Slammers Game

We left New York in enough time to make it to a Slammers game in Joliet.  We got a great deal for the tickets and they were already purchased when I found out that it was Princess Night at the ballpark. Ha!  Since we were meeting Sophie there I went out quickly and bought a tiara and some jewelry for Sophie and the boys to share.  That didn't go over well. With any of them.  I had a good laugh though.

 Gus was ready.  He even had a glove to match his outfit!

 John is always enthusiastic.

 Sophie hates that I take pictures all of the time.  She usually tries to block me as she is now. But look at those eyes...she is enjoying it.

 We did actually watch a little of the game.

These two just love each other.  Sophie really loves Anders because she shared her slushy with him and she is a major germaphobe.

No tiaras, princess dresses, or jewelry were worn...but we all had a great time at the ballpark.

Slammers Game

The library staff decided to get together outside of work for a Slammers game.  The Slammers are the minor league team from Joliet.  John had been chomping at the bit to see a game since experiencing the Padres game, so we decided to take our brood and join my coworkers.  I didn't actually watch any of the game, but I had a great time.  The stadium is close-ish to our house.  Parking is free and close.  The stadium is small and clean.  Food prices are fantastic for a ballgame.  And they have a playground and free jumpies for the kids.  We might become regulars next season.

 My coworkers love Hans.  Or they think he is crazy.  Maybe a little of both.

 We reserved the patio.  So we had a nice balcony area with tables and chairs.

 Anders found some girls to talk to.  Boy, was he telling them a story.

 Gus went with Hans to buy me a pretzel.  I only got one bite.

 Brotherly love.

 Popcorn is not something the Fiene boys share very well.

 The weekend games are followed by fireworks.  This is John's new friend David.

I love the people I work with.  Such a wonderful group of men and women (mostly women) with wonderful families.

Padres Game

Andrina had us rocking and rolling during the short time we were out in California.  I'm so glad she had things planned because, while we would have been content just staying at the house the whole time, it was nice to get out and do some fun things.  Andrina found out there was a mid-day Padres games while we were in town and thought we should try it out.  This was the first time Gus and Anders had been to a baseball game.

 We drove to the nearest Coaster station and waited for our train into San Diego.

Waiting for the train.

After about an hour train ride and a short trolley ride, we were at Petco Park.

 Earlier in the week an employee of Petco Park offered to give us a tour of the facilities.

 Since it was a mid-day game, there were hundreds of day camp kids there.  Hundreds.

The tour turned out to be a bust and not very kid friendly.  But the kids found way to entertain themselves.

 Gus tried to pick up John.  Gus said he needs to get stronger.

 Finally at our first set of seats.  I say first set because, when these seats were purchased, we though the kids would be able to play in the area referred to as "the beach".  This was not the case.  To curb the possible revolt we had on our hands, we exchanged our tickets to get "beach seats."

Warming up.  And don't ask me who this is.  This was the most baseball I actually saw and the game hadn't even started.

Happy and in our new seats.  I love Machara's face in this picture.

 Who needs a baseball game when you have sand?

 Hans needed a picture of his $10 beer.

Padre Cheerleaders

These two were yelling and cheering and chanting for a long while.  They even got the crowd around us cheering.

 Waiting in line for baseball cards.  The funny thing is that, when they actually got the cards, they weren't Padre cards.  They were just various trading cards.  John actually came home with Colorado Rockies baseball cards.

 I didn't put on sunscreen.  I got burnt.  I'm not very smart sometimes.

This was cool...but it took up a large portion of the beach. The park staff had a hard time keeping the kids out of this area.

 Nearing the end of our stay.  We had some tired kids.

 Anders likes his back rubbed when he goes to sleep.  He decided to rub Gus's back while he fell asleep.

On our walk back to the coaster we passed through the Historic Heart of San Diego.

It was a fun day wit lots of great memories.  This also started John on a baseball kick.

When Grandma and Grandpa Visit

While my parents were in town for Anders' baptism they had to do all the fun things grandparents do.  They went to the park, got the boys ice cream, made cookies, read books, wrestled and got lots of hugs and kisses. 

At the park

 

Making cookies

I think this is everyone's favorite part.

 Gus now gets to claim the tricycle since John got a big boy bike.  John's having a hard time giving up his bike, but Gus has no problem letting John know it is his.

Playing baseball.  John's learning how to watch the ball, but this requires more concentration then he feels the game is worth.

 I'm not sure what was going on here, but this looks like a fight in the making.

I'm sure all of my kids will grow to be wonderful piano players...if they feel like it.

The visits are always too short.  The boys just love getting spoiled by their grandparents.  For a few weeks after each visit I hear "Grandma would let me do it"  even though I know Grandma wouldn't.