Boulder Edition

The IDT (Independence Day Tournament) in Boulder started on July 2.  We had two pool games each day for 3 days and then brackets started on Saturday.  We were 5-1 in our pool games and 2nd in our pool behind the Corona Angels from California.  Dang California teams.  After loading pictures of our final days in Colorado, I realized that I didn't take any pictures during the games.  It was fun and we did really well until bracket play.  That last game against the Angels was so intense.  Such a good game, even though we ended up on the losing side of it.  Two really good teams and both played so well!

I think this pic is actually from the Patriot Games.

Gracie didn't hit quite as well during the IDT, but as always, did amazing defensively.  It is so fun to watch her and the rest of the girls control the infield.  The communication is almost constant and when they are all on the same page, really awesome things happen.  Since June began, she has had only 1 error, and only 4 stolen bases on her.  She is sitting at 60% CS, which is amazing.  As well as no passed balls... for 29 games, 75 innings caught, since the beginning of June.  Probably going to jinx her, but those are some pretty good fielding/catching stats.  Hitting hasn't been quite as explosive as a year ago, but she is working up that way again, adjusting to 18u, maybe?  But she seems to be able to hit many of the top tier pitchers.  Either way, they are all fun to watch, and when one or two of them are not having the best day...there are several others that can pick them up!  The lineup she is part of is incredible.

I did take some pictures of our adventures outside of softball.  Our final destination was a cute little apartment in Erie, CO, about 20 minutes East of Boulder.  It was a pretty easy drive for the three days of the tournament we were there.  We found trails and shops downtown.  

More trails to run on

Bridges to cross

The first day we were in the IDT, Gracie's 2026 recruiting class arranged for a time to meet and have dinner together.  We got to meet some of the parents of the athletes who will be joining her at Mizzou in Fall 2026.  It was fun to see them together.  Families from Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Oklahoma.  Gracie is the lone Missouri native in her recruiting class for Mizzou.

 Katie Gullium, Hadley Borders, Katelyn Knight, Gracie, Audrey Cathy

Another pic of the 2026 class.

I got Nick to join me on a trail.

After the third day of pool play, July 4, we went to Westminster to watch fireworks.  It was great, and we made it just in time.  We didn't get to watch last year when we stayed in down town Denver.  Apparently Kali had never seen a fireworks show like this, either.

Waiting for the show to start.

Sitting with Gracie

We were so close!

As I mentioned, our team was doing great until Saturday came for bracket play.  We were expecting to play three games that day, but went into extra innings with the first game and ultimately finished the day much earlier than expected.  Kind of felt like the Team 1 tournament again. 

Very disappointing and frustrating, but we adapted and did something different with the remaining time in Colorado.  Did a little sight seeing and visited Deb at her campground.  The kids slept most of the 1 1/2 hour drive to her campsite.  We roasted hot dogs and smores, then headed back down the mountain. 

Owen getting a snack

Gracie relaxing 
It was about 20 degrees cooler up the mountain than down in Boulder.

Kali and Gracie roasting their wieners.

Nick taking advantage of his hammock

Owen also relaxing

Kali having some fun with Gracie

We stopped on the way down the mountain to explore.
Found some rocks to climb.

Kali and Gracie

Owen at the top

Gracie and Kali found the creek

I didn't walk down there.

Nick and Owen climbing


Owen seems to have found a spot

Family pic on the last day
Very strange to see Owen almost eye to eye with Nick. He has definitely grown since last year's trip.

I wasn't ready to go home this time.  I had really looked forward to more time in Colorado and more softball to watch.  This was possibly my last chance to watch Gracie in an Aces uniform before her senior season of high school softball with Southern Boone.  I also just didn't want to leave Colorado.  Usually I am ready to be at home again by the end of a long (or short) vacation, but I definitely was not. I love it there.  Can't wait to go back again!

We left Colorado early Sunday morning.  Nick and Owen drove Deb's jeep back to Missouri, and Kali, Gracie and I drove together to take her home first then continue on to Ashland.  We made it home around 7:30 or 8pm, then carried on with normal things the next day.  Two more tournaments; Georgia and Indiana, after Colorado.  I can't believe it's almost done.
 

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