The Rutland Spring Break started off with a bang…actually, more of a shake! We headed out bright and early to Sunset in Puerto Galera on Saturday, April 8th. We were all settled in at the beach when an earthquake made sure we didn’t get too relaxed. A 5.9 earthquake was measured in Batangas, just a hop skip and jump away from Puerto Galera. Another one hit a few minutes later, with several tremors felt the rest of Saturday and Sunday. There is talk in the Philippines of “The Big One”. I hope the “Big One” takes his precious time getting here.
We made sure our Clemson Tigers were represented in Puerto Galera!
Hannah Grace's favorite: Mango Shake
Tony is always "fun daddy" on vacation...
...while I read my book! This was my exact spot when the first tremor was felt.
The next day, Ellis decided we should do something we haven't done before at Puerto Galera, so we decided to take a short hike to a waterfall.
Ellis is at the top trying to snap a good picture. He didn't jump, but some of the locals took the plunge!
Ellis hanging out with one of our "guides".
These two fellas helped us make our way to the falls.
Afterwards, it was time for a swim in the refreshing water.
Fun Daddy and the kiddos stayed in through the sunset.
It is never easy to leave!
After “shaking” and “rattling” for a few days in PG, it was time to “roll” on over to Hong Kong to pull on Hannah Grace and the Brent softball team in the APAC championship. The girls fought hard, played hard and loved hard. Six of our girls will graduate in May. There were lots of tears shed knowing this was their last tournament together. Bringing home the Championship trophy made the experience even more emotional. That trophy pales in comparison, though, to what I see in this team. These girls love each other, they love their coaches and they respect their opponents. They cheer for one another and lift each other up. There is so much more than softball on that field…and that makes my heart so very happy!
The school is beautiful, with lots of stairs!
I think Tony is ready to go help help her out!
She gets a hit....
...and a high five from her coach!
We had several hours between games, so the three of us headed over to Ocean Park to entertain ourselves. There are two sections of the park. To get to the main rides, we had to ride this gondola from the bottom to the top.
The views were amazing, but OH MY GOODNESS!
You can actually see the look of terror on my face! I was holding on so tight, too! Like that would help!
Here are some of the rides that Ellis and Tony couldn't wait to hop on.
This is more my speed!
I did do a throw back to the Miracle Strip days with a ride on the swings, ferris wheel and their version of the log flume.
You have to zoom in, but Ellis and Tony are in the second row.
No thanks!
The look on the riders faces is enough to tell me that I made the correct decision!
We headed back to Brent to watch Game 2 and see Mia hit a home run. Here the girls are congratulating her at home plate.
Day 2: A picture with the players and their families.
We ended the night with dinner at Tony and Ellis's favorite: Red Pepper.
Day 3: One game down, just the championship game to be played.
The players and their siblings
Hannah Grace and the seniors
Ellis and Leo entertain themselves between games.
We made a trip to Stanley Beach, another favorite.
Ellis always meets a friend there!
Champions times two!!!
Coach Kathy almost got away!
The teams having fun at their banquet before the awards ceremony.
Baby Girl off to school with her bling!
