Coach Pitch/T-Ball 2014

We had to cut our coach pitch and T-ball season a little short due to our move.  Shane and I were thankful to have this sports activity on our agenda.  It truly served as a good distraction during the chaos of moving.  Summer ball is always fun, even if it doesn't top Avery and Amelia's "favorite sports" list.  

Amelia was the tallest player on her team, even though she wasn't the oldest member.  Amelia's reserved personality always shines through when sports are involved, but especially on the baseball field.  She is very content to let her team players get the ball, while giving positive encouragement.  

This was Avery's first year in coach pitch, and even though he has had very limited time on the baseball field, he did a great job of just joining in and having fun.  Avery was very willing to try any position his coach asked of him and played third, catcher, and infield. 

Last Day of School

The kids all had their last day of school on the same day.  Audrey's preschool celebrated kindergarten graduation with singing, diplomas, and a reception.  Since our household goods were already packed and we were moved out of our house, it was a nice way to wrap up school and say our goodbyes.  We will miss the Children's House and carpooling with Grady.  

Moving on

I can't believe we are done with yet another tour.  We spent 2 years at Keesler, AFB and are in the process of moving back to San Antonio.  Our household goods were packed up briskly the end of May. It all happened so fast that when we departed Keesler it was like we had never been there.  We walk in and out of lives more frequently than I would like and are constantly reminded that time stands still for no one.

As I reflect on our time at Keesler certain memories bubble to the surface more quickly than others, some good and some bad.  However, it's the good things I want to post about.  These are some of the things we are going to miss about our time in Mississippi.

1.  DisneyWorld - We loved visiting DisneyWorld from Mississippi, due to its close proximity.

2.  Seaside, Florida - Seaside was a great vacation destination for our family.  It was completely relaxing, low key, and private.

3. Homeschooling - We had a great homeschooling environment on base.  I was surrounded by homeschooling moms and kids.  All the moms served as inspirational mentors and were great pick-me-ups when I was having a "not so good school day".  Additionally, the kids always had plenty of other children to play with, making our experience a non-isolating one.  

4.  Base Sports - Living on base kept us within close proximity of military youth sponsored programs, like sports.  Military youth sponsored athletics do a good job of letting kids sample lots of sports without spending too much time on just one sport. 

5.  Piano with Ms. Sharon - We will greatly miss our piano teacher.  She was a true gem and a perfect teacher for beginning students.  She was always super positive, made learning fun with games, and encouraged fundamentals through continual practice, with an emphasis on a love for the instrument.

6.  First Presbyterian of Ocean Springs - We attended the cutest church in a cool town called Ocean Springs.  The church was just the right size, with very friendly members, and a pastor with a sense of humor and a passion for the word.  It reminded me of my childhood church with Pastor Tom, and I will miss Sunday service.

7.  Chef Scotts & French Kiss Pastries in Ocean Springs - We had the best sushi of our lives at Chef Scotts.  The kids asked almost every weekend it we could dine out a Chef Scotts followed by desserts at French Kiss Pastries.

8.  The Children's House - Amelia and Audrey were lucky enough to attend this grass-roots Montessori school.  Every time I dropped the girls off at school I felt like I was taken back in time 30-40 years ago to a school I might have attended when I was a little girl.  I loved it!

9.  Horse Riding Lessons with Ms. Olivia -  Like Ms. Sharon, Ms. Olivia was the right teacher for first time horse riding lessons.  She was always patient and had a true love for horsemanship and horse care.  The kids learned a ton just by watching her interact with these beautiful animals.  

10.  Base Living - There are lots of pros and cons to living on base.  However, in the end living on base proved to be a good housing choice for our short tour at Keesler, especially after Shane's Achilles tendon tear.