Softball Season...

We had a practice and cook-out for our Co-Ed Softball Team last night... Dawn is the coach/coordinator, so we had a practice, and then had everyone came over to the ranch for a cook-out and potluck.

The turn-out for the practice was good, and we were able to field a full team. I would like to welcome Nate and Amy to the team... That meant we had a house full of people for the party afterwards... I grilled the brats, burgers, and hot-dogs. Doug (who is now to be called Woody) brought some wood from his renovations, so that we could have a fire on our deck in the fire pit. We drank a ton of brews, and everyone had a great time... Here are some pictures the morning after...

We drank lots of beer...




We set the table on fire... Yes, I had to run and get some water to put the fire on table out :) It was pretty crazy that there was a glow below the table for a little bit...

Mr. Mom Checking Out!!!

Dawn is on her way home, and should be here sometime tonight... So, that means I get to check-out from Mr. Mom action. The boys were pretty good for me, but I run a tight ship (ruh-roh Tommy just walked down here saying he can't sleep...) I just sent him back to bed :)

Tommy had hockey practice tonight for the Stars. After practice we went and did two Geocaches. It was raining a little, but we powered through... I had Tommy looking out for muggles on the second one, and I think he was loving it :)

If you don't know about geocaching, here is a quick description for you. It is a game where you utilize a GPS to find a "treasure" that has been hidden by someone else. We like to do it for an outdoor family activity, or as part of a bike ride... You can learn more at http://www.geocaching.com

I have gotten a new BlackBerry 8330 at work, and I love it... As you know I am the phone guy at work, and I suggested that we look into BlackBerry to replace our Windows Mobile Solution that was integrated with mNotes (we use Lotus Notes for email). I must say that this is one of my best contributions, because the BlackBerry is working great, and so far everyone is pleased with the results...

Well, that's all for now...

Hockey - The Last Dance Tournament - GO STARS!!!

The Mid-Michigan Stars travelled to the greater Detroit Area this weekend to participate in "The Last Dance" tournament. Here is a quick run-down...

The first game of the tournament was Friday Night at 5 PM against the "International Stars" which we believe was a team from Kensington Valley. The MMStars were victorious by a score of 10 to 1. They didn't play great during the game, but they did play well enough to win, so we were happy for that.

We went to a Sports Bar with the team for dinner, and then back to the hotel for some R&R...

The second game was at 7:00 AM on Saturday morning... We were excited because this game was against the "5th ranked" Mt. Clemens Wolves. We had played the Wolves last Saturday in an exhibition game, and beat them 3 to 0 in a wonderful game. However, this was a new day, and we wanted to play tough against them. The game was good again, but we came up on the short side and lost 3 to 2.

We went back to the Hotel for the breakfast buffet, and some swimming... I decided to try and take a nap, but after laying down for awhile I was "mugged" by Tommy, and a bunch of his teammates asking me if I taped the whole game, or just Tommy. I told them the whole game, and in a few minutes there was this pounding on the door... I tried to ignore it, but eventually got to the door, and found Tommy, and Brady asking me to get the video working on the TV/Computer... I shut the door, and tried to ascertain whether or not I was properly dressed to leave the hotel room... I ended up getting the video pulled off of the camera, and on the beloved MacBook, so that the coach could review it. It was determined that the Head Coach watched the entire game at least 6 times, and knew what our issues were against Mt. Clemens...

The third game was at 5:00 PM on Saturday evening... We were in a must win situation, so that we could go to the Championship Game on Sunday. We played against the Livonia Knights, and won the game 5 to 1. The game was pretty good, but there were several penalties including Tommy for roughing the goalie long after the whistle was blown.

Saturday night we relaxed, ordered pizza, and then I put the kids to bed about 9:30 or so... I hung out in the hallway with some people, and distributed some beer to my new found friends...

The Championship Game was at 7 AM on Sunday morning... The Mt. Clemens Wolves scored first, but we were able to battle back, and win the game with a final score of 4 to 2. Tommy played pretty well, and one of the coaches even told me that he thought he played really well today... The MVP for the Stars was "The Team". The team is always the MVP for their games :) We were in the locker room, and the coach announces that while the players MVP is the team they are going to have a Parent MVP. He then announced that because the video seemed to help they were giving it to me :) So, I guess it paid off to get my nap interrupted :) We really love the team we are on, and are enjoying the players, and their parents. It is a great group of people!

It was a fun weekend, but we are all tired, and hoping to get to bed a little early... Dawn left for Washington DC this morning, so it is just me and the boys here at the Papesh ranch :) Here are a few pictures...

Update - still trying to blog again...

Here is a quick update...

Last Saturday - I completed my 4th Degree with the Knights of Columbus. It was a nice event, and I am really glad that I did it. Here is a link to some information about the 4th Degree. I wore my Tuxedo, and Dawn wore her fancy dress from White House Black Market.

Baseball - Tommy had a game on Monday, and on Wednesday. His team won both games. He is doing fine, and enjoys playing both 2nd base, and catcher. The coach pitched on Monday, and on Wednesday the kids started doing the pitching.

Tomorrow Night we have a scrimmage for the Mid-Michigan Stars, so hopefully Tommy will do well.

Work - It has been crazy lately... We are working to implement a BlackBerry solution for mobile users. We are also working on a phone system for our site on the east coast.

Whew! - We made it out of April! The month of April was going to be hectic for us with Hockey (for Tommy & Dawn), Volleyball (Dawn), Baseball (Tommy), Dawns Birthday Party and regular life... We are now in May, and it already feels like it isn't as busy at home :)