Friday, April 22, 2011

Spring Baseball for Christopher

Last Saturday was Christopher's first game for the Spring season. He's playing at the Horizon Field in Acworth.



This is a big step for him. At the suggestion of a lot of people, including his doctor, we tried him in t-ball last Fall at Adams Park. After one practice it was obvious that he wasn't ready to do a mainstream league, but he was too young for the special needs field.

The field is different than anything I've seen before. It is totally fenced in with the only way in or out through the dugouts. The field is 100% playground soft/spongy with no dirt or grass.

Every player as a 'buddy', usually a teenage boy or girl, but there are a number of adults for those kids needing extra help. Every kid gets three swings at pitches (if they can hit coach pitched) or use the tee until they hit. When the ball is hit the kids run until one of the opponents get the ball, then they stop. They do try to throw to the correct bases and the buddies help with catching and telling where to throw.

Parents are not allowed on the field. They want the parents to watch instead of running around with the kids.

Christopher's buddy was a guy probably a little older than me who was wonderful with him.

Christopher got up twice (like all the other kids) and had good hits. He didn't do so well running to base, but I think he got the idea the second time.



He definitely understood going after the ball, though sometimes not throwing it to the base. Still I think he had a good time.

This was strange. Usually Christopher is the largest boy, often mistaken for someone 3 years older. Here, he is the smallest.



Sunday, April 10, 2011

Nice having a chauffeur

Meghan is 16 and has her permit, so she's always asking us to take her driving. Well, on Saturday she got her wish, big time.

I had her drive me all over the place Saturday morning. First a 40+ minute drive to the speed shop to pick up a part for the Capri. This was on roads she doesn't know and at speeds from 35 to 55. She did great. Even did good turning the Mustang around in the parking lot where many of the motors in the cars there cost more than the Mustang is worth! Then had her drive back, this time a different way, so different roads again.

Then had her drive me around Acworth/Kennesaw for a few stops, including parking in a very crowded Home Depot. Her only reward was a lunch at Zaxby's!

I could get used to this. Except the part with no radio and saying 'a little to the left Meghan' all the time.