Day 2,209

The Force is Strong

Yesterday was exciting. It was the last game we'd attend in 2017. 

It was the last day at our pool (where Bearett learned to dive!).  

And it was Star Wars night at the park. 

But not just ANY Star Wars night...

No, it was a special Star Wars night complete with homemade Storm Trooper shirts...

And Storm Trooper Daddy bobbleheads!!!

And our special night surely wouldn't be complete without an firework show that left two babes in awe and one in tears!

What a sweet way to bring an end to such a full, exhausting, hugely impactful season. 

The Force is sure strong in this family. 

Day 2,195

The 18th 2017 Start

With the city of Miami still assessing and restoring the damage in South Florida, our home series against the Brewers was moved to Milwaukee. While we'd all have preferred otherwise, the Brewers did an incredible job of hosting us as their guests, even though technically, we were the home team. I've never received such generous treatment at a game before and we are so thankful for their hospitality. I think yesterday was either our ninth or tenth game on the road - with three babes in tow. The logistics of our situation proved to be the most difficult, as finding a new place to eat at every couple hours kept us constantly on the go. Thankfully, the Brewers took care of TWO of our meals at the park with food that was more than just your typical baseball park food. Doesn't sound like much, but when you're eating out every meal and having to plan it all out, it has its effect on you. We were given the entire right field terrace, complete with two separate buffets - drinks included.  

It was incredible. 

Better than the food though- and that's saying a lot - was our view. 

The visiting team's bullpen is directly attached to the patio, so the four of us - for the first time ever - got to watch Dada warm up in the pen!! The kiddies were squeaking with delight to be so close to Dad...even though THEY couldn't even get his attention. 

Turning just 90 degrees to your left from the look inside the glass and this was our view. Miller Park is a sure beauty. 

And just as a side note: for anyone who's ever tried to get Adam's attention while he's warming up or pitching...if his most adorable and precious two year old daughter can't get it while she makes their special "buck" sign to him, you ain't getting a look either! Focused Dada!

And the focus proved worth it. Adam ironed out a few kinks in his delivery yesterday - something that he just now fivalky noticed. And it made quite a difference. He was throwing harder and more consistent. The hope is that he'll continue in this direction for the duration of the season. 

Once Daddy took the mound, we moved to our second set of beautiful seats and watched like normal. As usual, Bearett cuddled his little Ella Mae the whole time, giving her kiss after kiss. I love how much he loves her. 

Once he finished pitching, we moved back to right field and watched the Fish secure the win, even in a stadium packed to limited capacity with die hard Brewers fans. They sold out the tickets available to the public on incredibly short notice due to the relocation of the game, and we were in awe. Real life: in Milwaukee, the fans show up an hour or two before EVERY GAME and tailgate. That's like, 80 games in 6 months! When we pulled into the stadium yesterday, it felt like we were pulling into a football stadium on game day. Such a cool atmosphere. 

And even more cool because we got to spend it together. I love our little family. And we love our Daddy. Thank you to the Brewers, who made the unexpected relocation as comfortable as possible. And thank you to the Fish for allowing us to graciously tag along. We are so grateful. 

5.2IP, 5H, 3R, 3BB, 6K, 2HR, W

Day 2,193

The 30th

I rung in Year 30 with two surprise treats delivered to our Philly hotel room while spending the whole day packing it up and getting three tiny gremlins and their gremlin mom ready. Amelia smushed the cupcake my Mama sent me (she knows my expectation of cake on birthdays! Love you!) and I ate the "Happy Birthday" paper on the giant cookie, which I mistook for frosting. We didn't leave the room until 5:45PM, but I managed to snag an iced coffee before boarding the bus en route to the series finale against the Phillies. Day made. All in all, though we were impossibly busy, I enjoyed the sporadic celebrations as they came and am thankful for the hectic moments because of why they exist. We're safe from Irma and all together. I couldn't ask for more. 

The Marlins have offered a family bus to every game while we've been on the road. The kids may have found their newest and most favorite way to travel. They also now have more reason and better understand of the song "The Wheels on the Bus," and sang it the whole way. 

On my 30th, I checked another stadium off the list. Citizen's Bank Park, hello. 

And they checked another state on the map. It's wild, but I do love traveling with them. My three miniature best friends and I wouldn't choose anyone else to do this with. 

Best gift of all: Dada!! We got to ride the bus with him all the way to the aw-pwan and flew through the sky into the wee hours of the night all together. Favorite part: ALL TOGETHER. 

Second favorite part: the 45 minutes Daddy and Mommy got to enjoy all alone while the kiddies snoozed. We were given two rows this trip and it sure makes things easier come sleep time!! We landed in Milwaukee around 1 AM and finally hit the pillows around 2:30AM. 

Thank you to all those who wished me a happy birthday yesterday. I'm truly grateful for your kind words and sweet encouragement. I'm more busy than ever, so I apologize if I didn't reply yet on Facebook, but I haven't had any time! We were originally scheduled to fly back to Miami yesterday, but due to the lingering effects of Irma, the series against the Brewers was moved to Milwaukee. And rightfully so. Our roads aren't completely serviceable yet, our condo still doesn't have air conditioning, and the city of Miami needs all the resources available to them and not split between emergencies and a baseball game. So, we're on the road again until Sunday night, when we fly back into Miami. We're hoping to have power in our condo by then. Apparently, all is well at our HOME home, though our special Rainbow Tree was fallen by Irma, which we'll replant once we're home! Thankful we were protected as we were from Irma because not everyone can say the same thing.  

So grateful for such rich years behind me and for the ones that lay ahead of me. I'm looking forward with great expectation to what the Lord has for me this year. Much love, my friends. 

Day 2,188

The Atlanta-ers

Breakfast builders. 

Tree climbers. 

Legoland visitors. 

Toy chewer. 

Bus riders. 

Daddy watcher. 

Baseball lover. 

_______

4.2 IP, 9H, 4R, 2BB, 2K, L

Day 2,153

The Ins of This Life

Shoppin. 

Dad needed a shirt. 

Cheesin. 

Ella Mae wearing a 9 month suit. 

Swimmin. 

Kissin to make up for the fight. 

Lovin. 

Because she's so easy too. And. Her face. 

Learnin. 

Curious about everything. 

Watchin. 

"We see him!!"

Choppin. 

Such a fun atmosphere. Phone flashlight on! Chop!

Baseballin. 

It's been insane, but we're still having fun. Time for a week long nap. 

Day 2,152

The Tenth 2017 Fish Start

Wake up at 11. Eat breakfast at 1. Smile. 

 

Find out Uncle Lucas is in town for a chiropractic convention. Go get adjusted. 

Adjust Baby Sis. 

Drive 30 minutes to the new SunTrust Park. Arrive during the first inning. Don't get angry. Take in the sights. Heart eyes. 

Find Papa on the field. 

Scream "Hiiiii Uncle Adam!" Smile. Again. 

Eat chips. Look super cute. 

Watch Dad get a hit. And score. 

And say hello to old, wonderful friends. 

The only thing better would've been falling asleep with another win. And one less Markakis homerun. Regardless, he pitched very well and said yesterday's game was the best he's felt all season. Baseball's a fickle one. But somehow, I do love it. 

5.1IP, 5H, 4R, 3ER, 1BB, 2K, 1HR, Loss. 

He's 4-4 with a 5.10 ERA

Adam pitches again on Wednesday in DC.