Sam's New Look

Surprise! Guess who has glasses? Yep, Sam. To tell the truth, Coaches Dad & Mom were a bit bummed out about it. Sam didn't seem to care...he was just excited to see distances clearly again! Having a few friends and classmates with glasses already helped alot.

There he is, looks pretty grown up wouldn't ya say? What do you think, future lawyer? preacher? professor? Thanks for checking in!

PLAY BALL!

The boys of summer are back at it..it's baseball time.

Team Utzig has had fun watching Sam & the rest of his team. This is the 5th year we've watched them play together! There isn't a much nicer thing to do on a warm summer evening, than be outside and watch/play some ball. (Unless you are on a lake in a boat, but hey, this is South Dakota...not much of that happening!)

Sam's had a good year so far. The positions he plays are pitcher (notice his aim, windup, & throw photos) 1st base, & catcher. He's had some nice hits at bat, but mostly he's having fun with his buddies.

If you ever are in SF and want to see CiCi's Pizza Team in action, Team Utzig would be happy to save a seat for you. Go CiCi's and Play Ball!!!

Beautiful Balloons

How do you like the Hot Air Balloons? Would you ride in one if you got the chance? Team Utzig is split on that one...one of us would for sure, three of us for sure NOT!

Early morning, two Saturdays ago this was the view from our deck. Each year SF has a "Balloon Race" in June. This year 28 balloons participated.

The skies above us were filled with balloons, the ground around us held neighbors as we've never seen them...can you say pj's??

The kids and adults both delighted in the sights and we hope you do too. Up, Up, & Away!!!!!

Jeremy Camp The Way

The Bible verse that was the theme at the kid's school this past year was 3 John 1:4 - "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." This has become one of my favorite verses...contains 4 words that mean alot to me: Joy, Children, Walking, & Truth. This song by Jeremy Camp grabbed my attention the other day. It proclaims that Jesus is the only Way, Truth, & Life. I hope it grabs your heart like it did mine.

Party Time!

Happy Birthday to the youngest member of our Team - Summer Joy turned 6 on June 4! I think this was the birthday she was the most excited for yet. We had a countdown of days until it was THE day.

Here are some photos of Summer at her birthday party - 8, 1st grade girls! Two birthday cakes, lots of presents, played a soccer game, calls from friends and family, beautiful weather, plus visits from Aunt Shell & Grandma B. (Thanks for coming to help with the party & watch her game!!) made for a grand day!

Happy 6th little one! We Love You! Summer Joy what a Joy you are!

She Shoots, She Scores!

June 4th was the last game in Summer's first season of playing soccer. To say she found something she enjoys would be an understatement. The other day while playing "The Favorites Game" with her (I ask the kids what their favorite things are like "What's your favorite thing you did today?" or "What was your favorite part of that story?") Summer told me what "her most favorite thing in the world is...RUNNING!!" "Even more than spaghetti, Mom!!" Now that is love!! Here are a few shots of Sum in action this spring. The last game her coaches gave each member of the Hot Tamales Team a medal and what else - Hot Tamales for snack! I also included a picture of Summer with her #1 fan - Sam. Sam kept track of the score of each game and her goal total (29). She had a great time, met some new friends, and is now hoping for Fall Soccer. Team Utzig has a feeling our days of watching soccer have just begun!