Season Opener

Last night we had our first baseball game of the season. The weather was a pleasant 90 degrees, there was a stiff south wind blowing (but that only helped to cool me down and send more balls soaring to home runs!) We took all 3 muckles to the ball park, and all 5 of us had a great time!

We started off getting ourselves some new threads. The Express changed up their logo this year (it's the perfect E-Train logo for our cute little E-Train!) so we were all badly in need of some new T-Shirts. Everyone (except me!) switched into their new duds right after we stepped out of the shop. Here's everyone modeling their stuff:




Isabel is usually the most fidgety and bored, but last night she was dancing and cheering and clapping and singing along with the music. James, in his usual manner, was fixed on the game trying to soak in as many of the rules as he could. That is, when he wasn't cracking peanuts on his lap and chugging down a lemonade.




Wyatt, in really what was his first game, was a true champ! He's just like James was at that age! He was glued to the game. Watching every minute of the action. He especially loved when a bird would fly overhead so he could point and squeal. He was also quite fond of cracking peanuts and eating only the shell. Go figure! He faded around 8ish, but he still was a trooper. He never once left his Dad's lap. He'd just sit and watch and learn. That kid amazes me. He is so laid back. Anything outdoors is a winner for him, especially if it includes some Dad lap time.



The most hilarious event of the evening came when James spotted Spike the dog for the first time. Spike had walked down our aisle to wait for the inning to end so he could tromp out on the field for entertainment. James jumped right out of his seat, plowed through me and Izzy's legs and pushed his way to the aisle. He then walked right over to Spike (who was crouching down watching the game) and from behind gave Spike the biggest hug I'd ever seen right around that poor Dog's head. Spike naturally had no idea what was going on, and couldn't turn his head to figure it out. So when James finally let go, he turned to face his attacker. He then got another hug from James. As soon as the second hug was over, James tromped right back to his seat and picked up where he'd left off with the peanuts. Like it was no big deal at all. Meanwhile the whole section was giggling at how cute the whole situation was.


Unfortunately, because it happened so fast, I was unable to get a picture of that moment, but much to my surprise, my daughter followed James up with this adorable moment:


Never before has she been so unafraid of Spike. Usually she likes to wave at him from a distance, clinging to me if he dare to wave back at her. But not this year. She's grown so much! I'll be putting that picture on her wall - it's just too cute!

I had to smile to myself while we were all sitting there cracking peanuts and watching the game. I always dread my little ones growing up and changing from the cuteness they are right now, but I realized last night it isn't so bad. Each stage is a wonder, and ever better than the last one. Attending a game with these cuties this year was so much different than it was last season! I always am amazed at just how much they change without me really knowing it. I'm just grateful I get to be a part of their lives so much. I feel so blessed for my wonderful family.