Let the games begin!!

 Baseball has officially started for the season. We had opening ceremonies.

 Each team in the league paraded through and high fived all the important league people. It was so cute to see them all dressed up and as a team.

 Our first game was last week. I took lots of pictures. Mason's jersey #1, 

Mattix is #4 and Carter is #3.

This is a dug out shot.

 Watching and cheering for our team.

 One of the other dad's that is helping Matt coach had the black stuff for under their eyes. Something about putting that stuff on makes them get more into the game. Even if Mattix wiped most of it off on accident. He still thought it was there just as bright as the other kid.

 Carter up to bat.

 Manning is everywhere during the game.You can imagine, he stays pretty busy. 

 Don't they look so cute in their uniforms?

 Carter is getting good at catching. He looks awesome in all the gear.

 Being out in the outfield can get "boring" so Mason turned his hat around and started entertaining himself.Without knowing he was entertaining a lot of other people too.

 Mattix in the hole.

 Mason heading up to bat.

 Waiting for his pitch.

 Mattix is so tiny it's so cute to see him up to bat.

 I love it!!

 Oh and did I mention they have a very hot coach?

Mason got clear to 3rd the first game. He was soo excited. By the next game he was one of the 2 that scored for our team. 

As exhausting as it is to try and keep them into the game. (It can be tough) It is so fun to watch them have fun.

Where it began.

 

July of 2004 this gas station became an important part of our (at the time soon to be) family history.
This is where I first really saw Matt and decided that he was someone worth pursuing. We have loved driving by and enjoying those flooding memories of cute and innocent/boy crazy love. Sadly we found out with all the new construction that is coming along the main road in front of it, it is now closed for good and will be torn down. I know it's just a building and I am now basking in the benefits of their awesome hiring skill of handsome young men, regardless of weather this building is physically there or not. But this breaks my heart. This was a piece of our family.
I moved out of my parents house and was living 15 min. away from here. One day I needed to get gas. I stopped and decided to go in and get a drink. I was by myself so I was lacking in confidence when I saw him. I had really seen him a time or two before (I knew his little brothers in high school) but never really SEEN him.But I saw him that day and seriously I was awe struck. After that I found whatever reason to go out of my way to stop at that gas station. Once I even filled up just $2 of gas. I never went to his register, I just watched him. And after a while I started to see a pattern with the cars and knew which was his. So it wasn't just a hit or miss. I knew when he was there. (This is why he calls me a stalker?) My brother got me to talk to him one day. But just a little conversation that he doesn't even remember. Enough to send my heart twitterpated. I went in one day with my mom when he wasn't there to get the low down on him from the other lady that worked there. When my mom told her I was interested she laughed and said "honey he's too old for you. He's 24." Of course me being 19 and legal I was very defensive. I even pulled out my drivers license. After looking  it over and totally cracking up she gave me permission to ask him out. Well that was all my mom needed. A week later I was sick as could be. She really needed a drink from Holiday. And she couldn't run in, she really wanted me to run in. I had just been to the doctor and we were on the way to get a prescription filled for strep. I was in pajamas and no makeup! We pulled up I saw his car and said NO WAY! My mom was so persistent that I go get her a drink. Well she won. I headed in. I was filling up her mug when she came walking in behind me. Starting conversation with Matt and the other lady. Teasing Matt that she really wanted us to talk and get to know each other. I was dying. I couldn't believe she would do this to me. I gave up and started talking. After awkward introductions. I turned to see my mom driving off. She left me there!!
As upset as I was at the time. I did get his number we did plan a date. (After he too ID'd me to see if I was really legal.) And the rest is history...
He worked there for a while after we got married. My mom worked there for a while. And it was a hang out after school on the way home from Jr. High. This gas station was more to me than just a gas station. That is why I am writing this post so I can remember it and remember the things that make me smile.  I will miss this Harris family landmark.