March 2021

2021 

            The month of March had both girls starting their first season of softball and they were both fortunate enough to be on teams with friends from school.  We also tried something a little different for spring break and went to Arizona for some hiking and warmer weather.   

 

            We decided since we were fortunate enough to have been to the beach last July and October, we wanted to try something new so Deb and I decided to take the girls to Arizona.  Deb and I went there in November of 2007 and loved it and were hoping the girls would enjoy the hiking and atmosphere.  We flew out on a Friday morning and drove straight to Sedona for lunch before our Pink Jeep tour.  Our plan was that the jeep tour wouldn’t take up too much energy and it would keep them entertained until we could check into the hotel.  We did the Broken Arrow tour and the girls loved the adventurous ride along with getting out and walking around the area.  We got a chance to check into our hotel and have a quick swim before going to Sedona Pizza Co. for dinner.  The NCAA tournament was on and with the 3 hour time difference, the girls were in bed most evenings by 7 just watching the games until they fell asleep.  We got up early the next morning and hiked around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock.  We stopped at the Chapel of the Holy Cross on the way back to the hotel for lunch.  We did a short hike from the hotel and then came back for a little pool time before going to dinner at the Cowboy Club.  The next morning, I got up early and went and hiked Cathedral Rock before coming back to the hotel for breakfast and then we hiked Fay Canyon Arch, Doe Mountain, Boynton Vista and Chimney Rock.  We bribed the girls with the last hike by offering them ice cream.  We ended up back at the pool and then walked to dinner at Javelina Cantina.   

 

On Monday morning, we hiked Margs Draw down to Broken Arrow and then packed up and drove to Scottsdale.  We had lunch at The Vig and then checked into our hotel.  It was a warm day and the pool was awesome.  We then went to Wally’s to meet my cousin Jesi and her husband and 3 daughters and my Uncle John and his wife Linda.  We enjoyed a fun 2 hours and all of the kids got along as if they had known each other for years.  Tuesday, our last full day, was supposed to be a fun pool day, but the weather didn’t cooperate and I don’t think it got above 60 degrees.  Allison and I got up and hiked Camelback mountain and then we went to a Reds vs. Padres spring training game.  The girls loved it and asked a lot of questions about baseball.  Overall, it was a great trip and I think the girls really enjoyed it.  We would have welcomed a little warmer weather, but we were fortunate enough to go on a vacation, so hard to complain.    

 

Sarah’s Things of the Month  

            Sarah has started her first season of softball and is on a team with a bunch of girls from school.  She has all the gear and seems to really enjoy going to practice and is excited for the games to begin in April.  I took the girls to the batting cage and Sarah really picked it up quickly.  Sarah has also been preparing for her first communion and is pretty excited.  She has been working on her Blessing Cup and planning her dress with Nana & Debbie.  

 

Allison’s Thing of the Month  

             Allison’s volleyball team won their tournament for another city championship.  It was good timing because they lost their basketball game in the tournament 2 days earlier and they were all pretty upset.  She is also starting her first season playing softball and may even do a little pitching.  Allison is also signed up for track this spring, with her events being sprints and softball throw.  As if that isn’t enough to be active with, she is also doing some basketball training with Lilah on Tuesdays for the next few months to work on some individual drills.   One of Allison’s good friends from school who is also a great basketball player moved away in March.  We had an end of season party to celebrate a great season in CYO and Jr. Trojans and also wish Selah good luck in her move to Georgia.   

 

A few more items from this month: 

• I was asked to help with Allison’s softball team by working with the pitchers and the catchers.  I’ve never really done that before, but I went to a pitching clinic and also watched a few videos, so I guess that means I know more than the girls do, so I’ll give it my best shot!   
• I got my first vaccination shot and Deb has been fully vaccinated since late January.  I get my second shot in mid-April.   
• I participated in a “Dri Tri” at Orangetheory with Tom and Tracy.  We all pushed each other to improve our times from when we last all did it in September and enjoyed some dinner with Deb, the girls and Lawton afterwards and Binkley’s.