Take me out to the ball game...

Today was Gracie's 1st softball game. She had such a great time, and we were SO proud of her. She played soccer when she was about 4 years old...and she really just ran around in circles. She tried to stay as far away from the action as possible, so we were a little worried with her beginning a new sport. Boy did she prove us wrong. She was up to bat 4 times during the game, and hit the ball the FIRST pitch every time!!! I could not have been more proud of her. Sorry for softball picture overload, but this was her 1st game so I went a little crazy. This isnt even half of the pictures that I took. I also loaded them in backwards...so the before game pictures are at the end of post. Oops. (Sorry Lauren..I know you taught me better..haha) Enjoy! :)

This is a picture of a baby robin that has hatched on top of our wind chime on the front porch. Not sure why the mother thought that would be a good place for a nest, but it's hanging in there. This little guy looks like his neck is broken...but he was wiggling around so I guess he's ok. So cute!!! :)

I had to throw in a picture of Jai. This day was mostly about Gracie and her exciting day...but this pretty much sums up what Jai did all day.

This is Gracie after the game. She was so happy and had such a great time. I'm glad she found something that she really enjoys! It was really fun for us cheering her on also!

The post game huddle!

Gracie (pitcher) running after a ball

Checking the bases..haha

Running to 3rd base...

Proud daddy! (he hates sports)

She hit it!!! :)

Opening ceremony...announcing the girls

Ready to play! :)

EARTH DAY!

On Saturday, we attended our 3rd Earth Day Fair in Winston Salem. This was the 3rd one that's been held. This was the first one that Paul has attended with us, so it was really nice for him to come out with us and we enjoyed a nice family day!

I had to snap this picture for my brother. He is absolutely crazy over VW's...and this was super awesome! The only bummer was that they wanted $13,500 for it!! Wow...good luck selling it! :)

Every year, there is always kids activities set up. The activities this year were for each kid to go to 12 different booths and do certain things to earn bottle caps. Once they've collected 12 bottle caps, they turn those in and are able to vote with them for a particular organization. The organization that has the most votes in the end, received a generous donation from the Earth Day Fair. It was a very nice concept, however, it's a lot of work for the kiddos and their parents. We weren't able to see all that we wanted due to the fact that we were chasing around these 12 booths before our time to leave. I was a little bummed because Paul had to go to sleep around 1 (he works 3rd shift). So as soon as we were done collecting bottle caps, it was time to go. :( But, Gracie had a great time, and that's what counts, right?! :) Sorry for the long explanation, but that summed up our mission for the day once we got there.

Here is a picture of Gracie after she turned in her bottle caps.

Our wonderful friends, Arci & Dulal had a tent set up selling "veggie-ball subs". They were made out of Kafta Balls (cauliflower and flour rolled into a ball and fried), and were absolutely amazing! We were a little bummed at first because last year they had pakoras (fried cauliflower) with a tomato chutney sauce...and once we arrived we realized that what we had been looking forward to would not be served. :( However, they were amazing as I mentioned before...and we were quite pleased. Arci is such an amazing cook! I sent Paul off to take a picture of the plate of food...but as I returned home, I realized he had obviously not saved it on his phone so I can't show you. Bummer! Here is a picture of their tent though.

Here is a picture of Paul and I. I teased him about all of his white hair in his scruff...but he is more handsome than ever and I love it. I am a lucky girl.

They had HUGE wooden tree swings set up under the big shade trees. They were amazing. I really want to do one of these in our back yard. Our trees aren't nearly as big...but it was so neat how it glided for so long and so smooth. Gracie loved it! According to her...the swings at the playground could never compare to these. I'm not sure if they put them up just for Earth Day Fair or if they're always there...but we may have to go back someday just to see.

All in all, it was a great day! I really enjoyed spending time as a family. With work, and school, home & garden activities, it's hard for us to go off and enjoy a nice day together. The weather was perfect! Hopefully we can do things like this more often. Thanks for reading!

Ps. Forgot to mention that on Thursday, Paul, the kiddos, and I drove to Charlotte so that he could get a tattoo of Srimati Radharani on his arm. He has been saving up for quite a while to get his arm finished...and he was super stoked to go in and get it worked on. He went to see Matt Skinny at Ace Custom Tattoo...and he is amazing. He also did Lord Nrishimadeva on the other side of his arm. I tried to take a quick photo as we were heading out one day, so I thought I would share. It is awesome...and I know my hubby is mighty pleased! The kiddos and I went to Ikea while he was there, and as usual, had an amazing time. I love that place...it is my absolute favorite!!! :)

On Saturday, we had a "Easter Party" for the kiddos at my mom's house. She did such a good job planning the party and making it a great time for the kids. She made "Martha Stewart" cupcakes, and cooked a big dinner for mine and my brother's families. Everyone had a great time! I would have posted more pictures...but it takes FOREVER to upload them, so I may do that later. We are having another easter gathering at my dad's house today...so I will do my best to upload some photos from that as soon as I get a chance. Enjoy! :)

PS. I realize the Donnie Darko bunny picture is duplicated...but I have yet to figure out how to delete it once it is in final stage. Soon I will have this all mastered!