Golf For Kids

Next week I will be officially voted in as a board member/volunteer for our children’s treatment centre, One Kids Place. It is an honour for me to be invited to serve an organization that has had a huge impact on our family and continues to support Summer’s progress.


Yesterday OKP hosted their 1st Annual Golf Tournament. Their title sponsor was our new OHL team, the North Bay Battalion. Summer was asked to perform some duties during the dinner; drawing tickets and presenting the trophy to the winning team. She brought her A-Game and was delightful.

the 'Summer & Scott Show'

Dinner with the Mayor

Presenting the Kilgour Cup 

She joined me on the last hole of the course and putted on the green. Unfortunately, she putts like her mom – not well. Just the same she enjoyed the ride on the golf cart with the Mayor and me.

 

the Last Hole

During dinner they held a live auction. Matt Duchene from the Colorado Avalanche attended the tournament and approached us during the dinner. One of the auction items was a ride in a ‘cigarette boat’ on Trout Lake. He thought Summer would enjoy that and asked if it was ok if he bid on it for her. I responded that she would love it, but really, it would be great if he ‘ran up the bid’ to raise more money in the room. He laughed and returned to his table. Matt won the item after a mini bidding war with one of the course owners. He humbly stood up and said “I am really happy I won this bid because my new friend Summer will really enjoy the ride.” The room erupted in applause and Summer leaped with excitement. Matt is quite the ambassador for the NHL and as a Battalion Alum.

Matt presents Summer with a Trout Lake Cruise

Later in the auction, Summer bid on Matt Duchene’s game worn jersey from when he played with the Brampton Battalion (before they moved to North Bay). She won the bid and it was perfect timing for Don’s birthday present. When Scott asked her if she was going to wear it, she said “No! it’s for my Daddy!” He’ll have to wear it to the season opener.

Matt poses for a photo with his old jersey

Reeling in the Fun

We spent the afternoon at my neighbour's house with his grandsons.  It's always a treat when they visit as Summer and the boys get along so well. 

Being a lefty has its own challenges - ask any lefty - the world is built for righties...

However, being a lefty out of necessity presents a whole other set of challenges.  In her usual fashion, Summer always finds a way to amaze me.  Who needs to move the handle on the reel - just move the rod and the reel around the handle!  (...and keep that tip up Summer!)

It Never Gets Old

I never tire of watching Summer play in sports.  She accomplishes skills at her own pace, in her own way.  She was SO EXCITED to be the Back Catcher last night at Softball.  She kept asking and asking me to ask her coach.  But, I encouraged her to speak with her coach and advocate for herself, even though I was helping out with the batting order.

So, last night was her opportunity.  We suited her up in the protective gear and out she went.  She had a tough time getting her glove on and off (she catches and throws with the same hand).  Perhaps a little baby powder might help.  Her toss back to the pitcher was consistent.  The umpire taught her how to tag a player out at Home Plate - but he forgot to mention she needed to posess the ball first... so it was cute to watch her rush to home to tag out the runnner, sans ball.  But then she understood. 

She hit two for two times at bat and made it to third both times.

I'm also including a dance photo from her recital in May.  I still need to load up some video.