Father's Day

As customary, Dad enjoyed breakfast in bed this morning (blueberry waffles) in celebration of Father's Day. As part of the ritual, he also received is annual Father's Day Book with updated drawings from Abby and Andrew (see video below). Then it was off to Andrew's Hockey practice followed up with some leisurely activity around Lake Frogerick.

Louisville Feis Results

Abby competed at the Louisville Feis today. It was only her second competition at the Preliminary Championship Level (the fifth of six levels: Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Novice, Prizewinner/Open, Preliminary Champion, Open Champion). At this level, this year the girls dance two dances: Reel and Hornpipe. They can receive medals in each dance, but overall results are based on the combination of both dances. Abby took 2nd place in Reel and 4th place overall (out of 25 girls), which is awesome! Just a little more practice and she might be able to bring home a first place soon. She also danced her Solo Set Dance (she danced to Blue Eyed Rascal) in a sidebar competition. She finished first in that dance (out of 12 girls). Way to go Abby! Here are some pictures Mom took (remember, no video allowed)!

PS: Note, you can now expand Blogger videos to your whole computer screen by clicking the arrows in the lower right corner ... cool!

Orioles Win Big!

The Orioles won big tonight defeating the Athletics by a score of 11-0 bringing their overall record to 6-4. The two team practices the Orioles had this week really paid off (and apparently the pitching clinic that Dad put on made a difference as Oriole pitchers pitched 4 shutout innings with 7 K's and 1 BB). Andrew snagged a line drive bullet playing second base tonight. He also played a little outfield. He had one hit and bases on balls in his two at-bats tonight in what might have been his last game of the season (he will miss last three games and we don't have the playoff schedule yet - hoping it is sometime after first week of July).

Hockey Practice

Just a couple brief video clips of Andrew's "Top Shelf" hockey practice this morning. One more week left for this session. After this, he is enrolled in 8 power skating and stick skills sessions throughout the summer since time will be limited.

Orioles Lose to Twins

No video footage from Thursday night's Orioles-Twins game. However, the Orioles got spanked by the Twins 2-11, evening their overall record to 4-4. Andrew pitched the first two innings. Despite a couple strikeouts, the Twins were able to score 4 runs thanks to some solid hitting. Andrew only batted twice - he struck out his first at bat despite some nice foul ball tips against a phenomenal Twins pitcher (must have been throwing 55 miles/hour). He walked in his second at bat. Two games this coming week - one on Wednesday and one on Friday.

School's Out For Summer!

Today Abby graduated from 8th grade/middle school; and Andrew graduated from 5th grade/elementary school (with a President's Education Award). Dad had to work, but Mom was on hand to shoot video and take pictures. Here are the highlights.

Orioles Beat Mets

Andrew missed the Orioles game 8 against the Indians this past Wednesday (he was co-hosting the school talent show). As a result, the Orioles lost by 2 runs. With Andrew back in the lineup tonight against the Mets for game 9, the Orioles got back on track with a 6-5 victory. Andrew had one hit (line drive past the shortstop) in two at bats while playing SS, 1B and OF. Here is a short mobile phone video clip of Andrew's hit.