We’re almost there! The blog is nearly caught up. I am looking forward to highlighting individual events, rather than broad-stroke brushing an entire month at a time.

Big news in the family occurred at the end of March (while we were in Canada): my dad retired! We finally celebrated this new season of his life at the beginning of May by going to a White Sox game. Mom rented a suite for all of us, which included delicious ballpark food.

It was so fun to see cousins!

Plus, by being among the first few thousand to the park, we got free Cinco de Mayo Sox soccer jerseys.

The crabapple tree in the front of the house blossomed in May. It was absolutely beautiful and vibrant. I only wish those flowers would last longer.

Jeremy continued to explore the giant maple tree behind the house–higher and higher every day. He even mapped out the branches in his mind and named them.

Jim did some paper-pencil coaching of Ruth after a softball game. We realized she didn’t know what a force out was.

We had an exciting surprise one morning after Peter left for school. He had percussion class first thing in the morning, and Mr. Willemssen thought it would be fun to march the drum line to Peter’s house. I had no idea they’d march all the way up our driveway, but I was happy I thought to video the excitement when I heard them nearing our street!

The class posed for a picture,

then it was time for them to head back to class. Molly said good-bye.

We had lots of baseball and softball this month, as we not only had the regularly scheduled May games, but also all of the April makeup games.

Ruth was fun to watch both at the plate

and in the field. She enjoys catching.

Jeremy is having a superb season. While his favorite position is shortstop, he has developed quite a bit as a pitcher.

He has poise at the mound, and shows consistency.

Not only that, but he’s perfecting that Johanik lip squeeze as well!

He has a good on-base average to boot.

We took advantage of a day when nothing was planned on the calendar, and the weather was cooperative to work on pitching and catching on the WA softball field across the street.

When it was time for batting practice, Molly retrieved balls that were hit into the outfield.

Jake and Tiffany attended the USAFA Ring Dance.

She looked beautiful! And look at that backdrop…

Jake donned his very first piece of jewelry he’s ever owned.

Posing with the guys…

And remember the altered party shirt? Business in the front, party in the back. It was gratifying for me to see it on him!

A bunch of their friends rented a house in the mountains the weekend of the dance.

These two are showing off their respective rings.

After that, USAFA held its graduation ceremony, where the president gave the commencement address. Jake and buddy Michael posed for a pic.

Meanwhile, back at home, Jim’s pulled pork has crossed state borders and is making a hit at Albert K’s Cafe in Michigan.