[Independence Day.]

This is how we spent our Fourth of July, melting at Chad's Little League tournament. Mostly melting from the heat (high 80s + 45% humidity), but also melting at how CUTE "Coach Chad" was with his little players.

Meanwhile, super fans Kelsey and I alternated between cheering, giggling, whining, dozing, and eating. And you KNOW I waved that American flag the entire game.

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[This is where she gets mushy.]

This holiday was a particularly special day for me and Chad, because we met on the Fourth of July last year. We consider it an anniversary of sorts, because even though we didn't start dating "officially" until late October, we were inseparable from that day forward. If you had told me on July 4, 2010 that the random boy who kissed me within five seconds of being introduced on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial {true story} would soon become the most important person in my life, I would have called you crazy. And yet, here we are a year later, best friends and loves, completely wrapped up in our own little world together. I could go on and on, but I'll spare you (for now...), and simply say: I love him.

[Told you.]

[Take me out to the batting cages...]

So before our usual Saturday night dinner and a movie date, this week Chad and I went with Steph and Jake to the batting cages in Falls Church. And yes, obviously I wore patent leather espadrilles to the batting cages. Chad made me change into some Converse so I wouldn't roll my ankle, but he obviously doesn't know how coordinated and athletic I am. Case in point--I only missed 6 of the 50+ balls pitched at me. You know you want me on your summer softball league. Steph, on the other hand, demonstrated that hitting is not one of her numerous strengths (how many did you get, Estefania? Three? haha ), but her former Columbia baseball player husband more than made up for it. Little League coach Chad also had a solid performance, but I think we can all agree that he needs to stick his butt out a little more, like I do.