Brothers at UNC Baseball Camp

Braedyn and Cooper had a very fun and exhausting day at camp. Jordan and I stayed to watch for a couple hours because Jordan said "I want to watch Braedyn hit a homerun".  I thought that was too cute. He loves watching his brothers play ball. I could tell Cooper was getting very hot. I was thinking at that time maybe hockey camp would have been a better choice for him. He's not a big fan of the heat and probably prefers sitting in an ice rink all day. But he was having a great time! They were all smiles when I left.
Jordan and I left and ran 6 miles but it was getting very steamy, so we came home and hopped in the pool and relaxed until it was time to go back and pick them up. Jordan had his mommy time back in the afternoon and he was pretty happy about that.
I went to pick them up early so we could watch a little bit and I had to laugh. It was Cooper's turn and he was up to bat. He can switch hit, or at least that is what he wants to be able to do, and has never played a baseball game but only with his brother and his friends. He was hitting right when I left in the morning and he got up to bat when I got back and he hit left and hit it in the air over first base line in fair play. He had a grin from ear to ear and looked at me to make sure I was watching. Braedyn had a great time to. They talked about it all the way home with red faces and sweat dripping down their face with this look of exhaustion in their eyes. I had planned on them getting in the pool to cool off when we got home but I knew they were tired when they turned that down. Well, at least I thought they were tired. They got home and played some more catch together and did some hitting while I was getting dinner ready.  If you are on facebook I posted a video there. I can't figure out how to do this on the blog yet...still learning the blog tricks! They ate dinner, watched some more baseball on TV and fell asleep very early ready for the next day. I hope they realize how lucky they are to be able to do such fun things and have the experiences they get to have. Charlie and I didn't have those type of experiences at their age.
A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.
As their mom, I feel lucky I get to see them in action and that they are always looking for me in the stands in whatever activity they are doing. They look to make sure mom is watching and is near by. Their biggest fan!
They woke up this morning and hopped right out of bed. I wished they could get that excited for school mornings! Today, I was just going to go through the drop off circle but Braedyn asked if I could walk them in and give them hugs and kisses and then leave. How could I turn that request down! So we did walk in together and they of course didn't give me a hug and kiss when all the coaches were there to greet them but it was the thought that counts! They just waved and said goodbye and turned and walked side by side into the stadium. Jordan and I headed for the trail and park again. Jordan wasn't to thrilled to leave, he wanted to stay and watch baseball. It won't be long and he will be joining them!

I am so thankful that they have each other and love each other so much. They really do have each other's backs. They take care of each other and I feel such joy watching their relationships develop with each other over time.

They each have qualities they both look up to in each other. They encourage each other and help each other. I hope that relationship continues to grow and they continue to be fond of one another. They build each other up. They will have so many memories together growing up so close. All of them have a special bond. Of course, there are those days where the helpful tip is not as appreciated but they are just trying and sometimes get turned down. 

There's no other love like the love for a brother. There's no other love like the love from a brother. ~Terri Guillemets

They are best friends for life and as a mother it is my responsibility to help foster that relationship.  In raising boys, I feel like they need to have that empathy for others but also be able to stand their own ground. Especially with the bullying that happens in schools these days. They know it's not right and mom has taught them to be put in that other person's shoes. Also, they know to stick up for what's right and also look out for each other. They need to love each other no matter what. I'm sorry is also a very common occurence in this house.

All for one and one for all
My brother and my friend
What fun we have
The time we share
Brothers 'til the end.
~Author Unknown