New Years and Dallas

This year for New Year’s I was hoping to go to First Night.  However we didn’t make it.  With all the holiday activities, I think we were all wore out.  We went to the grocery store as a family and got snacks for dinners.  That is a holiday tradition for Brian and I.  We got cheese and crackers, pretzels, corn dogs, and shrimp.  Austin and Sydney went to bed at regular time.  However Austin made Brian promise he would wake him up at midnight to see the ball drop.  And sure enough Brian woke up both kids and brought them downstairs.  However Sydney remained sleeping though it all. 

We went to a Cavs game as a family after New Year’s.  It was fun.  With all the holiday activities we haven’t went to many Cavs games. 

My nephew got married in Dallas.  It was a difficult decision for us to decide on what to do.  However we decided to go.  Austin went back to school for one day then he was out for a day to go to Dallas.  We had a late flight Thursday night from Detroit.  The airfare was cheaper and it was a direct flight.  We stopped and got Wendy’s to eat at the airport.  I was nervous we were going to be late since it was all new to us.  The flight was delayed so we had plenty of time. 

The kids were really good on the plane.  There were lots of kids on the plane.  However most were not so good.  The stewardess even gave Austin and Sydney M+M’s for being so good.  They did fall asleep too since it was so late.  Once we arrived to Dallas, it took forever to get our luggage.  Finally Brian and Austin went to the rental car place to get that done.  I met them there. By the time Sydney and I got there they already had the car which was nice.  We drove to the hotel and went to sleep. 

On Friday we let the kids swim in the pool after breakfast.  They loved that.  Then we went over to Dean’s.  My parents were there.  They were hungry so we went to Chick Fil A so the kids could play somewhere.  Austin and Sydney loved it!  It was freezing in the playroom but they did not care.  It was actually snowing in Dallas.  Karen was excited to see it.  We were not. 

Friday night was the rehearsal dinner.  The entire family was there for dinner so we went too.  It was nice seeing everyone.  Because Austin and Sydney were on opposites sides of the table there was no issues with them either. 

On Saturday we took Austin and Sydney to the Perot Museum.  Austin remembers the children’s play area with the blocks.  He wanted to do that again.  He played there for like two hours.  He took it very seriously moving the blocks all around.  They also played at the art area and grocery store area.  We went on a trip to Mars as well.  They played in the sports arena for a bit. We were there for about 4 hours and didn’t leave the ground floor.  We then needed to leave so the kids could rest before the wedding. 

Austin and Sydney took a brief nap.  They were hungry so Brian stopped at McDonalds for them for some pancakes.  It was a good thing since they did not care for the food at the wedding.  Austin was a bit difficult at the wedding but we made it through without issues.  Austin enjoyed taking pictures at the reception.  Sydney had fun dances with all the princesses (bride and bridesmaids).  She would even dance by herself and pretend she was dancing with a princess.  We could not believe how much she danced.  She didn’t care that she did not know them either. 

On Sunday, Austin and Sydney swam again after breakfast.  Then we had to check out of our hotel.  That was very traumatic for Austin.  He was so sad we were leaving.  It did not help he was tired.  We then went to grocery store for some food to bring to Cheri’s and snacks for airport.  We decided on apples and cantaloupe.  Sydney still loves cantaloupe.  Austin like apples especially with caramel sauce.    Then we went to Donnie and Cheri’s for the afternoon.  We hung out inside for a bit.  Then Austin convince Uncle Dean to go to the playground with us.  We played outside for a bit.  Once back inside we had dinner and then it was off to the airport.  Austin and Sydney easily fell asleep in the car. 

Once we returned the rental car, we took bus back to the terminal and checked in.  There was no line for check in.  It was great.  However once we got to our gate, we realized our flight was delayed at least an hour.  We already were not getting in until midnight.  We tried to get the kids to sleep at the airport but that did not work.  Austin basically went to sleep right as we needed him to get on the plane.  Then he was up for a while.  Finally he fell asleep. 

Once we got to Detroit we had to wake them up again.  We had to get our luggage and wait for a shuttle bus back to our car.  Then it was a 3 hour drive back home.  Brian and I both stayed awake.  We talked to keep each other awake.  We were home and in bed around 4:30am.  I woke up at 7am to get Austin to school.  He was not very happy but he needed to go.  Then I came back home and slept until about 10am.  We had a great short trip to Dallas. 

Austin and Sydney continue to be in the same swim class together.  Sydney also does gymnastics and loves it!  Austin is doing basketball.  He doesn’t like they don’t play games but that should be coming soon.  Brian is the coach for Austin’s team and he likes that. 

We have really started focusing on reading with Austin.  He has a hard time with combination sounds.  Brian even made him flashcards.  We still go to the library once a week and get about 40 books a week.  Sydney enjoys reading more and is able to sound out words better.  Austin is better at math and he likes that.  We are waiting for Austin next report card.  That will come out around his birthday.  

Christmas

This year Christmas Eve was on a Saturday.  The past few years I had to work Christmas Eve but not this year.  We started of the day at our friend’s house allowing the kids to exchange gifts.  That was fun.  Then we came home and the kids decorated the cut out cookies they made the night before.  Austin and Sydney did all the icing of the cookies.  Austin even used a baggie and wrote “ Austin been good” on one of them.  He also used the writing icing to decorate Christmas tress cookies.  He did a good job. 

Then we got ready for church.  We all got dressed up.  Brian took a picture of us in front of the Christmas tree.  Austin fell asleep during church.  Sydney did not behave at all.  I was not happy.  She was laying on the floor.  Finally she started behaving. 

For the third year in a row, we went to McDonalds on Christmas Eve for dinner.  It’s become our tradition.  The kids play in the playroom.  They get chicken nuggets. Brian and I enjoy our pop.  We play with the kids.  I enjoyed playing air hockey with Austin this year.  Brian played the video game with Sydney this year.  Then everyone played some basketball.  

When we got home, the kids sprinkled the reindeer food in the backyard.  They talked to the North Pole.  We read some Christmas books and got ready for bed.  The kids were so excited.  I was really tried.  But we had lots of wrapping to do after they went to bed.  It was fun setting everything up under the tree.  It looked beautiful. 

Austin woke up at 3am very excited.  I convinced him to go back to bed.  He slept in our bed.  That usually never happens.  But I figured it was Christmas it was okay.  Then he got up at 6am.  We waiting for my parents to get there.  Austin was being a little loud and that woke up Sydney.  Then they both went downstairs.  They were very happy kids. 

Austin got his camera he asked for.  Another big hit was a BB8 stuffed animal from Star Wars.  He liked his cleaning set and connect 4 game.   Sydney loved her Anna and Elsa princess sleeping bag, flat penguin sled, Ariel doll, and hair clips and brushes. 

Austin got Brian and #1 Mom cup from Santa’s workshop.  I got a cup with a straw.  Sydney got a princess crown.  And I got a Mom pen.  Austin and Sydney got Brian (with my help) a Cavs shirts, Cavs gloves, and chocolate covered cherries.  The kids got me a basketball hoop to put their clothes in so they won’t be on the floor.  It’s been less than a week and clothes still end up on their floor.  Sydney got Austin a balloon making kit.  They both loved that.  They decided they wanted to be balloon clowns when they grow up. 

My parents enjoyed watching them open gifts.  The kids made them crafts and we got them a grandkids snowman they can put pictures in. 

Then we had breakfast.  Soon after breakfast my parents went home to rest.  We all took a nap too (except Sydney).  She refused to nap. 

We went down to my parents for dinner and for the kids to open gifts there.  They got a lot of craft stuff.  Sydney rushed and opened everything quickly.  Austin took his time.  They had fun!  We had a good dinner.  Austin and Sydney made a ice cream cake for dessert that they picked out a cookbook from the library. 

Then we went home and watched the Cavs game!  It was a great night!

Brian is usually off a lot during Christmas break.  He has taken them to Chuck E Cheese and the Science center.  We took down our Christmas on Monday since the pine needles kept falling off. It was nice to get our living room back.  We had a very nice Christmas!

More December Fun

Austin started a new basketball league and Brian agreed to be the coach.  It was cool watching Brian coach the kids.  Austin and Brian really enjoy basketball.  Austin has a few more weeks of the other basketball.  So on Saturday s, he has two basketballs for 3 weeks. 

In early December we are always so busy.  We took the kids to a local police station to have their picture taken with Santa.  We went last year for the first time.  The set up was so cool so we wanted to go back this year.  Then we went to gingerbread tea.  The kids had juice and cake before the show.  We watch a cute short play.  The kids went on stage and sang a Christmas song.  It was fun.  Austin remembered it from last year.  He wanted to make sure we went back.  That evening we had a extended family Christmas party.  It’s always so much fun.  There is Santa and lots of good food.  We all had a great time.  The kids saw Santa three times in one day! 

One of our favorite activities is Breakfast at Lake Farm Park.  Before breakfast, Austin and Sydney played in the playroom.  We ate a good breakfast.  That is the kid’s favorite meal of the day.   Santa comes around and gives the kids a little gift.  We take pictures.  Then go visit him in the theater.  Austin told him he would like a camera.  Sydney would like an Anna and Elsa princess sleeping bad and a flat sled.  After our visit with Santa, we go to the workshop were the kids build a wooden toy.  Austin built a Mine craft guy. Sydney made Olaf.  They painted and put lots of glitter on them.  We played for a little longer before coming home. 

Santa came to our house on a fire truck on evening.  That is very exciting for Austin and Sydney.  Last year it was warm out.  This year it was cold. Brian and kids played outside for a bit but I stayed inside.  However the fire truck came by the top of our street 3 times.  Each time we would run out there to see if he was coming down our street.  Each time he did not.  Finally he arrived.  It was fun for them.  We came inside and they opened their gift.  They were star wars and princess boxes they could put stuff in. 

Also in December we had our first experience with a snow day.  First they delayed school start for 2 hours.  That is so hard for working parents.  It was decided I was going to work.  The roads were horrible. I knew they were going to call of school.  Luckily our daycare never closes.  Brian took the kids there.  It happened to be Sydney’s Christmas party at day care that day.   It was weird thinking Austin wasn’t going to be there for it.  But has it turned out he was.  Sydney made a bell ornament.  Austin was a little bored there.  It’s crazy to notice that he has outgrown it there.  He likes is regular school better. 

Another one of our favorite activities was the Polar Express.  It’s  fun having the kids wear their pajamas for it.  We read How the Grinch Stole Christmas while waiting for it.  It’s better to have them to an activity instead of getting bored and then they fight.  Sydney was very involved in everything.  She wanted turn signing songs in the microphone.  She would go up the aisle and do whatever they asked.  Austin knew it was not the North Pole.  It made me sad to hear that but he still had fun.  They enjoyed their hot chocolate and cookie and listening to the story. 
They enjoyed signing the songs.  Santa came on board at the North Pole. We got to visit with him for a minute while the kids told him what they wanted.  The things always stayed the same.  Towards the end of the ride, Austin was really tired and almost falling asleep.  It was definitely a fun night. 

We tried something new this year at the Akron Zoo Wild Lights.  The weather wasn’t the best for the day we had tickets.  It was like a freezing rain.  Part of us really didn’t want to go but since we had tickets we went.  Brian had an umbrella so his camera didn’t get wet.  I had the kids in snow pants just because it was so wet.  We enjoyed looking at all the lights.  The kids had fun playing on the playground.  And because they had snow pants on they could.  After we went around the zoo, we saw Santa.  The kids wrote him a letter and mailed it to him there.  Then for a special treat we even let the kids get s’mores for $8.  Brian had me pack hot chocolate in the care so we had that too after we left.  We were glad we went but not sure we will do it again next year. 

We ended the week before Christmas with conferences at Sydney’s school.  We have also been stressed about the decision of when to send Sydney to Kindergarten.  With Austin it’s obvious.  With Sydney not so much.  If she was public she would wait a year but our private school allows her to go.  Many years ago, we thought we would just wait.  No need to rush her.  But she has always done so well in school. And does almost everything Austin does.  So we had conferences with her teacher, it was confirmed she believes Sydney is ready for kindergarten.  This wasn’t a surprise to us.  Just a little sad for she will be starting school soon!  Sydney was so excited that she will be starting kindergarten.  She thought she was going to start tomorrow. LOL. 

Austin had polar express day at school.  He got to wear his pajamas to school.  They even had yellow tickets and he made so art projects.  It was a fun day for him.  That night we went shopping with Meemaw and Papa for Christmas.  The kids had fun with that!  We even went out to dinner.  The kids even got a milkshake.  Special treat from Meemaw. Austin knew that would never happen with us.  

Start of Christmas Season

Austin had his first Christmas concert in early December.  It was on Thursday night so Sydney had gymnastics.  She has been extremely difficult and refuses to get ready.  She was actually late for it.  Brian took her.  My parents came over around 6pm and we went to school to drop Austin off in his classroom.  Then we got seats in the church.  Brian and Sydney arrived soon after that. 

Austin was so excited and had worked really hard to know all the songs.  The first song was “Go tell them on the Mountain”.  He practiced it so much that even Sydney knows parts of the song.  It’s a really good song.  Then he sang Santa Claus is coming to Town.  They did hand motions and everything.  Then his class left to go back to his classroom and watch a movie while the even grades did their songs.   The entire concert was great!  Then at the end everyone came back and sang together for one song.   After the concert, we came home and had a cookie cake that Austin picked out after school.  He had it say “Great job singing Austin”.  He was proud of it.  Then it was time for bed. 

Austin now goes to Mass with the school.  Sydney and I try to attend when I am off.  Austin likes that we are there.  I enjoy being there too.  Sydney got to sit next to Austin’s friend.  She didn’t do the best a paying attention but Austin did a great job. 

On Saturday Austin had first basketball with the new program.  Brian agreed to coach but he wasn’t there because the president of his company was in town.  It was a mess because I had Sydney with me so I couldn’t really coach Austin’s team.  And none of the other dad’s really wanted to coach either.  Finally a few dads came down to help.  Austin doesn’t like it as much because they don’t play games yet.  He even got hurt doing drills backwards and fell down and scraped his back in three places.  He was fine during practice but when we left he was sad.  He did a good job with it though.  Then he went to his second basketball that is finishing up.  Brian met us there so he stayed for that one. 

Once we got home, Austin and Sydney really wanted to get our Christmas tree.  We decided to go get it.  We walked around for a bit and then Austin found the perfect one.  I was not a big fan of it but it grew on me.  Brian liked the price.  Sydney likes whatever Austin likes.  So Brian let the kids start cutting it down.  They did a good job with the saw.  They even dragged it all the way to the paying station.  It was uphill so they had to work hard to do it.  We watched the shake and bundle up trees for a bit.  Then the kids got some hot chocolate.  And the workers even gave them a Christmas pumpkin.  They were so excited. 

That evening we had dinner with Santa.  My parents came up for that too.  It’s nice because we go with our friends.  We had pizza and salad.  The kids colored and did a few crafts.  Then Santa arrived in the fire truck.  They were standing outside waiting for him to arrive.  Then they got their picture with Santa.  They played a few games.  Then watched Santa leave on the fire truck too.  Afterwards my dad made me a cake for my birthday.  We enjoyed cake.  

On Sunday after church, we went back to the school to make gingerbread houses.  Austin and Sydney enjoyed it.  IT was nice they had all the supplies and they got to create their own gingerbread house.  We even won a few raffle prizes.  They were happy. 

This week we also enjoyed one of our favorite Christmas activities Mr. Kringles. It’s at Tower City.  We enjoy going during the week when it’s least crowded.  We also pay for the private experience so we can enjoy it together.  This year was my favorite year.  The characters were great and everyone had a good time.  Austin and Sydney got to make puppets, paint pictures on the wall, make snow, and build with foam.  Austin’s favorite part was building with foam by wetting it on a sponge and putting together to build something.  It was cool. 

While we were waiting for Mr. Kringle Austin and Sydney built a large tower out of foam blocks.  They even had it reach the ceiling.  One of the workers knocked it down and Austin was not happy.  He later forgave her.  In Mr. Kringles office, Austin told him that he wanted a camera.  He doesn’t want it too big but a real camera.  Sydney wants an Anna and Elsa sleeping bag and sled.  They even got to pick out a toy in Mr. Kringles office.  Austin picked out the foam things to build with water.  Sydney picked up a pink stuffed animal.  She really liked it. 

Once it was over the talking tree was awake.  It seems like every time we go he is sleeping.  Austin and Sydney were so excited to talk to the tree. They even sang Christmas carols with it.  Then we walked around public square.  There was ice skating that Austin really wanted to do but we were not dress for it. So they climbed on statues downtown and slid down them.  It was a lot of fun for them.  Then we walked to our car and went home.

December is our busiest month but I have to say it’s one of my favorites.  Especially since it’s so magical for him right now.  Even our elf Kristoff is so magical.  He moves every night.  He likes our Christmas tree, zip lining from it, falling down from zip line and needing lots of band aids, and riding sleigh with reindeers pulling him.  It’s so much fun! 

Thanksgiving

Brian got home the weekend before Thanksgiving.  He didn't finish putting up the Christmas lights before he left so he had to do that once home.  Unfortunately on Friday before he got home it was 70 degrees but Saturday highs were in the 30's.  The timing really sucked for him.  Austin loved helping him with the lights though.  Austin and Sydney are really excited for our Christmas lights this year.

On Thanksgiving morning, the kids watched parts of the Macy's Thanksgiving parade.  Austin learned about it at school.  He was excited watching it and couldn't wait to see Santa at the end.  Meanwhile Brian spent the morning outside working on more Christmas lights.

Then in the early afternoon we went down to my parents house.  The kids wanted to decorate the deck.  They were hungry and dinner was ready at 4:30pm except for the turkey.  Parts of the turkey was done but not all of it.  And we ended up not eating any of it.  Austin likes turkey so he was sad.  We had everything else.  Including the kids had two pieces of pie.

I usually work the day after Thanksgiving.  It's a great day for me to work because Brian is home with the kids.  I don't have to pack four lunches or anything.  He took them to the science museum.  They love it there.  They did a egg drop.  And guess who's egg won?  Sydney!  Brian and Austin couldn't believe it.  Because she didn't put much thought into hers and it worked.  That evening we went to the Cavs game.  It may have been our first family game.  The kids had fun!

On Saturday we checked out Castle Noel and did Elf labs there.  Austin and Sydney really enjoyed the Elf lab.  They made snow.  They decorated a cookie, made an ornament, and met with Santa.  Afterwards we went on a tour.  The tour was a bit long for them.  We don't watch many movies so we did not appreciate all stuff but it was still cool to see.

Saturday night was light of the city.  Austin remembers that from last year.  He's was most excited about it.  We parked at the end and walked to the beginning.  They even got front row seats in the beginning.  Then we walked to the square and waited for fireworks.  They were sad that there was no hot cocoa or stations down the road.  However they loved the 3D candy cane glasses.  Austin enjoyed sharing them with Brian and I.  He was proud on how he shared them.

We ended the Thanksgiving holiday weekend at Stan Hywet.  This was our first year doing it.  They helped Santa light up the tree.  They met him afterwards.  Sydney said she wanted a princess sleeping bag and sled.  Austin said magic.  Santa thought that meant a magic kit.  Austin was still deciding on what he really wants.  He is good at wanting only one thing.  However Santa always brings more than one thing.  We walked though the house.  It was crowded so there was a line and it was a bit much for the kids (and me).  However we all enjoyed the lights outside.  It's very beautifully decorated.

Brian goes to Europe

This has been the year for Brian to travel for work.  It's definitely easier now that the kids are older.  They do help me out a lot and do things for themselves.  Austin and Sydney really miss Brian when he's gone.  I try to make the week a little extra fun to help them with him being gone.

Brian left on Saturday.  We were hoping for Brian to go to basketball to watch Austin play but we realized that he would need to leave in the middle.  That would be too stressful for Austin so Brian didn't go.  The weather was awesome!  So after basketball I took them to safety town park to ride their bikes.  They love doing that.  Then I wanted to make sure they were nice and tired so we we to Sky Zone.  They now love that place.  Austin enjoys dodge ball and basketball.  Sydney likes jumping on the trampoline and foam pit.  We came home, had dinner, and time for bed.

On Sunday, we went to church and then spent time with my parents.  We also made sure we got home early to read lots of books on Sunday night.  We definitely make sure we read 20 minutes a night and a little extra before the school week starts.  Austin and Sydney love going to the library.  They pick out so many books for the week to read.  It's really cool!

Sydney and I did a mommy and yoga class this week while Austin was in school.  And she went with me to get my hair highlighted.  She did such a great job.  We read books, colored, and she watched her Kindle for a bit while waiting for me.  She even got her hair cut.  She also decided she wants to grow out her bangs to look like me.  It's going to be a pain growing them out but I agree no bangs may be better.  We will see.

The kids both had Thanksgiving feasts at school this week.  It was just for kids.  No parents attended.  Austin made a Native American costume at school.  It was cool.  He really enjoyed learning about Thanksgiving.  Sydney realized she doesn't like much of Thanksgiving food.  Austin likes turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie.  He no longer calls whip cream wooden cream.  That makes me sad.  He's growing up!

On Saturday I went to breakfast with my parents and grandfather.  It was something different to do.  Then Austin had basketball.  I took the kids shopping for holiday clothes.  It's amazing Christmas is coming so soon!  I have a ton activities planned this year.   I took the kids to Burger King to play on their playground for dinner.  When we got home, it was snowing.  It was our first snow of the season.  Austin and Sydney were so excited.  They even built a small snowman.   Then we watched a movie and kids fell asleep.  Brian got home about an hour later.  It was great for him to be home!

Indians in the World Series

2016 has been a great year for Cleveland.  The Cavs success as NBA Champions rubbed off on the Indians.  Unexpectedly they made the playoffs and advanced to the World Series.  It was quite exciting and we got the kids involved.

Our family has always been more of a basketball family.  We have attended countless basketball games, but only a few baseball games.  The longer games and slower pace never appealed to us.  Austin and Sydney have gone to 2-3 Indians games, but that was all.  We usually tried to make one each year and often focused on a night with fireworks to make it more worthwhile.  In 2016 we intended to take the kids to one Indians game, but it never worked out.

Although we are not into baseball, our hometown Indians are definitely our team. We wouldn't consider supporting anyone else. Unlike basketball, we are more fair weather fans though.  We rooted on the Indians on TV throughout the playoffs (even briefly buying a SlingTV subscription to get games).  As they reached the World Series, the Indians started having watch parties for away games.  We knew how much fun these can be from our personal experiences with the Cavs.  So we set out to take the kids to at least one or two of them.  In the end, we ended up going downtown for 4 out of the 7 World Series games!

Game 1 was on Tuesday October 25.  It was in Cleveland.  It was the same night that the Cleveland Cavaliers opened their season and received their NBA Championship rings.  We had 2 tickets and always planned to go.  With the World Series starting and the Cavs opening the season, downtown was the place to be.  We had a babysitter planned for the kids.  We got downtown hours before the game to soak it in.  During the Cavs game, there were regular updates on the Indians including live feeds at times.  After the game the Cavs let fans stay to watch the entire game on the giant screens.  We stayed and watched the Indians game for a while.  Then we went outside to the outdoor watch party and watched a little there.  It was cold and we left before the end, but it was exciting.  The Indians won 6-0.

When the series headed off to Chicago for games 3, 4, and 5, the Indians announced they would have watch parties at Progressive Field.  Brian bought 4 tickets for Game 3 so we could go.  It was on a Friday night.  The kids knew the Indians were in the playoffs and in the final round and wanted to go to a game.  Since ticket prices were outrageous, this was the next best thing.  It was a colder night, but we bundled up and watched the game at the ballpark.  We left a little early as the kids got tired.  We watched the rest at home.  Overall it was a great night out.  The Indians won again 1-0.

The watch parties were new for baseball fans, so they didn't sell out as quickly as they did for the Cavs.  People probably didn't realize how much fun they could be.  Since tickets were still available midweek ($5 each), Brian bought 2 for Austin and him for Game 4.  Game 4 was on Saturday night and did sell out eventually since it was unseasonably warm (in the 60s that evening).  The Cavs played that night too and Austin and Brian were planning to go to that game to get a mini championship banner.  Amy and Sydney were staying home.  It was Trick or Treat.  Both kids went for about 30-40 minutes and then Brian and Austin left for the Cavs game.  This is what Austin wanted to do, but Sydney picked Trick or Treat.  She stayed for the full 2 hours for that.  Brian and Austin watched the entire Cavs game.  When it was over, they walked over to the Indians game and watched it on TV with the other fans at the watch party inside the ballpark.  It was fun.  The Indians won 7-2.  Since the Indians were up 3-1 in the series, downtown was a buzz.  Brian and Austin walked around and high fived people after the game.  Austin loved it.  Since the Indians were winning, fans were also entertained by making pieces of paper from the tickets into paper airplanes and seeing how far they could fly.  Some made it onto the field from the upper decks.  Even that was fun to watch.

Video Highlights from Game 4 Watch Party

Games 5-6 were on school nights, so we stayed home.  The Cubs tied up the series 3-3 and forced a game 7 in Cleveland.  It was on a Wednesday night though.  This is a school night for Austin.  It's hard for him since school starts at 8am, so taking him downtown wasn't ideal.  Brian talked about it, but wasn't sure.  Amy didn't want to go and knew Sydney didn't want to go either.  Even when we went as a family, Sydney was asking if she could go home yet.

On the night of the game, Brian talked to Austin as he put him to bed.  Austin wanted to go downtown if the Indians won and asked Brian to wake him up.  Brian gave him some reasons why not and Austin came up with ways to work around them.  Brian told Austin to go to sleep so he could get rest.  Austin went to bed around 7:50 and the game started at 8:00.  From 8-9, Brian listened to the game in the garage while fixing Christmas lights.  When he finished, he came in the house and decided he was going downtown.  Amy quickly helped pack him and Austin up with snacks and a change of clothes.

The plan was to take Austin downtown.  We wouldn't wake up Austin and he would sleep in the car.  Downtown, he could continue to sleep.  Brian was going to find parking and then listen to the game on the radio.  If the game was close, he'd wake up Austin and walk to the ballpark.  If not, he'd just go home.  It would allow him to be downtown if they won to celebrate.  In the NBA Finals, the parade and everything was fun but the celebration right after the final victory was clearly the best.  They typically close the streets to downtown to avoid a flood of people celebrating, so we knew we had to be down there before the game ended to avoid being locked out.

The plan sounded great.  Austin wouldn't lose that much sleep.  It fell apart though when Austin woke up as Brian parked the car (streets were already partially closed so there was a lot of starting and stopping to navigate around this to get parking).  Austin was wide awake and clearly wasn't going back to sleep.  Even though the game was tied 1-1 as Brian headed downtown, the Cubs had scored and had momentum and the Indians were trailing.  It didn't look good.  Figuring that it might be an early night, Brian decided to take Austin straight to the game.  He could watch a few innings outside the stadium at the watch party.  Then he could go home early and Brian could watch the ending at home.  Austin would still get enough sleep.  Brian had brought an Indians shirt to change Austin into, but forgot to put it on.  Since he didn't intend to stay terribly long, he didn't bring any food or snacks either.  Austin was flexible with that, but we ended up being gone for 3+ hours!

Since Brian arrived so late to the game (around the 3rd inning or so), he had to park down near Brown's Stadium and walk about 0.8 miles to the game.  The parking deck had signs warning that the deck closed at 1am.  Any cars left inside at that time would be locked in all night.  Brian noted that, but it wasn't too concerning since he thought he'd be back well before midnight even.  It was only 9:30.

Brian walked to the game with Austin on his shoulders.  It was a beautiful night with temps near 70, so it felt like summer.  They briefly paused at bars to watch parts of the game through open windows as the Indians scored and started to close the gap.  People were cheering throughout the city and the game could be heard along the walk.  Once they got to Progressive Field, they walked around.  There was a massive watch party between Quicken Loans arena and the ballpark.  They had 2 giant screens.  There was another watch part on the other side of Quicken Loans arena too.  Brian put Austin up on his shoulder so he could see and stood in the back near the arena to avoid blocking people's view.  Since Brian is tall, he could see and so could Austin even though there were lots of people.

The game was far from over though.  Instead of heading home quickly, it drew us in.  We watched as the Indians scored a home run to tie the game!  Austin was chanting "Let's Go Tribe" with the people and cheering.  Everyone went crazy when they hit the homerun (I even have a video of that).  It was great fun.

The score was tied going into the bottom of the 9th.  The Indians could win it all!  There was even a foul ball that looked like it was going to be a home run.  Everyone started to go crazy, but then realized it wasn't a homer.  As it went to extra innings, it started to rain.  They issued a rain delay.  It was odd since it had rained once before and was similar in both duration and strength.  Previously they played through it.  This time they had a rain delay.

This introduced a problem.  It was midnight.  The parking deck closed at 1am.  When the game resumed, it was already 12:15.  Brian and Austin had to walk nearly a mile to the car.  Brian was hoping for a quick top of the inning and then the Indians could bat and hopefully score quickly.  It didn't work out that way.  The Cubs scored 2 runs and that took time.  It was already 12:30 and the top of the 10th inning wasn't even over.  Brian and Austin talked and decided to walk back to the car.  If the Indians got back into the game, they would park somewhere else and walk back to the ballpark.  If they didn't, they would leave.

They started walking around 12:35 and got to the car around 12:50.  By the time they paid parking and started to drive out of the deck, it was almost 1am.  The game was over too.  The Indians had lost 7-8.  Brian and Austin headed home.

Austin was still super excited though.  It had been an exciting night.  Austin didn't want to leave the watch party to get the car.  He reasoned that there were hotels downtown and they could just sleep there.  Brian told him the hotels were all full and they'd have no where to go.  That got Austin into a bit more of a panic.  Realizing their potential plight, Austin agreed they needed to get the car.  In fact, he got worried.  When they got back to the deck, the one door was already locked and they had to walk around and go in the entrance where cars enter.  This scared Austin a little.  He was determined to make it and ran around with Brian to get in.  His adrenaline was flowing and going to sleep wasn't an option on the initial drive home.  Brian was half way home before Austin finally fell asleep!

Video Clip of Game Tying Home Run

The next day we got Sydney all ready for school and then Brian focused on Austin.  He didn't get Austin up until 15 minutes before they had to leave and got him ready fast.  Even so, he was quite tired.  He did okay at school though.  We certainly don't want to make a habit of it.  Still, this was clearly worth it.  It was a memorable night we'll never forget and Austin loved it.  I kept apologizing to Austin for keeping him up so late when we were downtown.  He responded once, "Why are you saying sorry.  We're down here having fun!  I'm glad we are here."