Days with the Cormier's

Walk with me, if you will, through L.J.'s "emotional stages" as we leave the ballpark. You may have to click on the above picture so you can more clearly see the stages. An almost-daily occurrence, you'd think it was the first time each time we leave. He's shocked we have to go. He goes through these stages of grieving...oops, I mean leaving, (maybe I was right the first time?), as we exit. Occasionally, we skip stage #4, "exhausted contentment" and replace it with "exhausted sleep", (not pictured above). Either way, I pray each day as we enter the ballpark that we will zip through the stages quickly upon our exit, or even skip #'s 1 & 2. We sometimes do skip the anger and sadness, like a little gift from above, and just leave with smiles. My motto is, "if we leave sweet, we get a repeat", (i.e. we can go back). A little glimpse into the heart of a three-year-old baseball addict. :)

Individual shots below in case you couldn't see those faces well. By the way, I didn't let him know I was taking these pics - I don't want him thinking I'll take pictures of him when he's crying and also I didn't want to change these moments by bringing out the camera. I was sly and held it next to my leg as I shot. :)

I tell him that they are closing the field and we have to go. Every time, his answer is a tear-filled, "why?"

He's mad...at me. Thinking, "if it weren't for you, I'd still be on the 'tield"

Replaying the day in his head, tired and thinking of something he did that was fun.

Finally content, knowing we'll go back soon. I love that smile.