'Fond' Memories

We're home -- hot, sweaty, dusty and dirty after a final day in Fond du Lac. With predicted record temperatures, we were actually relieved our first game was at 8 a.m.

The importance of the 8 o'clock game was that if we lost, we were going home. If we won, we'd play for 3rd place at 2 p.m. As much as sitting in the A/C sounded good, we would rather sweat it out, knowing we were playing for hardware!

And that's how it worked out, too. We had a close first game but beat Fond du Lac 7-3. We all cooled off in the hotel a bit, had lunch, checked out and went back to the field, where it was waaaay warmer than when we'd left at 9:30! There was a hot breeze that didn't really cool us off, but kept the dust flying in our faces.

We give the boys credit for hanging in there. De Pere was a tough team with good hitters. The first 4 batters hit to the fence and we were in a hole quickly. At one point, we were behind 9-3, but rallied to 9-8. Ended up losing 12-9. Good game but not quite good enough.

The boys still got a 4th-place medal so hopefully they'll think of that fondly and be motivated to return next year!

I did not end up getting to see my lighthouse in Fondy this weekend, but still took some good photos. I'd rather stare at pictures of Carter all day anyway, wouldn't you?


He saw a lot of action in right field during the last game especially, when he made 2 outs!

At bat at letting what looks like a strike go by. A very fast one.

If you look closely, the ball is in the air from the pitcher to Carter. Had I waited one more second, I would have gotten Carter's great hit! Ah well.

Here Carter swings at a high one and fouls off to right -- where Dad is coaching first base.

He's reaching here. It's no wonder there was no power behind it and the 3rd basemen threw him out at first.

He hits a nice single up the middle.

Hanging out with Coach Dad at first base.

Sliding into 2nd but just not getting there in time. See how dusty it was?

Crossing home plate to score!

The Rapids Rage 12U team with their 4th-place medals. No, they did not feel like smiling...

but ended up laughing after their final huddle which they humorously "dedicated" to Coach Austin.

Gosh, we're going to miss this!