Mark and Dax had excellent baseball seasons! Dax was the star of his team, and he was coached by his Bishop and his Dad. Last year Dax missed 5 out of 8 baseball games, which was really sad because he enjoys baseball, and he's so good at it. This year he only missed one game, and he hit so well. Dax always had a homerun or two. He certainly didn't get out all season. He played really well in the field, too. He even recorded several double plays. The highlight of his season, though, was the last game. He told us he really wanted to catch a pop-fly. Well, he caught three! The first one was the most difficult. He was playing first base, and he had to back pedal and leap. He ended up on his backside with the ball in his glove and a huge smile on his face! It really capped the season off nicely.
Dax is a very intense baseball player.
Like his family, he loves baseball.
Dax was a great hitter.
He also slid into home every single time!
Dax had a great team and coaches!
Mark had a successful season, too. His team went undefeated in league play and won the city tournament! Mark was the go to pitcher, and he played most of his time at shortstop. He played flawless defense and recorded tons of outs on tough grounders, pop-flies, and tag outs on the bases. He hit really well, too. He hit several homeruns, including one in the championship game that advanced his team to state. At the state tournament, his team didn't play so well, but Mark was awesome! His team ended up in fourth place, but it was pretty clear Mark was his team's MVP!
Mark was a great hitter this year!
There were lots of stolen bases.
Mark pitched so well this season.
Mark loved playing on the Nationals.
The city tournament was exciting.
Mark pitched a lot of games in the tournament.
Mark pitched against his good friend, William, in the last game. They both pitched well!
Mark's team--City Champions.
Mark had such great coaches.
They were super excited about the trophies.
Mark has been on this team with his buddies, Cael and Shad, for three years.
Mark and Dax had swimming lessons with McKenna again this year. We felt that the private time that they had with her really helped them progress. Well, this year they did even better. They learned how to dive into the pool, tread water, and they could swim back and forth across the pool. Knowing how scared they used to be of the water, we are so proud of them and how courageous they have become. We were really pleased with how well they are swimming.
Dax became a lot more confident in the water this year.
He could swim the length of the pool.
The boys learned to dive. Mark lived to dive off the diving board.
He also liked to do cannon balls!
Mark really improved in the backstroke and could go the full length of the pool.
Seth had swimming lessons at the American Fork Pool this year. He is the bravest swimmer of all our boys. He loves to be in the water and he is a good listener to his teacher. He is close to swimming all on his own.
Seth isn't a fan of the back float, but he does whatever his teacher asks.
Seth has no fear of going under the water.
Seth likes to chase the blue ring. It was his favorite game.
Seth especially loves swimming with his goggles. That's probably what makes him so brave in the water. We wish we'd have known this trick with the older boys. Seth did very well with his swimming class and passed with flying colors. He is ready to move onto his next level of swimming.
Seth got to play in the pool on the last day of lessons.
Mark's birthday falls on the Fourth of July, which is a party day for us. Every birthday we have a huge family barbecue and a celebration that ends with fireworks.
This year Mark's birthday began with a family baseball game. Dad took the boys over to our park to play a little two-on-two baseball. Dad and Seth narrowly beat Mark and Dax in the bottom of the last inning. Mark didn't mind losing because nothing makes him happier than spending time playing baseball. Mom stayed home and finished up three baseball cakes before she walked over to join the boys.
Mark really wanted to pose like a Red Sox player.
Mark loves playing baseball!
Grandma and Grandpa Daniels couldn't make it to the barbecue so they came early in the day to visit. They brought Mark some awesome gifts including a little drone that flies by itself and a mini Bop-it! They know Mark well. He loved both of those gifts.
We were so glad to have Grandma and Grandpa visit.
Mark loved his drone.
Mark also received some BYU and Red Sox gear, as well as some games and puzzles.
At dinner time we had our annual 4th of July barbecue. Lots of family came for dinner and cake. The kids played baseball in the backyard, too! This has been a really great tradition for our family. Later, we headed over to see the fireworks in Pleasant Grove with the Ockey clan. Seth still has a fear of fireworks, but Nate saved the day by putting his headphones on Seth and turning on some Disney songs. Seth was asleep within 5 minutes and slept right through the fireworks.
With all the people coming, we had to make 3 baseball cakes.
It's hard to believe Mark is 11.
Getting ready for fireworks!
Mom had fun taking pictures of the fireworks with her new camera.
It was trickier than she thought!
Poor little Seth!
Mark is getting too old to have a friend party, but he wanted to invite a few buddies bowling. It was a unique party because he had some of his friends from Highland, some cousins, some brothers, and some kids from Dry Creek. Luckily, everyone blended together well and enjoyed the party. The boys were great bowlers, but Mark was excited to win on his lane. Afterward, we walked to Maceys for ice cream cones. Mark has a great group of friends, and we had a lot of fun with them.
They could order any icecream they wanted, but they had to eat it all!
Dad is always the biggest kid at the party.
They were cold, so they leaned against the food counters to warm up.
We had a few minutes, so Dad schooled them all in Speed!
Mark is growing up too quickly. He is a great kid. Mark is helpful and kind. He is great with little kids, and all the cousins love him. Mark is a smart boy who remembers everything he reads. He is a talented pianist, a great athlete, and we are so glad that he is our oldest boy.
