We didn't leave any doubt where we were going. The kids had fun writing on the van windows. Other drivers had fun reading and honking at us and giving us the "thumbs up". 
When you think of Cooperstown, you automatically think Baseball Hall of Fame, right? Well that's what we used to think. Now we have other thoughts that enter our minds when we think of Cooperstown. We think of beautiful rolling hills, a crystal clear gorgeous lake, quant little shops, and above all, Cooperstown Dreams Park. The picture above was taken at the entrance of the Park.
I couldn't pass this picture up. It was so pretty. The large green wooden walls with the flags on them, well that's how each ball field is surrounded. It's like a throw back thing to the old era of baseball.
How cool is this !!! During opening ceramonies, three sky divers land on the field and deliver the opening day baseball. 
Here's our team during the opening day parade. One of 96 teams.
This is where the boys and coaches stayed. Micky Mantles' picture is on the building. Each barrak had a picture of an baseball player.
Trading pins is a BIG thing at Cooperstown. Here's Austin (far left, wearing all black) trading pins. Austin really got into trading pins this week. He collected all but 2 teams out of 96 teams. 
Play ball !! Here's Austin at 3rd base making a scoop. You may have noticed the uniforms aren't "Flames" uniforms. Each team is given a red and a blue jersey. 
Austin (#9) was pitching a perfect game going into the 4th inning, but it wasn't meant to be. We still run-ruled the other team
It wasn't baseball all day long, so we took time to take in the sights. There's a beautiful lake right in the heart of downtown Cooperstown. We ate lunch at a cute little restaurant that overlooked the lake. The following pictures are some other fun things the kids did while in Cooperstown.
About 8 families went together and rented a house for the week. It was within walking distance of the ball park. And right next door, was a place where the kids could play putt-putt, laser tag, or ride on little scooters.The picture below is the little creek you had to cross to get next door to all the fun stuff. Perfect location!!!!
We could have lasted weeks in that house with all the food we brought. It was such a blast. Everyone took turns cooking something every night. We grilled out a couple of times. It was a lot of fun.
After each game, we'd all rush back to the house and get on the computer, go to the Cooperstown Dreams Park web site and check our standings and other teams standings. We were high tech.
Closing Ceramonies where each boy is inducted into the Youth Baseball Hall of Fame. They each receive a ring, just like a senior class ring. Pretty Cool.
Amber's always ready for a picture. Austin is showing off his new "Cooperstown" ring. The Flames finished 9th out of 96 teams. WAY TO GO FLAMES !!!
