Well, hey there, y’all — it’s that time of year again! Bittersweet, like that last s’more of the season when the marshmallow’s perfect but you know swimsuit weather is about to be replaced with school supply aisles. Yep — it’s Little League World Series season in Williamsport!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the LLWS is the unofficial beginning of the end of summer. It’s like the calendar’s way of saying, “Hope you enjoyed those popsicles — now grab a hoodie.” And while I’m a little bummed to watch another summer fly by at warp speed (seriously, wasn’t it just June?), I can’t help but get excited.

This year marks my 22nd LLWS as a photographer, which is wild because I’m obviously only 25. There’s just something magical about being down in the photo wells with all that excitement swirling around. It’s one of my absolute favorite things — right up there with Coke Zero and Fairplay Bourbon (but not together).

That said, I’ve got a big thing happening at home this weekend (teaser alert!), so I won’t be out at the complex quite as much as usual — but don’t worry, I’ll spill all the juicy details next week.

Fingers crossed, I’m also waiting to hear back on my MLB Classic credentials. I’ve been approved the last two years, so I’m hoping the third time’s the charm (and not a “thanks but no thanks” email). If you’ve got any good vibes to spare, send them my way.

Last year’s game was an absolute blast. I had my own seat! With a name tag! Like real media personnel! Honestly, being credentialed for these games still feels like a dream. I’m holding out hope that one day I’ll get full photo access and not just be the person hovering near the action, pretending not to drool on my camera.

Now, let’s talk baseball allegiances for a sec: as a long-suffering Braves fan, I’ll reluctantly cheer for the Mets this weekend. Emphasis on “reluctantly.” But hey — it’s still better than rooting for the Yankees (don’t come for me).

Truly, though, I count myself incredibly lucky to have a job that lets me do things like this. Capturing these moments and sharing them with y’all is something I’ll never take for granted — even when it’s 98 degrees and my camera lens is foggier than my brain before coffee.

As the world descends on our little slice of the world, here’s your friendly neighborhood reminder: be nice. We’ve got a charming city — with some more than mildly confusing traffic patterns, let’s be honest. One-way streets, alleys that look like driveways, roads that could double as tightropes — it’s a lot. So if you see someone from out of town doing a 47-point turn trying to get to Dunkin’ — give them a break. We’ve all been there.

Also, the traffic is going to be bonkers — especially between Southside and Williamsport. Add in Wawa, Chick-Fil-A, and whatever cosmic force turns every red light into a 10-minute stop, and, yeah… maybe leave five minutes early. Or twenty.

Most importantly: drive safe. The rumble strips on 15 are doing their job (knock on wood), but don’t let your guard down. Keep your eyes on the road, your phone out of your hands (it’s illegal in PA, remember?), and your seatbelt on. We want everyone to enjoy the magic of this time — and make it home safely.

So go on, get out there and enjoy it all! Catch a game, cheer loud, slide down the hill like you’re eight years old again (or just supervise with snacks in hand — neither your back nor mine is what it used to be).

This really is the best time of year to be in Williamsport — soak it in while it lasts.