Christmas Eve & Kick Ball

Indiana doesn't seem to understand that Christmas is when the snow is supposed to fall to create a white Christmas. Instead it reverts back to fall and 50 degree weather. That being the case, and with me wanting to do something active/outside as a family, we agreed to play kick ball, a family favorite. Usually we play in the backyard, but it was not in a state which would allow for safe play (doggie presents hadn't been picked up + stomped on ground = smelly, muddy mess) so we went to Ellenberger Park where there was a ball diamond and large grassy field.

We didn't bring bases so my winter cap and Nate's became first and second base and then an unneeded jacket became third. The soccerball wasn't as pumped up as we would have liked, but it worked well enough. We also brought Opal with us. Ro volunteered to be on dog duty and then we took the six remaining Scotts and divided into three teams. Two teams would be in the outfield while one kicked. Xela and Graigry were one team and ended up stomping the rest of us.

Eric awaits the pitch...

...and it's up!

Nate for the pitch to Neta. Xela ready at 1st

"I wanna play!" - Opal

...Neta ready to run home from 3rd

We were going to go grocery shopping after playing, but when we realized the store was closing early, we played another inning. It was good to see everyone playing together and see more smiles than whines and frowns.

Nate reaching for the fly ball

Graigry with the grounder grab
(now if we could only get someone out!)

A momma reindeer on the field

Neta's turn to watch Opal.
The canine caught Neta off guard and slipped away,
running up the hill to the street.
Thankfully the cars saw her, slowed down and we grabbed her.

 When we finished our game, Eric decided he wanted to test Opal's obedience. He went ahead of us, we kept the dog. When Eric reached the base of the hill to the parking lot, he called to Opal and I let the leash go. She ran full speed to Eric. Once there and rewarded with body scratches and "good girl!" I called her back to us. She came running (even knocked me over). "Good girl, Opal!" and tummy rubs, then Eric called her. Off she went as fast as her legs would go. I called her again and then Eric called her one last time. She wasn't running as fast that last time. I haven't taken her for a decent jog in a month, so these sprints were a bit of a shock to her lazy legs. We got a kick out of watching her though.