Mike and Wei and Lucas's dad, Ronald, who was driving this year). They all left at 7:45 in their 15 passenger van to head to Gonzales for the start of the race. I decided I wanted to take the kids to see them off this year so we left about 8:30 and headed that way as well. My plan was to corral kids, take pictures, and see them off. We arrived to see that the Air Force crew had arrived as well from the San Antonio area (Dave, Jeff and Aric) and that Geoff (Jill's husband) had also gotten there with Steve and Janice. Since he has to come from Orange Grove, Steve and Janice brought him because they were going to Houston anyways, and he can't leave his vehicle in Gonzales, if he came alone, because the race ends in Houston. Such crazy logistics! And, since Steve and Janice were there, it ended up making it much easier on me, because the kids wanted to run and play with them while I followed the team around to take pictures! Thank you Steve and Janice!

So, the guys were organizing vans and stretching and hanging out by the junior high school. Their start time was 11:42. I went with them to the starting point and we took some pictures and had to wait around a little bit. Then, their team song came on (no idea what it was, something to pump them up!) and Vic lit the cannon and off they went! So, the first mile of the 200 mile race is run by the entire team. They make a big block and come back towards the start. The person running the first leg continues on and the rest of the team gets back to their vans to start the next 24+ hours of making their way resting and running through the race to the San Jacinto monument in downtown Houston. It is just such a fun event! I am so proud of all of them and so glad Vic has continued to form a team every year. Every year, Vic is so happy with the group; they all are such great guys!

I should also mention that just 2 weeks ago, Vic's terrible back pain from 2015 came back. He mopped for me one night and that is what threw his back out of whack. Boy did I feel bad; I keep up with the normal cleaning, but really don't love mopping and our floor really really needed it. So, I asked Vic to mop the whole house if I took the kids out for a couple hours and of course, he did it for me. The next day he was sore and then we spent the weekend out of town, for many hours on the road and sleeping in a bed that was not our own (so of course you are never as comfortable when it's not your own bed and Vic swears by our tempur-pedic) and it didn't help him at all. It was the exact pain that he had back in 2015 for months before he got a steroid shot that took the pain away completely. In fact, back in October, he had a minor flair up. By the time he got into the doctor a couple days later, the pain was gone but the doctor gave him a steroid pack of pills to take the next time it happened. Vic started those when we got back into town and a few days later, the pain was gone. Oh my, we were so thankful. I hate for him to have that pain and it was such a bad time, with the race coming up and especially when you are part of a team relay. But, all worked out and he felt great for the race! Anyways, I am so off track. First, here are pictures from the start of the race!

 The kids played in the big van while the guys loaded it up!

 Loading up! And check out their team shirts!

 I love to match these girls when I can!

 Here is the sheet Vic left me with so I would know who is running and when and where they are their entire race! Then, we headed to Gonzales!

 Geoff & Vic

 Wei, Charley, Matt

 Matt, Coleman, Wes, Charley, Geoff & Vic

 Monument in Gonzales.

 Dave, Wes, Vic, Coleman, Charley, Matt, Wei, Aric, Jeff, Mike, Geoff, & Lucas

 My handsome husband!

 Lighting the cannon...

 I think this is so funny because that cannon is SO loud. Aric was prepared!

 And they are off!

 Lucas brought lots of great flags for them to carry...a "Come and Take It" flag, a Texas flag, an Aggie flag, and the flag that matches their shirts that I had to look up....it's the Lorenzo de Zavala flag that was possibly the first flag of the Republic of Texas.

 Away they go for the first mile together!

 After the first mile, they run through this tunnel.

A quick Seidel family picture, but where was Geoff? Actually, I hadn't planned to be in it until Wei offered to take it! :) And off they went! I'll blog what happens after this as soon as I can! (and as soon as I know!) As of 11:38pm, they have completed about 92 miles, in about 12 hours with a 7:30 pace. I only know this because I follow it online. Vic has run a total of 2 legs for 12.17 miles. Yikes!