Take Me Out to the Ball Game . . .

Last month we had the opportunity to attend a Pirates game.  Hyrum is a long time baseball fan.  He spent many nights falling asleep listening to Texas Rangers games on the radio, as a boy.  That love of baseball has been passed on to our children.  I even enjoy a good baseball game.  One of the plus sides of moving to Pittsburgh was that they had a pro-baseball team.  The Pirates haven't had a great team since the 80's but they are doing well this season.  We're in it for the game, not for the wins.

Trying to get a family picture with the cityscape in the background.  Pittsburgh has a lot of neat bridges.

Anyway, there was a late afternoon game making it perfect for getting kids in bed at a decent hour and also getting naps to those who needed one.  PNC Park has an extremely liberal food policy so we packed up the juice boxes, water, hot dogs, ketchup, peanut butter and jam sandwiches, bubble gum, Swedish fish, tootsie rolls, caramel corn, carrot sticks and apples and off we went.

The crew getting ready for the game--well, half of the crew.

It was a great experience.  I would definitely do it again.  The field and park complex is lovely.  These Pittsburghers take care of their teams, no matter what happens.   We got through the gate and were immediately greeted by a women who worked for Guest Services.  She told us about an office that was set up for families with small children.  We could take the kids there for a break, feeding, air conditioning, whatever.  It was so great.  We didn't use it but it was nice to just know it was available and that she had sought us out.  I was also really impressed with the fans.  I didn't hear any foul language or bad mouthing the other team.  Everyone just seemed to be there to have a good time.  They weren't even bugged by our kids.

The outfield with the city backdrop.

Our seat were high but they were great.  We could see everything and we were in the shade.  It was a warm day but not unbearable, being in the shade made it perfect.  The kids enjoyed their hot dogs and the seemingly endless flow of treats, a rare treat for them.  They even enjoyed the game a bit.  Spencer and Charlotte played musical chairs and took turns sitting with Hyrum or I.  Hannah and Jonathan were mostly into the game, though I think Jonathan just liked being able to chew bubble gum.  The game went into extra innings and eventually the Pirates lost in the 11th.

Our view of the field.

The kids were worn out and ready to go home and thankfully there was no traffic.  We stayed to the end and had no problem getting home, twenty minutes and we were at our door.  I love family adventures.  I hope we can do this again.  Go Bucs!