Little League Day at the Yard

Shortly after signing the boys up for TBall, we received an inquire about Little League day at the Yard.  We were definitely interested and the fact that the Orioles were going to be playing the Red Sox made all of the baseball fans in our house happy.  After walking the warning track, we took the escalators to the upper deck.  

The first of many attempts to find their seats at the game. 

The seats were amazing.  We didn't expect all that much since they were playing the Red Sox and the large number in our group.  The boys had an amazing view to soak in all of the sights, sounds and smells of the yard.  

The cotton candy man stopped by and we were in for their first ever cotton candy experience at their first baseball game.  Connor didn't really enjoy it as much as Jackson, which was fine by Jackson and his mom.

The boys did so well watching the game and eating their lunch.  We joined up with Chase and headed down in the 3rd inning to the Kids Zone.  The boy had a lot of fun with all of the activities.  We returned to our seats for several more innings. 

We left after the 7th inning but not before catching the Bird dance to "Thank God I'm a Country Boy".  The game was a lot of fun and we are definitely looking forward to more games at the Yard.  

Walking the warning track at the Yard

Part of the Little league day afforded the boys the opportunity to walk the warning track and get a very quick walking meet and greet with a couple of Oriole players.  Once we arrived, we searched for our fellow Hot Rods that we could walk together and represent our team along with Towson Rec. 

We met at a gate and started the process of walking in with ALL of the other kids. 

The kids that  had already walked the warning track were giving our Hot Rods a High Five as we approached the entry to the stadium.  The boys were mesmerized by the experience.  The stadium is so big and daunting and they soaked it all in.  

All of the fans that were within walking distance of the warning track started giving the Little League players High Fives.  They were soaking it all in as if they were Rockstars.  And, on that day for the walk around the stadium, they were.

Immediately after the Bird, we got our chance to see the Orioles.  We weren't sure of all of them but were floored that one of the Orioles giving High Fives was Adam Jones.  The Orioles really do a great job with this event for both the little league players and their awestruck parents. 

Their Rock Star status continued as we walked the rest of the ballpark.  Again, it was an incredibly amazing experience to go through as a parent with your children.  When Michael was with RPBL, we did this with his team but nothing compares to the experience with your own children.

Chase, Jackson and Zach walking in after we though their Rock Star status had ended but the Orioles staff was giving out high fives.  What an amazing experience.  So glad we were able to do it and hopefully, we get to do it again. 

You know you have to buy a ticket : 1st Ride on the Light Rail

With all of the protesting going on in the city, we were hesitant about going to Little League Day at Camden Yard but ultimately decided that we had to give the boys the experience of a lifetime.  We opted to take the Light Rail for ease to get in and out of the city and avoid bringing our car in to the city.

Whenever we drive in to the city, the boys will follow it as we travel on 83 and we have discussed riding it.  So, they were beyond excited to ride the "train" into Daddy's city.  They always call it Daddy's city despite my assurance that it is theirs too.

We just missed a train and the boys were intent on watching as Michael completed the transaction of purchasing the tickets. There was a lot of jumping and squealing with delight as they looked for the train that was on its way from Wegmans.

As we were getting ready to board the train, Connor decided to provide some helpful information to a man that was attempting to get on the train.  He looked him up and down and relayed "You know you have to buy a ticket!"  It was classic Connor ; lots of opinions and never shy to express himself.

Hot Rods Opening Day

After a couple of practices, our Hot Rods were ready to hit the fields for Opening Day. Despite it being a windy and chilly morning for TBall, the boys spirits lifted when they spotted Doc, the Towson University mascot. 

And, we were lucky enough to find some more Hot Rods among the chaos before the team  and individual pictures.

The Hot Rods, which clearly have the best name of all the teams were definitely picture ready.  

After the picture, the Hot Rods unloaded their equipment and were ready to take on the Blue Claws.  They had several friends on the Blue Claws from preschool so it was a lot of fun.  There were cuddles in an effort to warm up and some crying by the Hot Rods who had had enough of the wind and cooler temperatures. 

After the game, there was some music and the boys received some encouraging words from Doc.  We were off as our first Opening Day of many came to a close. Apparently, T Ball is so exhausting that you need a little help getting home!!

Kindergarten Round Up

We knew that this day was coming but there is nothing that can prepare you for signing up your babies (yes babies) for Kindergarten.  You know that they are ready as they are now asking when it is a school day if they get to go to Kindergarten and discussing options for lunches at Kindergarten. 
Since the boys opted for 3 days of Pre-K at Towson Presbyterian, we temporarily delayed the going to school 5 days but we all knew it wouldn't last forever.

Despite the coldness that Old Man Winter raged for what seemed like forever, we have been soaking in the fun that our Tuesdays and Thursdays provide for us. There have been many outings to the zoo, the Science Center, fun lunches and tall ships and so much more.  It was the best possible decision to have them go to school only for 3 days.

Jackson was practically running to get to the school and Connor took a hand and walked in slowly.

We were buzzed in to the school and given some direction as to how the morning was going to go.  The parents were going to meet with the school nurse, guidance counselor and the records keeper.  While this was happening, the boys would have the opportunity to meet with other future classmates and Ms. Scotto.

They were a little behind so we had a chance to walk the kindergarten hall and see the artwork and some of the classes.

We walked up the steps and arrived at what appeared to be the library.  The boys spotted the toys, other kindergarteners and most importantly the books.  They didn't look back.  We were able to capture some pictures while waiting to have conversations about the boys and provide information.

Forget the toys, bring on the books.

When we were finished, the boys were able to get a gift from the school.  It included a snack and a juice.  It was a great morning and a great opportunity for the boys to see the inside of their school and meet some new classmates and possibly a teacher.  We heard great news that they were looking to have around 18 kids per class and with the decision to separate the boys, there is a good chance that they will each know someone in their kindergarten class.