Founders Day

A few weeks ago our friends Joe & Beth text me and asked if we wanted six tickets to Founders Day at Busch Stadium.  I enthusiastically said "yes" without having any clue what Founders Day was, but I knew the boys would appreciate anything having to do with the Cardinals.  Turns out it is a "thank you" event for the season ticket holders and we had a great time!

Everyones closets are full of Cardinals gear except Cate's.  We had to dig through Brady's old stuff to find this t-shirt.  Good thing she can still fit in a 2T!!

Best part of the day was FREE FOOD.  And let me tell you, the Smallie's know how to take advantage of FREE FOOD! 6 hot dogs, 4 brats, 2 nachos, 2 pretzels, 3 peanuts, 12 sodas, popcorn, and 6 bottles of water.  For real.

There was no baseball game being played so we were able to explore the entire stadium. The kids loved walking the field, seeing the World Series Trophies in the Champions Club, and getting baseballs autographed by current players.

Checking out the bullpen



He's going to need a little more spring in his step to a rob a hitter of a homerun!

Cate is not a fan of the sun :)

We spent a lot of time in the VERY air-conditioned game room

What's unusual about this picture??  Absolutely nothing.  This is the scene at home everyday :)

Famous David Freese scene

Cate lined up for the pitching game

She was throwing the heat !

Next, she decided to spend some time in the batting cages

Lefty batter....

Carter and I sat down while the others stood in line for an autograph.  I thought we were having a great conversation until he said "so, what kind of car are you thinking about buying me.  I have 3 favorites saved on my computer...."  I didn't even let him finish, just walked away :)

A few more autographs before we left


If you ever get the chance to attend Founders Day, I would highly recommend it.  It wasn't very crowded and the kids loved going down on the field, into the clubhouse and all of the other things that are normally off limits to the fans.  Oh, and did I mention all of the concession stands were open and just handing out FREE FOOD and drinks, and ice cream?  Thank you Busch Stadium for treating us to breakfast, lunch, and dinner ;-)

Greatness was born....

Of course I'm talking about me and Scott becoming "Great".  On Tuesday, we welcomed our Great nephew, Trevor into our family.  Sweet little cherub face with long and lanky arms and chicken legs...the perfect mix of his parents :)  Annie had a fairly easy labor (especially once the epidural kicked in!), and the biggest crowd the hospital waiting room has ever seen.  Cody did awesome too and is one proud papa!   So much love for little Trevor already. 

Trevor James Rivenburgh.  7lbs 2 oz, 19 inches long

"Hey, what's all this commotion about?"



Annie did so great throughout her entire pregnancy and especially during her labor.  Hoping she gets plenty of rest in the next few weeks before her college soccer season starts :)

Sweetest baby ever!

Carter was able to go to the hospital to see Trevor...he couldn't wait to tell B,B & C that he held him first :)

Cate's reaction to her finally meeting her baby cousin...."When Annie falls asweep, I'm gonna sneak into her room and steal Trevor to our house" and "You was right Mom, Baby Trevor is the same size as my American Girl boy doll". 

Bennett isn't a man of many words, but he did say "I just can't believe how little he is, I had no idea he was going to be that small."  And then he received a text message and he was over it.



This picture worries me.  Both Brady and Trevor have "up to no good" smirks on their faces.  I think secrets have already been told and trouble is on its way!!! 

more baby updates to come, stay tuned......

Inspired....

Cate loves watching the Team USA gymnastics 'Fab 5' and she can often be seen running through the house in her Speedo swimsuit imitating all of the routines...it's seriously the cutest thing ever.  At Brady's soccer practice, she used the time to perfect her back flips on the swing set! Future Olympian?? 

Stuck it!

Timmmmbbberrrr

When I looked out my back window this morning, I saw this....

And this.....

So I went back to bed.  

New Wheels....

Carter turns 15 next week!  And starts driving school!  And gets his driving permit!  We're currently car shopping....his suggestions are Range Rover, Jeep Wrangler (4 door), or Uncle Mike's Porsche.  So, we got him a Cadillac!

This is a great example of why I'm worried about Carter starting to drive..he's always goofing around!

Oh wait, the Escalade is Cate's new ride ;) Go figure, shopping for Carter and Cate gets the goods!

The museum is the perfect place for her to run wild...plenty of room to cruise!

I can't believe Carter is going to be driving in a few short weeks.  Stay off the sidewalks people!!!! 

Swim Party (2 of 3)

Tonight we celebrated Bennett's friend Kaden's 10th birthday at the Woodriver Aquatic Center.  This is the second time we've partied there this summer, and will do it all again for Keaton's birthday Sunday night!  The kids love the high dive and waterslides and it's a nice change from our everyday Paddlers :)


Keaton and Bennett...goofy as ever! 10 year olds are such dorks

Tyler (Hollywood) and Brady

Bennett off the high dive.  Weird that it was so much higher when I was younger :)

Cate and her bff Katherine. 



Cate and Kerrigan.  Only way we could get Cate out of the water was to lure her with cake!

Brady



Katherine, Lauren, Cate, and Kerrigan

Grizzlies Game

The Grizzlies (semi-pro baseball team) coach used to coach Brady's baseball coach in college (Scott too!) and our team was invited to hang out on the field before a game, meet the players, and tour the clubhouse.  It was a VERY warm evening, but the boys had a great time hanging out together and the playground provided hours of entertainment for Cate and the rest of the team siblings.   Grammy, Fran, Mike, and Bau Bau joined us...we all try and go to at least one Grizzlies game each year.  I love the laid back atmosphere and lack of crowds!

8u Team Illini

Does he have to purposely photo bomb every picture??!  Poor Brady is so patient with his dad :)

Heading to the locker room for a tour

Inflatables make me want to barf.  Look how clean this one is...not!!

I see London, I see France.....

Aunt Frannie and Catie Bug

The very best of friends!

Braden, Brady, and Gannon

Another fun night at GCS Stadium!