4thGenJim

 The 25,000 piece Lincoln Log Christmas present is still a solid source for fun. Davis has a lot of creative ideas and helps with building. It's hours and hours of sound effects, story lines,  and even songs from his favorite CD (yesterday's post). (Davis gets a little concerned when he thinks that he may not be at the center of the camera's focus)

Davis has been taking swim lessons this year. He's fearless jumping into the water, and he has good arm movements with his swim strokes. Spending 90mins in the pool isn't long enough, and often draws protests from the little boy.

It was a long, hot season.  But, Davis made some new friends  and really improved his tee ball skills. The awards ceremony was a great way to finish-up the season! It's Davis' second trophy! "Rewarding participation is the same as congratulating a loser" "Kids have to learn what it means to win, and there can only be one winner" "Participation trophies are for wimpy kids that don't care about winning" "You shouldn't reward mediocrity" When I hear someone rail against participation awards/trophies it only makes me smile.  Yes, it's a participation award -everyone that was on a team got a trophy. However, it is a very well deserved trophy. It takes something special to get out and play a team sport when it's so very tempting to stay indoors and be comfortable. There will always be these types of awards. When teams win, awards happen [or, in the case of T-Ball, simply playing the ga...

Mama's Country Cafe in Barling -short stack order of pancakes- one of Davis' favorite places to eat!

is the name of the ferocious lion. Davis was impressed. (according to Yoofus, it's the world's largest bronze statue of a leaping lion) (and Daddy understands why it costs substantially more now than it did when he first started taking classes there @ $37 per credit hour)

...it's one of Davis' favorite new words... He can tell some fantastic stories, along with intertwining the past with the present. Davis is so much fun to be around! impossible to think of anything faster than a red Corvette!

= motivation! Mommy has recently gone back to school.  Davis asked why, and Daddy told him 'so she can get smarter.'  'But she's already smart,' Davis replied. Very true. Daddy & Davis stopped by the Yoofus campus to take some photos to inspire Mommy: (his reaction to the first test) (determination to pass) Daddy got some photos printed from the visit, and will be rewarding Mommy with pictures as she progresses through the class. (out of thousands of digital pictures that we've taken of Davis, it seems like there are more actual photos of dogs than of our precious child) -these actual photos will be a real treat, and -with pencils and slide rules crossed for luck, Mommy will do well with her educational endeavors.   keep up the determined hard work Mommy!

It's something that Davis asks for...seems like an odd request (but it makes for good icy milk smiles!)

The Undefeated 2010 Scrambler Tee Ball Team Highlights from this season include: fancy uniforms (first name & number on the back) Davis almost getting passed by Ava running the bases Davis seeing anyone wearing a high-vis vest and saying that it's one of his coaches   a look back at last year: 2009 Jelly Bean Award ceremonies for the 2010 season will be held Tuesday at the ESCYO ball fields at 6pm. Davis is really excited about possibly getting his second ever trophy! It was a long, hot season -but Davis was a real trooper and enjoyed the overall experience. And, he made some friends outside of his class!   This year's team was very well organized. It's a tribute to the Scramblers' hard-working coaches- Darion & Justin. Davis learned a lot this year, but more importantly, he sees baseball as a fun and rewarding sport. We can't wait till next year!

Davis is a professional at getting what he wants. At the top of his repertoire of manipulation tools is the sad face. This look never fails to tug our heart and give-in  (every now & then :)

a simple, old school (ha!) abacus made waiting for service at the dealership a fun experience

Parking lots can be a lot of fun. It's not too often when we don't see something that sparks an interest with Davis. From convertibles that are 'just his size,' to custom motorcycles with 'super fast paint.'

Danger is his middle name, but he has long since retired from his fast-paced antics of years passed. Now, he insists on being an inside dog if the outside temperature is over 85 degrees. He can be trusted to stay inside by himself with no worries (just some stray ranger fuzz being left behind) -as long as the ceiling fan is on, and the TV is turned to Animal Planet. Davis looks-out for Ranger, but he won't tolerate even the slightest misbehavior from him. He enforces a strict 'no licking' policy, with only a few exceptions for toes. If Ranger ignores Davis, a specially-developed (by Davis himself) 'Ranger Scare' is used. It's really a unique voice command combined with hand gestures. The pair have thoroughly enjoyed their summer together.

3 feet, 6 and a quarter  inches tall! It's time for Davis' half-year height measurement! He knows that he's growing taller everyday! almost 2 inches since January!

 Mike Moustakas was Kansas City's first draft pick in '07. Now, he's with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals! He's amongst the leaders in all of the Minor Leagues for home runs, batting average, and runs batted-in. Davis was excited about watching his second game of the summer. (we got the t-shirt jersey from our last trip to the ballpark -they've since sold-out) Wouldn't it be something if...   ...possibly....     Davis could meet a fellow left-handed third baseman...     It's Mike Moustakas in person! Davis recalls his encounter with #8, "I remember he has big hands."   (this turned-out to be Mike's last game in Springdale. A road trip, followed by the Texas League All Star Game, and he was then promoted to Omaha) 

 It's the best day of the week to go to the ballpark! (buy 1 reserved seat for $8 and get one free -as an Arvest customer) we got awesome seats -field level, right next to the Naturals' dugout! so close to all the action at first base! (just a little PG13 language, however) awesome autographs! (couldn't find any 'The Riot' jerseys in Davis' size) -although it's pronounced Tear-E-O #4 Derrick Robinson took the time for  an awesome photo with Davis during pre-game warm-ups!