XC

Ben is into his 2nd season of Cross Country for the middle school.  I must say, I enjoy watching the XC meets even more than baseball.  I can relate to it so much more!

These are the stats and pictures from  a couple of his meets:

1 Mile Race
163 runners
39th overall
6:36 mile
2nd place for team out of 9
Ben 11th place on his team out of 44

2 Mile Race
237 runners
130th overall
7:02 mile pace
10th place for team out of 27

His team's camp

Heading to the starting line

A lot of middle school boys!

They're off!

Finishing strong

This was a particularly hilly course and you can see it in his face.

Video of the home stretch

Cheering sectin of brothers, cousins and a couple of neighbors

Baseball

Ben played AA traveling baseball this year, up a level from last summer.  It was a season filled with some growing pains and adjustments, but Ben still had a fun year, played lots of ball, and spent time with some good buddies.

An adult friend of the team (she doens't have any kids on the team, but knows many of the boys) is an amateur photograher and put together CDs of the boys for the end of the season.

There are A LOT of baseball pictures below, but each captures Ben and his athleticism, determination and love for the game of baseball.

"F" for Farmington

Water Tower

Growing up in Manhattan Beach, CA, James and Jack haven't had the opportunity to see very many water towers up close and personal.  Throughout the trip, Jack (age 5 3/4!) was FASCINATED with the water towers and proudly annouced "WATER TOWER" every time he spotted one while we were out and about.  I asked Birgitta, "Do you not have water towers where you live?"  She replied that yes, they do, but the area is much more congested, so you just aren't aware of them like we are here!

On their last day in MN, we decided to take Jack to a park that allowed him to stand and touch a water tower and gaze up at it for as long as he wanted.  I think he liked it!

Doesn't get much better than this!

Sitting on the base

Leaving the water tower and heading to the playground

Refilling these was a daily occurence!

My Dad is Birgitta's Godfather

Taking a break in the shade

Ben loves to mess up Siri on Holly's phone!

Thinking about the water tower, no doubt!

Playing sardines at the park

These kids played HARD together!

Swimming & Spa

I guess you could say our house is like an all-inclusive resort.  Swimming, spa, and restaurant all on the premises.  Or maybe not...

The spa sign.  We got a good laugh out of the food to purchase!

She could have a massage therapy career ahead of her!

The grocery store part of the spa

Relaxing!

This employee got distracted by the toy.

Nana & Papa

Hanging out

Minnehaha Falls

Visiting Minnehaha Falls is probably one of the higlights for all of us.  We did this day outing last year and had a great time!  We enjoyed walking around, but the best part of all was riding the multiple person bikes.

Walking to the Falls

Adam got to hitch a ride!

Luke & Jack

Ready to ride

These are harder than they look!

This looks like total mayhem!

Yes, total mayhem!

Taking a break and switching drivers

The kids loved it!

Silly girl

We found a flat, open area to do lots of loops.

Cute boys

Maybe next year we'll give these a try.

Excellent photo bomb, Ben!

DQ!

Passed out!