7 yo got his first hit in their game Saturday.  He hasn't played baseball before, and he's coming along slowly, but surely, as he gets his timing down bit by bit.   He can be aloof when he gets out among the other kids, and likes to goof off some.  He's usually swinging his bat too soon or too late.  Needless to say, the hit surprised both him and Coach!  It wasn't a huge hit, didn't get real far from homeplate, but it was a hit, it was fair, and it was his!  It took a moment to realize what had happened, then he ran to first.  The grin on his face was priceless, and I didn't have my camera.  Darn.  He stood facing second base, ready to run, and his face was all smiles!

Tee ball is fun, and there is some maturing now as the kids no longer swarm the ball when it's hit.  Batting is more sure, throws more accurate, and 5 yo is having fun!

Minors is really exciting for 11 yo, he's supposed to catch the first 2 innings in this week's game, then he'll get a chance to pitch.  He's got a tire nailed up to a board out back so he can practice. 

In the meantime, ranchy life is going busily along.  We got the rest of the pine trees planted, and are waiting to see if the small ones go back on sale.  DH got the garden roto-tilled last night, tough in the wind, but the winds got much worse after he finished.  We're looking at stealing some of the goat space for more corn planting.  The goats easily have as much space as some homes sit on, so they won't miss a little bit.

We picked up a female potbelly, a new wife for Arnold.  Unfortunately for him, she's pregnant, so he won't have her close until after the babies are born.  We also picked up a new rooster for our previously leaderless flock.  The kids have noticed a broody hen, so we're going to give her a chance to hatch a clutch of eggs, and the ducks, as well, are tending to a nest.  The kids are keeping track of expected hatch dates.  Nice science study, as we'll see how the different fowl handle nesting, parenting, and such.  Also great for comparing the time it takes for each to hatch.  Genetics, as there are different breeds in each case.  Will the male's characteristics prevail?  The male duck is a mallard, whereas there are 4 different breeds of females.  Our rooster is Rhode Island Red, while there are also Auracana and Plymouth Rock hens. 

The puppies are 4 weeks, very cute.  They are quite mobile, and if I get a chance later, I'll try to get a couple of pictures up.  Most are named, though we certainly won't be keeping all 8 of them. 

That's the way things are shaping up here on the ranch, busy with baseball, braving the dust and the winds, and hoping to get that garden going soon.

Blessings!