All Good Things Must Come To An End

What heartaches we experienced on Sunday afternoon! West Raleigh 10U Blue made it all the way to the Southeast Regionals then made it all the way to the championship game without a single loss. After the 6th inning in the championship game, the score was tied 2-2. West Raleigh scored three runs in the extra inning and in the bottom of the 7th, things were looking pretty good for us. Sarasota had two outs and we were just one strike away from going to the World Series in Arkansas when Sarasota scored the extra run to win the game. I think we were all in disbelief, and flooded with almost every emotion that one could experience. One of our player's dad compared it to a first heartbreak. Our boys now know what a broken heart feels like; oh, the agony of defeat! Truth is, being undefeated in Ripken play all season also meant that they knew what it felt like to be doing all of the heart breaking. We are all still feeling the sting but we've been able to find the silver lining in it all and as the days have passed since Sunday, Jackson has been able to look at his runner-up trophy once again.

We've got nothing but blessings to count from this summer. It was a great run, full of friendships and memories that will remain with us for a lifetime.

Now, on to enjoy what's left of summer, just another piece of that silver lining.

Not a bad ride- just arriving at hotel room

Josh and Jackson carrying the flag at the Charlotte Knight's stadium

Part of the team being introduced

Rock climbing at the stadium

Late night Krispy Kreme run in Matthews

Enjoying life in a motel room

Making notes while in the hotel room

What a crazy week for Sawyer- two falls in the hotel parking lot, a minor burn and one chocking scare.  Thankfully, no bee stings. Do you see the bee on the top of the lid of his drink? 

Look at these awesome towels that cousin Leah made for each boy.  The boys were surprised with their own bag filled with goodies.  The towels were definitely a hit and one of the best gifts in the bags.  Thanks for working so hard, Leah. 

Our hotel room door

That trophy that was hard to look at