Well, y’all, it’s that time of year again! It’s a little bittersweet.

I absolutely love the Little League World Series and the attention it brings to our little corner of the world, but it also means that summer is coming to a close, which always makes me sad. It feels like the older I get, the faster these summers go!

I am fortunate to be photographing my 21st LLWS this year. There is little I love more than getting to as many games as my schedule will allow to shoot these games. Something about being in the photo wells makes my heart happy!

I had a whole paragraph typed out here about how I was still waiting to hear if my media credentials for the Little League/MLB Classic would be approved. Despite getting approved for the first time last year, I didn’t know if that would mean I’d be approved this year. I had been stalking the credential site for over a week, as I heard back earlier last year. I was going to ask y’all to keep your fingers crossed for me. But as I was finishing that paragraph, I received an email from MLB, and — good news, everyone! — my credentials for the game have been approved!

I had so much fun at the game last year! I had my own seat and everything! I am super stoked to have the opportunity to go again this year.

I’m a Braves fan through and through — and have often joked that my second favorite team is whoever the Yankees are playing, but that doesn’t mean I can’t and won’t enjoy this opportunity!

I am incredibly fortunate to have a job that allows me the chance to do things like this. It’s a job I love, and it’s a privilege to be able to capture these moments and share them with you all.

As we all prepare for the world to descend on Williamsport, this is just a friendly reminder. Be nice. I have said this in the past, but it is still very accurate. From a stranger’s perspective, Williamsport is not an easy city to navigate. We have a lot of one-way streets, a lot of alleys, and some really narrow roads. Please be kind when people coming to the area for the first time struggle a bit. Give them a little leeway.

Traffic is going to be bad, especially between Southside and Williamsport. Give yourself some extra time to accommodate for that. You’ll be less frustrated if you do.

Also, be safe when driving. We have all seen what’s been happening on the spur on 15 lately. It seems like there is an accident up there every other week. So please drive safe, keep your focus on the road, and, of course, wear your seatbelt. Another friendly reminder — it is illegal in PA to have your phone in your hand while driving, so keep it stashed! Your safety is our top priority.

It’s an amazing time of year to live in our area — go out and enjoy it! Catch a game, slide down the hill, and have some fun! Before you know it, the kids will be back in school, and the Crosscutters will play in the championship game!

Speaking of, be sure to check out their ad on page 26 for your vouchers to get tickets to that game!