Orioles game

My first date with Brad was to an Orioles game.  He said he was taking me as a "thank you" for babysitting Justus, and I said we were just going as friends.  But it was more than that.  And the rest is history.  While we were dating and newly married, we went to games all the time.  As babies kept coming, we haven't been nearly as much.  So when we do, it is special.

We become part of the sea of orange and black.

The kids get all excited.  Proud to show off their colors and act like mini ball players.

This time, when Brad told me that we were going to be at the park for an autograph session, a question and answer session with the managers, and the game, I was a little worried.  That's a long time to be toting the kids around, and with no naps to boot.  But, hey, it will be fun.

All was going well for the autograph session, except..................

...........this guy wasn't too happy.

The kids had no idea who these guys were, but they figured they must be someone good if Mommy lets them write on our stuff.

I wanted to ask them to sign my baby, but nobody else thought it was a good idea.

After the autographs and Q and A, we headed to the outfield seats so that we could risk our lives while we dodged home run balls hit during batting practice.

I diligently kept watch.

Madison had to add some girlish flair to her outfit with this hot pink head band.  I'd say it does the trick quite nicely, wouldn't you?

Sure enough, shortly after this picture, was when IT happened.

By IT, I mean the major melt down where I walked with a screaming child half-way across the stadium.  Luckily, there were so many people, walking each way, bumping arms, excited about the game that not too many people noticed.  That's at least what I'm telling myself.  When that happens, I wonder, Why in the world did I think this would be a good idea?  What in the world was I thinking?  And if I let that single incident over-shadow everything else, than it would have been a failure.  But if we didn't have that moment, than we wouldn't have had this one either............

............or this one............

That's what it's all about.  Letting the celebrated moments cancel out the less than stellar.

There's an electric atmosphere at the game.  I could really care less about a baseball when it's on TV, but when I'm at the game, I can't help but cheer.  I can't help but throw my fist in the air and yell "Charge!" 

When people are on the edge of their seat, leaning like the position of their body will determine whether the team will make the play or not.  Then, it happens, and bodies pop up all around you, hands up with cheerful banter.  I love that.

The food is not too bad either.

Somebody likes cotton candy.

But who doesn't?

If you sign up to be a designated driver, you get a free soda.  Since we don't drink anyway, I'd say it's a pretty good deal.

Austin got tired for about 5 minutes, but it didn't last long.  He's like the energizer bunny.

 We had a great day.  Go O's.