Take me out to the ball game...

Beth and Lulu

What a couple of gorgeous days we've had here in Cross Plains! The temperatures have gone down, the sun is shining, the skies are blue and our night air is cool and pleasant. The only bad thing is the gross number of mosquitoes we continue to be plagued by. As horrible as they are by our house, I still don't have the heart to wish for the coming of cold of weather, which would kill off the pests.

Stephen

Jim & Kenny

This past Friday I finally attended a Brewer's game with my brothers who have been hounding me for years to go to a game--INSISTING that I would like it. Those of you who know me, know that I'm really not interested in sports, unless there is somebody I know personally playing or involved in the game in some capacity. Subsequently, I was extremely skeptical about actually enjoying myself at the game.

Miller Park

I am happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised. I had an absolute blast!

John & Jim preparing hamburger patties

I met John and Jim at their condo downtown and after a little bit of a delay, we happily headed over to Milwaukee where we met Don, Hope and the crew (Mark unfortuately couldn't make it). Together, we drove to a parking lot next to Miller Park where we set up our little tailgate "camp". John and Jim did a wonderful job cooking and getting things ready for our early dinner. Hope brought some absolutely amazing blueberries she and Kenny picked while they were in Michigan. She also presented John and Jim and myself with some homemade jam.

Fun times!

Although we were sandwiched between a couple young, perhaps more-inclined-to-party groups, they actually were quite respectful and I think we all enjoyed their music--for the most part. Without a doubt, little Beth did. She was dancing and smiling while nibbling on blueberries.

Displaying my ticket

Bragg Family South

Jim also bought and assembled a bean bag tic-tac-toe game. Kenny and Beth played a few games with John and Jim, although I think they know that they can get away with a lot more when playing with the adults...I'm not sure if Mikey and Emma would have abided by their "rules of play".

Bean bag toss

Bob and his girlfriend, Lisa, showed up while we were walking to the stadium. Together we sat in our really good seats--somewhere behind first base?!? I was really impressed with the ballpark. It was brightly lit, lots of colors, sounds and people. Lots of stuff going on. Vendors hawking their beer and food. Fireworks went off after the Brewers scored. I ended up not watching much of the game (except for when CC Sebathia was playing--Mark really wanted me to get a picture of him), because I was too busy watching everything else around me!

Milwaukee ended up beating the Washinton Nationals. Nope, I don't remember the score, but I know we won!

Bobby enchants Beth & Stephen

I told Mark that I would go to a game again next year with him if he wanted. He couldn't believe it! I guess this is why you should always be willing to try something new and different because you just might like it. Bob & Lisa