HAPPY BIRTHDAY -- DOUBLED

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MANN BOYS

Baseball

Baseball may be over for some in a few weeks, but for Merrick it may go on longer. He found out on Friday that he was picked to go for the All-Stars team. They had their try-out's last night and he was placed on a team for regular practices for 2 weeks. At the end of the 2 weeks the A and B teams will be picked. Anyway, that's how I understood it.

Merrick has been consistant in his playing all year. He's worked hard and had a good attitude thru all his games. He's played short, catcher, left field, and even pitched a few innings. He's an awsome fielder because he's got the arm for it. It will be interesting to see what position he will be placed in for the All-Stars. We are very proud of him.

Here are some photo's and a clip of his pitching debut.

Waiting for the right ball...

Hit the ball, and making a bee-line

to first base!

Winding up for the pitch

The Wave

Well Sophie has begun to wave. She does a mix of opening and closing her fingers and waving her hand back and forth. It's really quite cute. I can't believe how big she's getting. She's already 7 months old! Where has the time gone?!? Tim told me last night that she has 2 more teeth. I couldn't believe that, I had to look and sure enough... They are not the top middle two, but the ones on each side of the middle two.

Well here is a clip of her waving:

Memorial Day

Yesterday was Memorial Day. A day where we pause and remember all the men and women who served/serve our country. Two people that I thought of yesterday were my grandpa and father-in-law. My grandpa Lichtenwalter was a Master Sargent in the Army and served in the Philippines, WW1, WW2 & the war at the Mexican Border. My father-in-law was a Sargent in the Air Force and was stationed state side. Both of these men are no longer with us.

There are many of you who have family and friends that have or are serving now. I know there are other members of my family who have served and some who are still active. Our thoughts & prayers are certanly with those who are still serving.

Yesterday was also a day to spend with family and friends. Cooking out, eating, relaxing, playing, and for some of the brave ones ~ swimming. Swimming in a fast moving river in May in Michigan. Some people are just plain crazy. I can only say, I'm glad that Ethan was napping & Sophie's too little. But here you have to see to believe:

This was also Snickers first time swimming in the river. She didn't like it very much at all.

And here we have Sophie relaxing at the end of the day with grandma.

Fun in the Sun

Time to get outside and feel the sun on our faces, the grass between our toes, the dirt and bugs on our hands (maybe even in the mouth). Time to hang from the trees, chase your younger siblings and the dog, or be chased by them. Time to enjoy and smile :)

Yes, that's her growling. She also does that when she's eating and want's another bite.

And last but not least.....One of my favorite monkey's in a tree.

Sitting Up

Sophie will be 7 months in just a few days and she has already mastered the art of sitting up. Without looking at Merrick's baby book, I don't remember how old he was when he first sat up, but I do remember Ethan's. He sat up by himself on his 6 mo. birthdate (which is also my birthday).

Sophie was able to do it just after her 6 mo. birthdate. Here are some photo's of her sitting pretty.

On the News

Merrick was asked to play in a fundraising basketball game recently. He was on a team of about 20 players (he was the youngest), playing for Mid Michigan Community Action Agency. They played against 9&10 News members, there were only 7 or 8 of them. It was a fun game to watch.

If you want to view some footage of the fun check this out:

http://www.9and10news.com/category/story/?id=134067

Merrick appears 5 or 6 times in this video

MMCAA had about 4 5-man teams and they each got a lot of play time. One of the men on Merrick's 5-man team was MI Representive Tim Moore. There were also 2 gentlemen from our church on his team and a gentleman that Tim & I graduated with.


It was a good game the 9&10 News did an excelent job for having fewer people and a couple of serious injuries. 9&10 won the game by 1 point (55 -56). It was a close and very exciting game. Here are some shots of the game:


Merrick facing off with Jim Lehocky, Meteorologist

MMCAA Walk 4 Warmth Superstars

warming up before the game

Merrick in the front moving in to block Jodi Hathaway, News Anchor. To the left is Meteorologist Tom O'Hare. Behind him is Aaron Warner, from CCF. Standing in front of the 9&10 banner is State Rep. Tim Moore.