Celebrating Week One

After the first full week of school, the boys and I headed to Houston for the weekend. 

Of course our destination was to see the Houston Astros. 

Walking from the hotel to the game. 

Game one, Saturday night was a giveaway night, Jose Altuve bobbleheads. Only the first 10,000 fans get one. It was a close call, but they each got one.

The one thing Hollister really wants is autographs from these big league players. It is soooo hard. We waited and waited and waited. On this day, nothing. He was a sad boy. I just don't know how to explain it to him.

So instead we enjoyed the game together. 

A good win helped as well! 

 And one of them loves getting his picture taken, a lot! 

Day 2

We got there super early and waited and walked around and that boy was determined... he would get autographs today!!! 

Sporting their new shirts to support their favorite rookie! 

Waiting...

Waiting...

They even waited through a HUGE dog parade!!! 

so many dogs...

And then finally... Joe Musgrove started signing... 

He's a rookie too. 

We have his autograph from Fresno (the triple A team), but this was nice. 

And finally, Hollister got excited... Mike Fiers!!! 

A starting pitcher for the Astros.... 

He waited and finally, he got his autograph... 

And then Hamilton had to wait his turn. 

He's in that mess down there! 

Thankfully they both got his autograph

Afterward, we walked around and literally ran into Lance Mc Cullers. 

He wasn't giving autographs, but a picture is awesome too!!! 

We had some time to kill so Hollister asked if we could eat the Five Seven Grille. 

This is a restaurant in the ballfield named for Biggio and Bagwell. 

These boys know their Astro history. 

Hamilton made it his job to take a lot of pictures for atmosphere....

Enjoy his perspective!

Super fast service and super yummy food as well. 

We had a blast and made it to our seats before first pitch! 

Didn't get a win on this day, but we had a blast as always! 

I love spending every day with these boys, but trips like these are super special!!! 

Astro Baseball Clinic

As part of the Astros Baseball Buddy Club, the boys had an opportunity to go to Minute Maid park and work with The Urban Youth Baseball League on of course, baseball skills.

They were both pretty excited about it, especially Hollister.

They didn't even mind waking up at 5:00am on a Saturday to get there in time! 

Signing in 

Waiting in the stands 

ASTRO LEGEND 

JOSE CRUZ!!!!!! 

He would be part of the clinic!!!! 

The boys were very excited about that! 

The kids were broke into various age groups and rotated around the field.

Parents had to stay in the stands, in one area. 

So, this was my vantage point for most of the day. 

 When they hit though, I moved closer and tried getting some better shots. 

Hamilton got to spend a lot of time with Jose Cruz because his grandson was in the same age group. 

 I do wonder what on Earth he is saying to Jose Cruz!!! 

 They took a picture with all the kids at the end.

Again, far away from the parents.  

 Afterward though, Jose Cruz signed autographs!!!! 

The boys were super excited!!! 

They will appreciate this more later in life, but they know he's a big deal! 

And not to be outdone by one Astro Legend, they had to get photos with some other favorites. 

Hollister really wants to meet Craig Biggio one day.

This cut out with do for now. 

And no surprises that Hamilton is all about the mascot, Orbit!!! 

This is what happens when you wake up at 5am and practice baseball for two hours.

You sleep on the way back home! 

He didn't even make it out of Houston.

The day continued with more baseball of course.

Hollister had another all star practice tournament in South Austin. 

He played in 2 of the 4 games.

New All Star jerseys too! 

His new all star number! 

He played first base a lot. Got on base a few times, scored a run and even got to pitch on Sunday. 

Official All Star tournaments start this Friday!