Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sunday Rangers Game

The weather forecast for Sunday was surprisingly mild for June 30 in Texas (88-90 degrees!!!), so we decided to take advantage and go to a Rangers game.  The boys and I went earlier this spring with the Freeman's (while Daddy was in Germany), Daddy and I went for opening weekend (while Nana and Pops babysat the boys), but we hadn't been as a family yet this year.  Our first stop this morning was church, and I totally have to brag on Lincoln.  He and Beau went down to the front for Children's Time as usual, and Ms. Allison was talking to the kids about Jonah and the Whale.  I was super surprised when (usually shy in this environment) Lincoln piped up with answers to all of the questions.  He got the microphone three times as he was filling in the blanks about the story.  Even Pastor Oliphant was whispering to his associate pastor in awe that this kid knew the whole thing!  I actually wiped a tear sitting in the pew watching Linc proudly share about Jonah.  I'm not going to take all of the credit, although I am fond of this Bible Story.  It's one of his favorite Veggie Tales movies!  Anyway, we had lunch at home after church and posed for a "cheese" before heading to The Ballpark for lots of fun.  The boys packed tons of books for the short/long drive!
About halfway into the drive to Arlington, Beau was crashed out with his book in his lap (and finger still poised on the button).  The drive was during his normal naptime, so he caught a quick catnap.  Luckily, he woke up ready to cheer! 
We found our seats early and sprayed on lots of sunscreen.  The tickets Daddy wisely got us were going to be in the shade soon, but we had about 45 minutes of sun at first.  Beau wanted his sunglasses along with his hat, and he also wanted to sit firmly in Mommy's lap.  Such a cutie!  There was so much going on that Beau just wanted to sit and take it all in.  He didn't say much at first, but he loved to clap with everyone.  It was kind of a lot at first, but he definitely warmed up later!
After watching the players warm up, the grounds crew work on the field and the opening ceremonies of the game, it was finally time for the first pitch.  To which Lincoln responded with, "I'm ready to go home now!"  I understand that is a childhood rite of passage, so Linc didn't let us down today!  Daddy and Lincoln went to get popcorn a short time later and that was a welcome distraction for about 30 minutes.  Oh, I should definitely point out that he spilled 80% of the bucket of popcorn within the first 2 minutes of holding it.  Whatever!  At least he and Daddy could give me a smile! 
After a long first inning, we went on a hunt for ice cream.  We found a yummy ice cream stand nearby, and the boys were happy to sit at the shaded picnic table with their cups of chocolate ice cream.  I actually think they were the most entertained by the sporks they were given!  The ice cream and break from the game for the 2nd inning a great thing. 
We headed back to our seats and found full shade and a nice breeze!  Beau took a turn on Daddy's lap for an inning or two, and they had fun clapping and cheering.  Beau loved the cheers!  He began to get used to the noise and really got interested in talking about the game and songs.
Mommy got to hang with Lincoln for a while, and we had so much fun talking about everything going on at the Ballpark.  In between our fun conversations, he told me 100 times that it was time to go.  Luckily, they played his favorites songs to cheer him up - Take Me Out to the Ballgame and Deep In the Heart of Texas.  He was happy to sing along.   
The guys in front of us shared their bag of peanuts a few times.  Beau was super excited (because he always is excited about food!) and wanted a peanut.  I took one out of the shell, and he wasn't so sure after he put it in his mouth.  We all laughed as he kind of sucked on it then managed to chew it up.  When the guys offered again a few minutes later, he tentatively accepted.  That one didn't last but a minute in his mouth, and when he began to chew it he immediately began spitting it out all over us.  Off to the bathroom to clean up, and what happened??  Of course that's when we scored our three runs!!  We totally missed the excitement! 
Even though Lincoln was sure we needed to leave so many times, we all had so much fun.  I don't think we have a family snapshot with all of us smiling, so this one is super special.  I can't believe we made it to the start of the 8th inning.  Lincoln was super chatty about all he saw on the way home, and Beau crashed out again while reading a book.  I'm counting this as one of my favorite family days.  We made it home in time to all get cleaned and have dinner.  Daddy and Lincoln watched a little Madagascar movie, and Beau sneaked chocolate Dove squares every chance he could get.  Bath and bedtime was welcomed by all, and two little boys went to sleep so happy.  I'm not sure we will make another family Rangers game outing this year because it's sure to be 100 degrees for the rest of the summer, but it was so much fun.  Oh, and we got special autographed bats as souvenirs for today.  Mommy is pretty worn out too, so off to bed we go.  What a great day!

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