Tuesday, June 9, 2009

T-ball and 4-year-olds

Ethan had his first T-ball game today - in a town 55 miles away. I guess that's what you get when you move to the middle of nowhere. It was rainy, cold, and muddy, but those kids were having the time of their lives. Ethan is left-handed but doesn't have his own mitt, so he's a little backwards with his throws, but man does he love to run! In fact, he loves to run so much . . . he never wants to run home! He just keeps going from first base to second base to third base. . . and then cuts back across to first again. Apparently we have some work to do with our understanding of the baseball diamond.

And any sport with young children is hilarious to watch. If a child hits the ball, he stands in awe of his achievement until an adult runs runs along side (read: drags) him to first base. If he is playing the field and a ball is hit anywhere within 40 feet, all children in the proximity (at least those who aren't busying themselves picking dandelions) come running and shove each other out of the way in order to be the person to "catch" the ball. Ethan so loved getting the ball that he would even get it for the other team if it ended up near his feet.

This is way better than watching the pros.

On the way home, we were singing silly songs and I was trying really hard to stay upbeat so the three littles in the back didn't melt down and scream all the way home. Out of nowhere, Ethan said:

"Mom, when we die, we will get hanged up on a cross just like Jesus, riiiight?"

I proceeded to explain to him that we aren't all going to die the way Jesus did and that the people who did that to Jesus were not righteous.

"So how are we going to die?"

"I don't know how we'll die, Ethan. Nobody knows exactly how they will die, but I promise you will not be hung on a cross like Jesus."

"But I thought mommies and daddies knew everything . . ."

I didn't have a response for that.

6 comments:

Jessy said...

That brings back memories! I spent most of Joey's t-ball games trying to get him to pay attention (or at least face the game) and to stand up and quit looking for four-leaf clovers!

Jody said...

I loved your description of watching kids play sports. It piqued my interest to possibly sign Evelyn up for something.... I always need a good laugh. :)

And that Ethan is always thinking! I liked hearing that he believes moms and dads know everything!

Alex said...

oh t-ball!!!!! What would we do without it! Ethan sure comes up with some ideas, so amazing he is

Tina said...

that is a cute story! You are a doll Em. Hope you didn't get jealous I called Greg a stuf muffin too :)ha!

~Audrey ~ said...

Nothing is as HILARIOUS as t-ball.

Annette and Scott said...

T-ball, kids playing soccer, football games..these are some of my favorite memories!! You guys are great parents if you are willing to drive so far just so Ethan can play!!