On a beautiful, sunny evening the 2012 ELL Red Sox took the field against the league favorite Diamondbacks.  For the first time is his young baseball career, Sebastian was given the nod as starting pitcher.  With butterflies in many stomachs, the Red Sox gave up 3 runs in the 1st inning with a couple of walks and some fielding errors.  However, Sebastian relaxed and entered a zone recording 3 strikeouts to finish the inning.  He pitched the next two innings allowing no runs and recording 4 more strikeouts before his pitch count reached near maximum per league rules.  A solid first start.  Way to go Sebastian!

The Starter

Ready To Pitch

The Wind Up

The Pitch

On the batting side, the Red Sox were a bit overwhelmed by the best pitcher in the league…a 12 year old that can throw over 60 mph.  He breezed through our line up the first two rounds before Sebastian broke up his no hitter with a solid double to right center.

In the end the Diamondbacks were a bit too much, but the Red Sox battled hard and the season is young.

Sunny Day

Colorful Sunrise

Picturesque

Mike and Sebastian went to the Timberwolves game at the Target Center last Friday.  Mike’s brother gave them the tickets and they couldn’t refuse – Timberwolves vs. Lakers, how can you say no?  They arrived early and Sebastian solicited autographs from some of the players.

Autographs

Target Center

Happy Fans

They watched a great game with the Timberwolves leading for a good portion of the evening.  The Timberwolves did not win, but made it an exciting match until the very end.

While the boys were at the Wolves game, Sophia and I went to see the UMD Bulldogs during the first round of the WCHA playoffs.  Sophia decided to put a Bulldog tattoo on her cheek and I made signs for her to hold up during the game.

Go Dogs!

I "Heart" Kenny (The Goalie)

Face Off

We also saw a fun game with excitement until the very end.  The Bulldogs scored an empty net goal in the final seconds to win 4-2.

4-2

We watched more sports on Saturday when Sebastian played his final basketball game of the year.  Sebastian scored seven points and had several rebounds and assists.  We had a special fan join us to watch the game.  Papa Tom came up from the Twin Cities to see him play.

Sunday was spent skiing at Spirit Mountain with Papa Tom.  The snow that we had received the week before was melting fast in the near 60 degree temperatures.  We enjoyed the sunny, warm weather on the slopes and ate lunch outside on the deck.

View From The Chalet

Ski Team

Ready To Hit The Slopes...Again

We had every intention to take a picture with the five of us, but ended the day without snapping a group photo.  We will have to ski together again next season so that we get one with Papa Tom on the slopes at age 70 along with the four of us.

Batter Up

Swing

On Base

Playing 3rd Base

Sophia stayed busy during Sebastian’s game with her new hula hoop (and wearing my sunglasses).

Hula Girl

Sebastian finished the day with a flag football practice.  Then on Monday he headed back to the field and played a flag football game.  It was an awesome night for football and we had a bonus with Mike filling in as coach.

Game Plan

Reviewing The Play

Ready To Make Some Plays

Time For Action

From The Sidelines

I did catch some of the action, but was a bit distracted by this…

Boxer Puppy

Sophia didn’t actually see any of the game.  One of the opposing team’s parents brought their new puppy to the game.  Sophia was too busying playing with this little gal to care what was happening on the field.  She cuddled her, pet her and wrapped her up in our blanket to keep warm.

Cozy

Watching The Game

Lap Dog

Sophia eventually gave her back to the owners when we had to leave.  She is convinced that Daphne needs a friend and that we should get a boxer puppy too.  Umm, yeah…that’s not going to happen any time soon.  Sorry Sophia.

p.s.  Mike did a great job coaching and Sebastian’s team won the game, holding the other team to only one touchdown.  Officially this is only a rec league and they don’t keep track of scores, but Mike and Sebastian always keep track.  They can’t help it.