Little League and the President

Over the summer, David, Steven, and I had the awesome privilege of attending our local Little League's girls T-ball team (5 & 6 year olds) play a softball game. David had been the league president for 6 years prior to this and was given tickets to attend this event. This was not your ordinary T-ball game played on your ordinary softball field. This was T-ball game was played on the South Lawn of The White House with President George W. Bush.

Luray was picked from a random drawing done by Little League International. What an honor for these girls and their coaches to be selected! The families and board members were also invited.

When we arrived, we were all given a tour of The White House, then lead out to the South Lawn where the games would be played. We were shown which bleachers our team's cheering section were to sit, where we could then choose our own seats. As we were walking up the stairs, we noticed two RESERVED tickets on the end of the row. One said Michelle Griffith (she is the softball Commissioner) and the other said The PRESIDENT. "David.....look who will be sitting right there! Quick, grab that bench!" We sat in the next row back so we could get a good shot , I mean a better look at him.

After President Bush made his announcements, the Jonas Brothers sang the National Anthem, which was followed by the first pitch. The temperature that day was a STIFFLING 98F in the shade with a bad storm quickly approaching. The President and Ms. Griffith then took their seats in the bleachers. After everyone was seated, we let Steven go sit on the steps like we always do at the games. He hates being confined. Well, Steven was sitting there for a few minutes watching the game when President Bush reached over and touched him on the shoulder. He started talking to him and asking him questions. David and I said...."Oh no! He is going to start talking about SpongeBob and video games!" To our amazement, he didn't. Guess what he DID talk to him about? He said, "My mom is going to homeschool me! I can't wait!" President Bush said...."Your mom is doing what she thinks is best for you!" He then asked Steven if he wanted to take a picture with him? He said...."I need to ask my mom first." He then looked over to me and shouted..."Is it okay if I take a picture with him?" I smiled and nodded my head. "Okay, thanks!", yelled Steven, and then he gave us a . He went over to the President and I swear, that child looked like he was going to sit right down on top of his lap. He almost did but then turned and decided to kneel down right beside him where the President then put his hand on Steven's shoulder. Steven looked up at him and they both started to smile.

~WHAT A KODAK MOMENT!!~

After the game, The White House provided a picnic lunch and musical entertainment for everyone. Steven could not wait to eat. He was more excited that they were handing out as many hot dogs, pretzels, chips, peanuts, and cookies that you could eat, and as much soda that you could drink....than he was that he met and sat next to the President of the United States of America!!!! I think I am going develop that picture and send it to the President and ask if he would sign it. I would LOVE to have that framed! That would be so AWESOME!!

Even though it was extremely hot that day, EVERYONE that went that said they had a WONDERFUL time.

Thank you President Bush and Little League International for giving all of us this awesome opportunity.