Tuesday, July 6, 2010

"Oh, Take Me Out To The Ball Game!!!"

For Father's Day this year, I purchased tickets for our little family to attend the Texas Rangers baseball game. A while back Scott bought matching jerseys for Austin and himself and stated that one day he would like to take his son to the baseball game. So it was then that I knew this would be the perfect Father's Day gift!
Heading out to the game

Sunscreen on, Baseball Shades on, Jersey on: Ready to GO!!
After researching online I decided to purchase our tickets in the bleachers section. There are two locations that offer discounted prices for kids 13 years and younger - one being the bleacher section and the other being at the v.e.r.y. top. I was unsure of where to place our seats but in the end decided that the bleachers was the way to go! Man was I right. It was a great spot with an excellent view of the ballfield as well as being kid-friendly.


The area right outside of the bleacher section hosted the kids area with chances to hit a flyball, catch, play "baseball plinko" as well as other games. Of course, Austin was too young for this but just having the area near to walk around if need be to let loose some toddler energy was a great stress reliever for us. However, we didn't need it at all! Austin did phenominal and surpassed all of our expectations - although we had minimal expectations going into this - he amazed us!! 

This cloud deserves its own special mention in our blog.  This beautiful cloud stayed right where it was for the remainder of the time until the sun settled down past the stadium.  WHOOO HOOOO

We arrived around 5:30 so that we could walk around and check out the sites and stores prior to the game starting at 7:05. We also wanted to use this time to have Austin do as much running around and having the freedom all toddlers crave before having to sit in our seats for the game.  Prior to walking out we purchased a Rangers game cup which we filled up with Cherry & Soda ICEE.  OH MY GOSH  Austin attacked that thing!  Ideally it was purchased to share but Scott and I got a big kick out of him going to town that we let the lil man enjoy this moment LOL!
He drank this whole thing in less than 5 minutes!
After we checked out our seats we headed off to check out more sites before the game started.  Austin loved the freedom he had to run around like he did.  The best part and the #1 tip I'd reccommend for ANY PARENT is to go up the escalators - which of course is one of Austin's fav. things to do - and then after walking around go down the ramp to get back to the lower level.  Sounds basic and silly, but it's the perfect location for a two-year-old to run off some steam and get his craziness out before having to sit in one location for too long!!  It's a MUST!   


After running around and checking out the different view points we headed back to our seats for the National Anthem and then for the baseball game to start.  This picture was taken from my seat - WITHOUT using the zoom feature.  I'm pretty impressed!


After about 15 minutes into the game, Austin saw his CARS cars inside the bag I brought.  Upps guess I didn't do a good enough job of hiding them so he insisted on dumping all the ones I brought and positioned himself in his normal "CARS playing' position.  If you're wondering, yes my son is spoiled.  His Amma especially loves to buy him these cars at least once a week.  Lil Man has been hooked on the Movie CARS since Sept and insists we watch it daily - NO JOKE!! 
 He stayed in this position for about 30-45 minutes rolling each car back and forth.  We even had a sweet couple in front of us awe at him.  Apparently they have a grandson the same age as Austin who loves CARS as well!  She started naming off every single one of Austin's cars and he loved it.  After playing with his cars he started complaining about his head - yes Lil Man rubbed a spot on his forehead raw by rubbing it back and forth on the concrete watching his cars roll.  SILLY!  So he sat up and did a number of things while the game went on:  
Played with the water spritzer
Played a few games on my iphone* as well as watched a few scenes from CARS. 
 After all it IS a MUST! 
Had some snacks - Thanks for the tip Emily!!
I packed some raisins, a Strawberry SpecialK bar, Nutrigrain Bar,
 and a fruit snack to keep him occupied.  yes he ate them all LOL 
Watched the surrounding sites.  Yes, those are raisins in his mouth LOL
Observed the Ranger girls propel shirts into our section
People watched
And of course, he watched the game a few times. 
Lil Man especially loved watching the Baseball fly.

Overall Austin did fantastic.  We did leave around 9:45pm, not because Austin was acting out but because Scott needed to get home to take some med s (he hurt himself a few days before this and was on pain meds)  We can't wait to do this again!  I think Scott loved his Father's Day gift and Austin had a great time!  I know I did!

Of course, what's a family outing without going crazy on the camera.  Here are more pictures of the night.  Check them out:
Me and my Lil Man. 
I'm 'cheesin' for the camera and he's actually watching the game
Scott and Austin
I believe Scott was listening to Austin explain the rules to his dada LOL

The next two pictures are my favorites!  The first one was our family photo within the first 30 minutes of the game starting and the last was about 10 mintues before we left.     
Notice the water spritzer droplets on his shades!



*The iphone Apps that are Austin's Favs:
Giraffe's Matching Zoo
Sprout Player
Baby Cortex's Baby Piano Lite
DressChica - Sprout
ABC Phonics
Shapes by Toddler Teasers

1 comment:

Emily said...

Such a cute post! When we go again I think the bleachers are where we will sit. Looks like a perfect spot! AND...You have given me more reasons why I NEED an iphone!!