Take me out to the ball game

We went to an Astros baseball game on April 7. They played the Chicago Cubs, which I found out is one of their biggest rivals. I'm happy to root for the Astros since the Red Sox are in a different league. Dan scored free tickets from work, provided from Westlaw. First we were invited to mingle and eat game food (hot dogs, nachos and popcorn) from the Union Station Rooftop and enjoyed the view of Minute Maid Park from there. After we ate, we headed down to the stadium to watch the game. We could catch some of it from the roof, but the kids got nervous looking down from over six stories high.

Go team! Sophia and Dan celebrate the Astros' runs.

I'm not one for watching much sports on television, but there's something about the live experience that is so sensational (because it stimulates all of the senses). The announcer, the music, the roar of the audience, the players on base and at bat, the ball whizzing through the air, the uniforms and the fans sporting their team's colors, the vivid green of the outfield, the fresh air, the buttery whiff of popcorn and the salty crunch, the sweet syrup of soda, and the stiff stadium seats all combine for a sporting event symphony. It's not Fenway, but we will enjoy rooting for our home team in Houston.

We stayed for nine innings, but since it was tied and already getting late, we headed home. We heard on the radio that the Astros finally beat the Cubs, 3-2. Even though we had a great time, Nathan had a hard time the next day because he was so tired. School starts at 7:45 a.m. for him, which I think is way too early for little kids. We may see them play the Dodgers next week.

Home sweet home: The kids play in the front yard.

Notice how Sophia can't stand still? Nathan is pointing a water gun at me.

We spent Easter weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's house in San Antonio. The kids liked coloring Easter eggs, finding eggs in the backyard, eating candy and getting lots of attention.


Quotes of the week

"I see a train!" -- Sophia, whenever she hears a train whistle.

"I want the Astros to win." -- Nathan, after we let him know we weren't watching the Red Sox play and the Cubs were the "bad guys."

"Worrying is like being in a rocking chair -- it's something to do, but it won't get you anywhere." -- Dr. Phil. Okay, so he didn't say this to ME, but I heard it on the radio and liked it.

Grateful moment

I'm thankful for my marriage to Dan. We celebrated our 8th anniversary over Easter weekend by eating out at The Melting Pot in San Antonio. (Mmm, artichoke spinach cheese with rye bread and stuffed mushrooms ...) I've learned a lot and I still have lots to learn. There's so much my present self could now tell my past self in the white wedding dress. Life is a learning process, that's for sure.

I'm also grateful for my Argentine friends. Erica DiFini, who I lived with at the beginning of my mission, called me a few weeks ago. She lives in Utah now. It was good to catch up and to hear her talking in English rather than me talking to her in castellano. I'm thankful for the friendship and kindness I experienced during my time in Buenos Aires.