Rangers clench... Mommy cries.

 Andrew, Chris, and I watched to Rangers clench the division. It was such a fun night; however, I doubted (many times) whether Andrew would make it through the whole game. Luckily, he did.

Things started out with an unexpected bang! We parked and road the shuttle...boring, right? Wrong. We were the last ones seated, and the only seats left were the two in the far back: the full-sized and the half seat. Andrew sat BY HIMSELF on the half seat. The worried look on his face was pretty hilarious as he debated the safety of the whole experience having only ever ridden in car seats. Then, we hit a bump. His face lit up and he said, "This is amazing!"

Next,we had to wait at will call for our friends and our tickets, which soon soured Andrew's pregame excitement. My doubting began at this very moment. Although, once we got to our seats (right by first base), Andrew was in perfect position to see his favorite player, Michael Young. His excitement grew again... until the middle of the 2nd inning when he started asking to go home. Yikes.

Luckily, I had enough sugary treats in my purse to keep us all interested in the game. The Rangers helped by hitting a few home runs, and Andrew loved the celebratory fireworks. Throughout the game, he enjoyed most of the in-game festivities like the dot races, music, and foenormous video screen. He was a little distraught when they played the "stealing third" game. A little boy gets chance to "steal third" if he can run to it, grab it, and bring it back in time. Andrew's objection, "If they let him steal that base, then the Rangers won't have anything to run around." Good point.

Fast forward to the end of the game, and we are all waiting for the post game fireworks. Andrew (now several hours past bedtime) is cradled in my lap (where he spent most of the game). The evening's a little cool, so he is snuggling into me just a bit. The fireworks start, the music plays, and I'm loving every minute: singing Journey, snuggling my little man, and gazing up at the 360 degree show.

With the biggest smile on his face, Andrew looked up at me and said, "Mommy, this is the happiest I ever been in my whole life. Thanks for bringing me to the Rangers game."

Me too, baby. Waterworks again. This kid really knows how to melt my heart.

:)
Anne