Tuesday the boys only had one game at the other field. This is the only photo I got because I was too busy melting from the blazing sun. It was maybe the hottest day yet and there was NO shade except for the 4 umbrellas we propped up around us. Not sure how these boys handled it on that field! They were also playing the top ranked team and lost 14-0. Not fun. But Spencer got to play 3rd base for a bit which he thought was fun!

But, we had fun afternoon plans to cool off!

White water rafting! I cannot say I was jazzed about this activity but it ended up being way more fun – and much less treacherous – than I was anticipating. Robert and Spencer were on a raft with boys and I love these pics!

I was on a raft with all adults – and felt pretty safe with a near professional kayaker sitting in front of me! ha!

That night we all had pizza in one of the cabins again.

Lots of adventure with some baseball mixed in!

Monday brought the first games of the week and the Yard Goats were ready!

I was ready too!

The boys had a morning game and an afternoon game. It was approximately 1000 degrees at the ballpark but the boys handled it well. There is a professional photographer that we paid to come take pictures at a few of the games and he got some great shots.

The photographer was also at the afternoon game when Spencer was pitching so that was cool.

What a stud!

I honestly can’t remember the scores of the two games but pretty sure they lost. It didn’t matter though – they all played so well!

That night everyone cut loose in Pigeon Forge! We all had dinner at the Local Goat…

and then hit up some go-carts…

and the mountain coaster!

Yes, I did it too. I fulfilled my “fun mom” quota for the year, I tell ya!

These Yard Goats even got to see some real goats!

Only in Pigeon Forge!! Lots more to come…

The Yard Goats all traveled to Pigeon Forge to particpate in the Ripken Experience – a week long baseball tournament with teams from all over the country. It was pretty cool! They played 7 games total and did everything Pigeon Forge had to offer! ha! It was quite an experience!

Robert, Spencer and I traveled up early to hit up Dollywood on Saturday obviously. It was a hot day in the park but we rode all the coasters and then rode them again!

After Dollywood we checked into our cabin for the weekend. All of the families on the team got a cabin in the same neighborhood. Let’s just say I wasn’t jazzed about our accomodations for the weekend, even if we did have a raccoon on our porch welcoming us that night.

A trip to Target for a new pillow, pillowcase and comforter made it a bit more palatable.

While the cabin was not the best, it was nice for all the boys to be close to each other and be able to run over to the various cabins…many of which were much nicer than ours!

The opening ceremonies started on Sunday and it was fun to see what all we were in for that week!

That night we all got together in one of the cabins for dinner and a little Father’s Day celebration!https://flic.kr/p/2rdK6EU

Games started early Monday morning! LOTS more to come. Go Goats!

During the spring the Yard Goats played in the OTM league and also did several weekend tournaments around Alabama. Spencer consistently played catcher and outfield and pitched a decent amount too. The Yard Goats did not have what anyone would call a winning season. They were mostly playing up in AAA when they are really a AA team. But, they were challenged and good things come from that. I just loved watching Spencer play – rising to the pressure when up to bat, executing great plays from behind home plate, making clutch catches in the outfield – he’s a strong overall player.

Of course the best part of baseball is the time with the team – goofing off in the dugout, celebrating birthdays, and yet another lunch at Bdubs.

Some of the fields we traveled to were really nice turf fields….and some were not. ha!

The boys didn’t take home any tournament rings this year. They got runner up in the OTM summer league behind the AAA Spartan team. Again, it wasn’t a winning season but that’s ok.

I just love to watch this kid play – his attitude and sportsmanship are top notch and he is a good, good kid.

I am so proud of my Yard Goat! The season ended with one last big tourney – full recap to come!

Let’s go Goats!