Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

We met up at the ballpark with some friends we haven't seen since law school.  It was just like old times. . . except more kids. Dave and Nikki have three boys and two little girls - just like us! It was so fun to see them and, of course, our kids were instant friends.  These guys have been hitting Major League games across the country and have been to more than twenty stadiums so far!  Great way to see new cities and old friends, right?  They bring new meaning to the "baseball is life" mantra. We missed the Browns (also friends from law school) who couldn't make it at the last minute, but were happy to see the Whitworths (from our ward three years ago) who took their tickets.  Here's a look at all the fun.  Go Astros!

Lydia loves all the tall buildings downtown.  She thought we were going to a "castle".

We had the "All You Can Eat" tickets and the kids got free bobbleheads on the way in.  So lucky.

Cotton-candy fingers. Sticky blue tongue.  This girl is just lovely. 

We couldn't tell who enjoyed it more - the boys who were completely engrossed in the game, or the girls who danced, sang, giggled, and chatted (oblivious to the game) the entire time.

Lydia was kind of a disaster.  The stadium stairs became her personal jungle gym.

And, upon discovering the built-in drink holders, took sips from everyone's cups - including diet-who-knows-what from complete strangers.  No wonder she complained of a tummy ache!

Eliza wore herself out and took a few naps on Nate's lap during lulls in the game.

She perked up right away though whenever someone scored.

And thankfully our team scored more often.

Homerun!

The kids loved the train and exploding sparklers anytime the Astros scored a run.  (looked a bit dangerous to me, at least for the guy in the train. sheesh!)

We even indulged our kids and stayed (WAY past bedtime) for the spectacular firwork show to the music from Frozen.  Eliza and Lydia were in heaven (well, not Lydia so much.  She's scared of fireworks.)

Isaac snapped this picture (with me so dumbly not looking) of the four of us with the smoke from the fireworks in the background.  Good times.  It doesn't get much better than baseball, fireworks, happy kids, and long-time friends.