I love my kids!

I have the most wonderful daughters! Brittany is turning 10 next month and Paige turns 7 in June. They are awesome!

I have them every other weekend and they are the weekends I live for. Due to scheduling last week, I have them this weekend and next. The ex is kind enough to do the occasional trade to help out.

Today we had fun just playing outdoors. We started the day with pancakes, which I try to do for them often. They love to have peanut butter in the mix. We went outside for a while this morning just to enjoy the weather. I've been teaching Brittany and Paige how to throw a softball properly and Brittany has a glove that I purchased for her last birthday. Paige didn't want to play catch today so Brittany and I did. She is getting more and more accurate and less afraid of the ball. I think she would make a good second baseman if her mom can finally get her signed up. I know she would start a bit behind others her age, but I know she can catch up quick. After playing catch, we joined Paige in kicking a green kickball they have. We even played a yard version of soccer for a while. They are both pretty decent with their feet, but Paige just has more energy than Brittany and I combined.

I fixed a nice big lunch for them and they watched last weeks Little House On The Prairie while I was cooking. I grew up on the original TV show and have really enjoyed the realism of this mini series. We watched the third episode tonight. This afternoon I took them to a nearby park. Brittany and Paige took turns hitting the softball. I'd purchased bats for them last year and I make sure we start off our time in the park with them. They are both learning their batting stance and have a great eye. Brittany has the size to really put some zip into her contact. She tends to hit it hard up the middle. Paige just plain makes contact. It doesn't matter where you locate the ball, she finds a way to hit it. She is such a tomboy when playing outside. I hope their mom gets them signed up this summer for some softball. They both have talent and I hope they get to pursue it.

I have offered to pay for their sports and would even try to make every game. With my current job, that would be very possible. The last time I brought it up with the ex, I got this excuse about her and her husband having to take them to all the practices. Well, that is a parent's job. My parents didn't make much, but made sure that we (my two younger brothers and I) had piano lessons and played baseball during the summer. They also made sure we had swimming lessons, which my girls do get each summer. As my brothers and I got older, I went into voice and my youngest brother picked up the guitar. We also got into basketball in school. My parents just made sure we had those opportunities.

Well, it's past time to get to bed. I go to the early, more traditional, service at church. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and we can make it outside tomorrow, too!