The first part of our summer!

Since my last post, we have wrapped up the baseball season. Both boys had a good season and learned a lot.





On the Fourth of July, the kids decorated their bikes and walked in the Felida Children's parade. We had a blast and really enjoyed getting involved in our new neighborhood.







After the parade, we told Trent it was time to take off the training wheels. Trent protested and claimed he couldn't ride without them, He was a good sport and gave it a shot anyways. We went out to the road, I was prepared to give him a push and hold on as we went along. However, he just rode off without hesitation. He rode all the way down the street and even turned around and came back without falling. He is a natural. He has been busy speeding around the block on his big boy bike.

We put the training wheels on the smaller bike and Becca off she went too.


And a few more photos from early summer









Next up? An update of our wonderful trip to Sacramento to visit Cara and Matt.

Madness!

It's been two and a half months since my last post. What have we been up to? Oh, not much- only working full time, juggling two boys playing baseball, putting our house the market again, selling our house, finding a new house, packing and getting ready to move--- that's all. Yep, it's been a crazy, busy few months.

It all started shortly after my last post, I love March!!, where I boldly declared, "let the Madness begin." I was referring to the NCAA basketball tournament madness, but low and behold, our life quickly became MADNESS!

March 9, my partner at work was let go suddenly. I found myself forced to step up & fill in on a full time basis until someone else could be hired and trained. I am hoping that I will be able to transition back to my regular 15 hr a week position by the end of June. However, it is more likely that I will be working close to full time through the summer. As a whole, I love my job, but I do not love juggling working full time and being a full time mom without childcare. It's been a challenge for sure! I am also missing my work partner. We worked together for 8 yrs, the past 5 as partners. It is going to take time to adjust to working with someone new.

Then on March 12, Mark suggested we call our realtor and see about re-listing our house. (We had attempted to sell last summer without success. When school started in the fall we took it off the market.) Our realtor suggested we jump on it and list quickly. She had seen some movement in the market and thought we could capitalize on it. So we took one week to thoroughly clean and stage the house and by March 20th the house was listed. March 22 we had our first (and only) showing. March 23 we got a full price offer. We accepted and just like that we were under contract to sell our house. But that presented a new dilemma, to find a new home! We were not prepared to move so quickly and were caught a little off guard.

By the weekend of April 17, almost a month later, we still hadn't found a house to buy. We were faced with the reality that we would need to start looking for a place to rent and accept we would have to move twice. A scary thought for a family of five and a dog. Just as we were ready to accept that possibility, a house came on the market in our desired location. We quickly went to see the house and made an offer the spot. The house already had another offer, but fortunately the sellers decided to accept ours. With a little negotiating, we were able to move closing back on selling our home to coincide with closing on the home we are buying. Everything has seemingly fallen right into place.

With moving day this Saturday, May 21. We are in the final packing stage. I have to admit it is a little bittersweet. I am excited for our new home, more space, better location & schools, but there is some sadness at leaving our first house too. When we bought this house 7 years ago, we were a young family of 3. Now, we are leaving this house a family of 5+. It's been a wonderful 7 years and lots of precious memories: bringing home babies, a puppy, first steps, first garden, first days of school, baby showers & bridal showers, birthdays & anniversaries, visits from Santa, the Easter Bunny & Tooth Fairy, & so much more. I will miss this house.

So as you can tell, we have been busy!! Add to that both Corbin & Trent are playing baseball which means practice +/or games 5 days a week. I can honestly say, I have never been busier. I am certainly looking forward to life calming down soon.

Here's a few preview pics of our new house- once we get settled, we'd love to have company!

Baseball

Tonight marked the end of baseball season in the Sarvela house. The past four months have been busy with both boys playing ball. Trent playing his first season of t-ball, and Corbin playing coach pitch. It's been a joy watching both of them play. Trent was thrilled to finally be playing baseball, after having to watch Corbin play for the past three years. This year, Trent showed us he had a great arm and a good understanding of the game, although he could be a little spacey and lackadaisical at times. His favorite positions to play were pitcher and first base.
Corbin grew so much this year. Last year, he struggled hitting, this year he was a hitting machine. At one point this season he had a 8 game stretch where he had a base hit every at bat.

On the field, he primarily played third base or shortstop. The last couple games, the kids got a chance to pitch. Corbin had his first chance at pitching tonight. He did AWESOME!
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And to finish up, a few pictures of Becca cheering her brothers on. *this pictures are a little desceptive, it was very rare to catch Becca sitting still and actually watching the game. Most of the time she was quite an handful, running, climbing and getting into everything*

End of the season Party!

As I mentioned earlier, Corbin had a wonderful baseball season. Here are a couple pictures from the end of the season party:

Coach Scott talking about Corbin and giving him his trophy. Coach said Corbin was one of the sweetest kids. Coach Scott also shared the story of when Corbin was up to bat and went to Coach and told him he would hit it to the fence (no one hit the ball that far all season). Coach told him to go for it. Corbin struck out, but he left the field smiling and the next at bat, told Coach the same thing. This time he hit it. It was no where close to the fence, but Coach was proud of Corbin and his positive attitude!
The incredible cake- Corbin's team raised the most money for the hit-a-thon earlier this season. As a reward, they received money for our party. Since we were already planning a potluck picnic at the park, the money went to getting the cake.

Corbin with his cupcake and trophy:

Take me out to the ball game!

Last night was Corbin's last baseball game for the season.

Although I am looking forward to having more free time, I will miss baseball. It has been so amazing watching Corbin grow and learn the game. For most of the season, Corbin struggled to hit the ball. He struck out most at bats, occassionally hit a foul ball, and even when it was fair, he always got out at first. What impressed me the most was Corbin's attitude. He never gave up or got discouraged and it finally paid off! The last three games, Corbin went 5/8 (which included only one strike out, multiple foul balls, and two outs at first).
Here are two of his hits:



Corbin was known for his ready position. When out in the field, he would immediately get down in ready position and wouldn't move until the inning was over (unless the ball came to him). The coaches and parents were amazed by his endurance and focus. I have no idea how he could hold this position for 30 minutes straight!


We really enjoyed Corbin's team and his coaches. Thank you for a wonderful season. Good Season Reds!