Over the years, our family has found quite a few cool things to do together-some pretty typical, some definitely not. One of our family favorites is going to baseball games.
We spend huge amounts of time at the Little League Fields, and have learned so much about how adults and children learn from each other there (see my post ‘Speak Softy’ for more). But during the summer when little league has settled down, we still have a baseball urge to fill. Our local AAA team is where we head. The Sacramento Rivercats play at Raley Field in West Sacramento, CA, as the minor league team for the Oakland A’s, and are the closest way to watch live professional baseball. We like to go several times each summer-it’s an inexpensive, relaxing way to spend an evening (or afternoon-but around here in the summer that can be HOT!). Last weekend my son and I jumped into the car and drove about 20 minutes to the ball field. Traffic was heavy, and parking was worse. Just as I was about to give up, a welcome sight came before us: an unknown parking lot! My little Prius found an out of the way spot, and we trekked on foot towards the stadium armed with blankets and full of anticipation.
But the best part of all, for me, is the time I spend with my son. Sitting side by side, talking, laughing, and shelling peanuts I learn all sorts of things about him-like how he likes it when I act goofy (he really said that), and how at 11 years old he still enjoys using his mom as a backrest to snuggle against. We didn’t catch any foul balls, and the Dinger Dog machine didn’t shoot any flying hot dogs our way that night. But as the game ended and the fireworks blazed for the last time, I thought about how lucky I am to be living in this moment with him, and hope that when he grows up, he will make baseball games a family favorite, too. Remember-it’s not which team wins or loses, only that you ‘catch’ the game that counts.
Jennifer Wolfe
Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.
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Comments: 16
mamawolfe
October 12, 2011Hi Tiffany~ Thanks for following and reading my blog! I look forward to getting to know you!
Tiffany Booth
October 5, 2011Love your site! I’m your newest follower on GFC and Networked Blogs! I’d love to have you as a follower on the PS Beauty Blog too!
I look forward to reading more of your posts 🙂
mamawolfe
August 21, 2011Clarity- I love that you found a way to incorporate baseball into your workout time-good for you! That sure burns more calories doing it your way!
Clairity
August 21, 2011We’ve never been to a baseball game. But my eldest DD and I have taken to watching it on TV at the gym as we work out… and we’re really beginning to enjoy it. So we’ll see what happens 🙂
Thanks for the comment and follow, following you back now.
mamawolfe
August 20, 2011Thanks, Shannon! That’s the great thing about baseball-it’s gender neutral! My daughter loves going, too! When I was young I was obsessed with collecting baseball cards..sure wish I still had them!
Shannon Milholland
August 20, 2011Even though we have four girls, we find a trip to the minor leagues fun for all. 🙂
Already following but stopping by from VB’s GFC event!
mamawolfe
August 19, 2011Thank you, Brenda. I completely agree that in simplicity we often find the most beautiful experiences.
Brenda
August 18, 2011MW – Wonderful photos. I like any idea, simple or not, that creates a bond and life long memory for the family. I have found with my own kids the simplest things are BIG. The nightly dinner prep being the strongest. My son and I have ‘dates’ movies. We are the odd ones in our family, we like sci fi and sci fantasy. We share or geekienss and net flicks away. Wonderful post –
mamawolfe
August 18, 2011http://www.mamawolfe-living.blogspot.com/
mamawolfe
August 18, 2011Why, thank you for the sweet comments. I hope you try to take in a game before the season ends!
Spilled Milkshake
August 17, 2011This just made me tear up! What wonderful memories you are creating with your son. Thank you for sharing!
Elisabeth Hirsch
August 17, 2011Such an inspiring post. This really makes me want to go see a ball game with my kids 😉
mamawolfe
August 16, 2011Yes, Michael Ann, aren’t they SO much more relaxing when you’re not worrying about how your kid is playing?
Michael Ann
August 16, 2011I enjoy all your posts so much. I love this photo of you and Cameron, so sweet! Times like that are definitely precious. We have been to several River Cats games and we always enjoy them. Nothing like a baseball game IMO!!
mamawolfe
August 16, 2011Thanks, Janie! I’m really trying to make every minute count that I have with them!
Janie {HooGoesWhere}
August 16, 2011Wonderful way to make memories with your son. He’ll surely cherish these times spent with you and the family.
Good job, mama wolfe!
Janie via vB