Softball and Oklahoma

Alyssa and her 'traveling' summer softball team planned, fundraised and traveled to Oklahoma City to play in a softball tournament the weekend after school let out for the summer. They also got to watch a couple of the Women's College World Series' games. This picture is one of her coach, several teammates and their parents in front of the College World Series' bracket.

It may not be noticeable so much in this photo but look at the rest for Alyssa's winning smile! I think the only time she isn't smiling is in the mornings. (Although that is not really her fault, it is sort of a family trait.)

These photos are of several members of the D'Backs softball team (and Alyssa's friends). Just look for that smile and you will find Alyssa! Another great thing, AMAZING really (especially for teenage girls), is that Alyssa and her friends (and her teammates) is that they have very little drama, if any. They are all polite and respectful towards each other. It is so AWESOME! Crazy that teenaged girls could be more courteous and respectful than many adults. They truly are AMAZING girls!

And finally (below) is another photo of Alyssa-still smiling. Can you even look at a picture of her without smiling yourself. It is definitely contagious!

And even though I have no pictures to prove it, they did play 4 softball games so it wasn't ALL fun. (ha ha) Alyssa's hitting has improved a lot, so much so, that one of the seniors on the team (probably their best player) told her that she was definitely the most improved player. She is and has been good at fielding but I am told that she had an AMAZING catch in one of the Oklahoma games and was nominated by the umpires as Player of the Game. With this nomination, she received an invitation to play softball for one week in New York next summer. She will get to room with players from all over the US, play softball, and see a broadway show, among other things. It will be a fairly expensive trip but probably a good experience, a great opportunity and tons of fun! She has definitely earned it! We are very proud of her and her dedication to her team.

So, hopefully, you all need or want some more cookie dough, fries or whatever else they have her sell. LOL We really appreciate everybody's support and know that you probably want to run the other direction when you see us coming but it really means a lot to Alyssa and for that, we thank you!

17 Years Old Already???

It seems like just yesterday she looked like the picture on the cake. Hard to believe that 17 years have passed! We celebrated Alyssa's birthday with a few of her friends, Grandma and Ted, Amanda, Lane and Rylan, Heather, Shawn, Connor and Lexi. Alyssa had softball practice so she was late to her OWN birthday party! But she is so carefree and easy going that it didn't even phase her. Just look at that smile! How can you NOT love that smile? Alyssa is so NOT big on being the center of attention. It almost seems to embarrass her but that is a parent's goal in life anyway. She just makes it easier for us.

Alyssa never really lets us know what she wants for her birthday so it is a challenge to shop for her. This year she received Alpine speakers for her car since about 1 week after receiving her car she blew out a speaker in the back. :) However, she is always happy with whatever she gets. I might try and get her a box of rocks next year just to see the reaction on her face. She would probably just laugh! That's just the kind of person she is and we truly love her for that. Unfortunately though, because she is so easy going, she probably gets less attention than her sister sometimes but ONLY because she is less demanding than her sister. Alyssa is so low maintenance and Kylie is so, well, so Kylie! 'Nuf said.