Jake ended up playing left field instead of short stop, and he had a really great play right at the beginning of the game. It was a beautiful night for a baseball game. Way to go, Jake, you’re a baseball player!!

Jake had his last practice before the first game of the season (tomorrow). He did amazingly well today. His favorite part (other than getting his uniform) was when he not only got a base hit, but then ended up making it all the way home as each subsequent batter got on base. The girls thought it was a little hot out today, but they had fun watching him. Jake will be playing shortstop tomorrow.

Lauren and Beth each had their first volleyball games of their lives today. Beth went first, then Lauren. We had just enough time between games to grab lunch at Arby’s. Both girls should be very proud of their first performances:

Here is Beth in her incredibly cute panda shirt practicing for tomorrow — her first volleyball game.

Lauren’s friend Hannah was over and the kids had a blast in the pool. Skyline had a friend over to the poolhouse, too:

I was a little concerned when Lauren initially told me she wanted to play the baritone. Fortunately she changed her mind and is now going to try her hand at the flute. Here she is proudly showing it off:

We decided to hit the Wilson County Fair on opening night. It was really crowded, but we managed to get on a ton of rides and see some of the other stuff there. It’s too bad the state fair is never this good.

Our pottery from last week turned out amazingly well. I told the clerk that the kiln is very forgiving. Good job, guys!!

We had to run to Franklin today and decided to hang out for a bit while we were down there. Lauren gave us a bit of a walking tour, teaching us things she learned when she came down on a trip for school. The big statue is apparently a Civil War memorial which was designed (for the purpose of raising money) with its rear end pointed towards the north…

The kids really wanted to roast hot dogs for dinner on a fire. We had one of our best fires in a long time (probably because it’s been so dry lately). Everyone ate well tonight. Of course we had to have s’mores for dessert.

Look how much these two love each other…