Happy Birthday Baby!

Well...the big day is finally here. After days...nay, weeks...of build up to Trish's second milestone birthday (with 21 being the first), the day has finally come. It's been a pretty good few days so far for her. Check it:

- Saturday, May 5: Someone who loves Trish very, very much (no, not Lerve goddamnit!) took her, her parents and about 20 of her closest friends to the Royals vs. Tigers game that night. Not only did I make my famous "Neuty Burgers," but I also made Jello-Shots (a new tailgate favorite and a real crowd pleaser), Sangria, guacamole and salsa. Truly a feast for kings...or the most beautiful woman in the world. In addition to the great food and fun in the parking lot, I also caught a foul ball for her! Well...retrieved. Stolen, perhaps. So what if that damn kid in the wheel chair was in my way...he had a helmet on. And he was standing between me and that ball, leukemia or not. Bottom line: I wanted it more. Okay...so that's a complete fabrication. But I did get a foul ball for her; Russ Gload knocked one into the stands just behind us, and it rattled around a bit before landing just below my feet. Pretty thrilling, actually. This is the third ball I've ever received, first one I've ever caught while "in play." Needless to say, Trish was quite impressed with my quick hands and obviously I gave her the ball. Perfect cap to a perfect day.

- Monday, May 7: Birthday shopping for Trish! I'm sure the prettiest girl in Lawrence will read this today, so I can't yet reveal the other presents I got for her. Suffice it to say I think I did damn good. And really, don't I need to? This is the woman who does my laundry, rubs my back at night, does the dishes, generally puts up with me, cooks, cleans and spends her free time doting on me. Tell me...how did I get this lucky again?

- Tuesday, May 8 (her real birthday!): We begin the day as usual, by hitting the alarm clock repeatedly. Shortly after we get up, Trish's parents call at the same time she was born, 7:27am. What good folks Ric and Jeanne are. Needless to say, this is one of Trish's favorite little traditions (especially now that she no longer lives in the Mountain time zone) and it made her already special day even better. And to top it off, they (Ric and Jeanne) are cooking dinner for us tonight...lobster. It's been years since I've had lobster, and I'm looking forward to this as much as Trish is. The only downer is that we have to spend 8 hours at work (and apart) today. Damn work! I want lobster! And Trish! More Trish!

So, that's mostly what our past few days have looked like (also, notice that this is the 25th post in honor of Trish's 25th birthday). I simply can't believe how lucky I've been these past few years. I'm just a normal, beer drinking, fun loving guy who happened to win the lottery. There's lots of people out there who are as lucky as I am, but nobody is any luckier. I can't believe my good luck sometimes. I mean, how many guys do you know with "love handles" and a beer belly who get to spend the rest of their lives with the most beautiful woman in the world, one who selflessly gives back to the community as a teacher? Not too many I'm sure. So baby, happy birthday, and thanks for making my life better every waking moment. You're a dream come true and I love everything about you. I hope your special day has been everything you dreamt of and then some. I love you I love you I love you.

~Bear

music in the air

4 Days till my Birthday!!!! I told you I'd start a countdown.

But alas, that is not the reason for this post. On April 20th, the teachers of USD 497 got together and put on a show called Foundation Follies. Mom and I sang a number together as did Hilary, Laurie, Mom and I. My dad, Charles and Chris played for us and we sang the night away! Eric and others came to watch and indulge in the free food and drink. It was awesome. Here are some pics of the fun we had.

~Trish

Change is on the Horizon

You know why there isn't a new post right? Because Eric is supposed to write about the Lugnutz game last Sunday but someone has been "busy" at work. Sadly, I was unable to play because I'm running lights for the Southwest Variety Show.

Anyway, I thought it was about time something was posted since April 23rd was an awfully long time ago.

MY BIRTHDAY IS IN 6 DAYS!!! Maybe I should start a countdown on the blog (tee hee). Most of you already know this but to those who don't, I enjoy birthdays. I like to hang out with others on their birthday and I love to be spoiled on mine. What! It's one day of the year when I can be as much of a princess as I long to be on the other 364 days of the year.

Anyway, Most of you may have received an E-mail about the birthday festivities. If not, write me a note and I'll let you in on the plans. Pictures will be taken, Baseball observed and good food and drink consumed.

Okay, Here it goes......In less then a week I'll be 1/4 of a Century Old!!!!!! And what does the future hold? The begining of my career, our wedding, and an insurance break.

Look Mommy, I'm a real adult!!

~Trish

More in the life of the Lugnutz

Well all, We had a double header this past Sunday against the First Christian Church and the Frequent Flyer's. Our playing was not perfect yet but we didn't lose as badly this round.

Highlights: After being harassed, Run over and almost getting into a very non christian fight, ( Nicely done Gaus) the Lugnutz came back with two beautiful runs in what could almost be classified as a rally. Hilary pitched a great first game and Neuty pitched beautifully in the second, plus he looked REAL good doing it! Emily made a flawless catch in the outfield and Chris made two ( on the first one he got so excited he forgot to throw it back infield). Sean, Chops and Dustin were of course flawless and Deena did a few cartwheels in the outfield, literally. I didn't have my best game yet but I had a whole lot of fun. Jaq took one for the team with a beautiful slide into second and Hilary took one in the shin while pitching. Way to take it girls!! Overall it was a lot of fun and we look forward to next week.

We could sure use some fans. Let me know if you wanna come out to see a game and I'll send you a schedule.

Wedding Update: Save the Date cards are on their way. I plan to put them in the mail on Wednesday for all of our out of town guests. For now, here's the awesome picture we put on them.

~Trish

Let's Go Lugnutz

Following in the great Averill tradition of athletics ( ahh the irony) Eric and I have put together a softball team. We began Sunday and played more like a comedy routine then actual players. We still have high hopes for the season.

Our first game was against an aged team by the name of the Seem-to-Be Hitters. If you know my father and my family you can only guess that he may have something to do with it, and you would be right! Not only are we in the same league as my father's softball team but we played against him yesterday and were schooled by a bunch of Lawrence's finest hippies!
We may have lost ( by the mercy rule) but, I haven't had that much fun in a while. I'd love to post pictures but the home computer is still sick.

Highlights: I ACTUALLY HIT THE BALL! And got on base! Eric rocked the field and got a controversial out ( He was totally safe) Gaus only fell once, Jaq had a wicked catch straight from the bat to her glove, and Hilary made a beautiful out on second base. Overall we hit well and our offense is pretty good, we've got some defending to practice. Chops, was a rock star and Greg was Everywhere! We all had a blast and played for fun. Plus Jaq said that I played better then Willie which is all I could ever hope for.

I should give a shot out to the old man as well, Ric got several great hits and coached 1st base beautifully-- the conversations between him and the dugout, namely Eric, were quite entertaining. It was fun to play against him. Well played old man.

Anyway, There will be many more softball stories to come with pictures to boot.

How do you like Deez nutz!! ~Trish

Wild Weekend? Oh Yes, it was!!!!

Hey All,
This past weekend was everything I hoped it would be!!!! Sadly, since our computer is having issues we don't have pictures to show you but I promise we will soon. However, I can recap our adventures.

Thursday night was a wonderful Girls night!! Eric showed up for a while, but the the estrogen surge was a bit too much for him. Friday night, with the Neutebooms in town we had a great BBQ at the Averill house. Eric smoked a brisket and it may have been the best thing I have EVER put in my mouth ( take that as you will).

Saturday we enjoyed a super chilled day at the ROYALS!!!!!! Woo Hoo Kauffman stadium! This may have been the first time I've ever been glad to sit in the full sun seats. Our boys in blue sadly lost by 1 run. However, I got a great blanket and fond memories from the game.

Sunday was a joyful Easter. Eric and his folks hung around Lawrence while the Averill's went to Topeka for Easter BBQ. The Egg hunt was great! The music was rockin' and we all had a jolly good time. After that we met up with the Neutebooms and saw the wedding site. Great ideas were hatched and more plans made!!!

After all this fun, Eric and I were pooped!!! So Monday night we lounged around and last night we had a great date at the best Chinese Food Restaurant in town! ( I won't say the name because of the wrath of the Jonsey!)

Overall it was as sensational Trip. Up Next, A new softball team begins the glorious journey through Lawrence Adult Coed Softball. Stay tuned for updates on our team. The Lugnutz!!!!

Peace out ~ Trish

Wild Weekend Ahead

Sorry we haven't been able to submit a blog in a while. Our computer is going through a lot right now!

First off: Here's a shout out and HUGE Congrats to our dear friends Tracy and Sean Derning. Tracy and Sean now have a new baby boy, born at 11pm last night!!!!! Hooray! Another beautiful baby to spoil.

So you may ask...... "Wild Weekend? Trish are you going to be on Teachers gone wild???" NO, quite the opposite, Family fun is in the works. My fabulous Cousin Shelli and her Beautiful daughter Sierra are finally making the long trek back to Kansas and I'm very excited to see them again. Also, along with them comes my fabulous Aunt to be followed by her drummer husband. On top of that, The Neutebooms are coming to town for Opening Weekend! It's gonna be Eric and I at the game with our Dads once again. Below is a photo of the last time we took our dad's to the ballpark. This is going to be the best weekend Ever. There will be lots of good times to share as well as pictures! Be prepared for a wicked fun blog next week.

So in Preparation, Here's a great pic of some of the fabulous people coming to visit L town!.

~Trish