Last night was the end of the season tournament for baseball. Tyler's head was there but his heart wasn't. He wants to thank everyone for coming and watching him. Especially grandma, she helped with under eye and had near perfect attendance. She only missed one game. Thank you everyone for supporting Tyler. See ya all in September for football.

Thursday night was Tyler's last regular season game. Afterwards, the sponsor treated the team to ice cream cones. From the beginning of the year til the end Tyler has improved sooo much. From his accuracy in pitching to his throwing kids out in the catcher position he did a phenonemal job. I am so proud of him. This will be Tyler's last year in community ball. Next season he will play for the Panthers of St. Mary's. I can still remember his first T-ball game in his yellow shirt and velcro shoes...

Tyler was the man tonight!!! He caught all 5 innings for 3 pitchers. He had 1 throw out to second and 2 throw outs to third. He also caught a pop up. He scored 2 runs.

Classmates and Teammates, Adam, Tyler, and Ryan after the game. Tyler pitched the first 3 innings. He allowed 6 unearned runs. This was his best night of pitching. They just need to work on their defense.

Sunday morning for breakfast we all met at Bonfire for a family style breakfast. It was a great end to a wonderful weekend. Saturday, after the zoo, Teresa hosted a BBQ for all of us. It was so nice to get together and "catch up".

Since it was Father's Day and Kneifl men always get what they want Grandpa got his way by taking the 3 generation portrait in the fire.

We saw the 3-D movie "Under the Sea" at the I-Max theater. Tyler, Grandma, Sherry and Teresa with their fantasy glasses on.

Tyler and Grandma by the "hot" metal tigers

Tyler got to touch a sand shark. He said it felt like a slimy snake.

Saturday morning, before going to the zoo, we stopped by the Janasko's in Savage and got to meet Julia Rose. She's 8 months old. She was very smitten with Tyler. It must be the "chick magnet" he's carrying around in his pocket

Tyler's GREAT aunt and uncle, Karen and Vin, stopped by on their travels of the "lower 48" to take in a baseball game. Tyler scored half the teams points. He also had a great throw to second to get the runner out who was trying to steal.

Steve and Tyler attended their 3rd annual ISU camp. Tyler had a great time playing the game, meeting the players, and making new friends.

Three Generations of Devos Men

For 6 innings Tyler played catcher. He did a great job being the "field commander."

I didn't want to put the picture of Tyler and Grandma up tonight on the blog. Tyler replied with, "Why not? Chloe's not happy in all of her pictures and Hollie still posts them. " He was right. It was another tough loss tonight. Batting didn't go well and he couldn't get a strikeout if he paid for one. I learned a valuable lesson tonight. I wouldn't miss his games for anything. I love him when he hits a double and when he strikes out. I love him when he walks a batter and when he strikes one out. So here he is bummed, upset, and hungry!

Today the Storm Lake Baseball Association held their annual cookout fundraiser. Tyler and I worked from 5 to 7. Thank you grandma, grandpa, and Steve for buying tickets and supporting the association. The kids did a good job working the food service line.

Wednesday afternoon we headed to Des Moines for quite a treat. Rich and Andrea took us to supper at Buffalo Wild Wings and then we went to the Jeff Dunham show at the Wells Fargo Event Center. We enjoyed the show from the tenth row. It was great. Thank you Rich and Andrea. You both are so good to us. We love you. This morning Tyler then had Andrea give him a haircut. He loves it sooo much. Afterwards, Tyler made some money by "picking up" after Rambo and Zella.

Tonight when we got home Tyler then had a game to play against the "other" Storm Lake team. Tyler caught for 4 innings, played shortstop for one, and pitched the last inning. The highlights of the night were when Tyler threw 2 kids out trying to steal second when he was catching. The team also had a double play. Afterwards, it was off to our sponsor where grandma treated for ice cream. A wonderful couple of days with wonderful people.

Tonight Tyler pitched 4 innings. The Scott twins that he used to race with were on the other team. The boys' mom and grandfather came up to Tyler after the game to tell him he pitched a good game. It was a tough loss.

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other"- Abraham Lincoln

"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, it will come naturally"-David Frost

"Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure."-George Edward Woodberry

"Pain is temporary. Quitting last forever." -Lance Armstrong

"Never be afraid to fail"- Michael Jordan

"I believe good things come to those who work hard." -Wilt Chamberlain

"Goals determine what you're going to be." -Julius Irving

These are Tyler's favorite quotes that he wrote on the inside bill of his hat. During a tough moment in a game he takes off his hat, takes a look, and goes back to pitching. They remind him he's doing what he loves and is loving what he's doing. Amen.