"Bueller...Bueller...Bueller..."

I guess it's really true, CG. All the cool stuff DOES happen to us. Last night we got to go to an Astros game at Minute Maid Park, compliments of Dad's workplace. We were down on the field level, 24 rows up a little way past first base. We got there way early because it was Clay's vacation and he's a huge fan. The kids and I left him to watch batting practice and headed (only a couple of sections over) to the kids' area, "Squeeze Play". As we walked up, a media girl was there to inquire whether Brandon or Abby would like to be video-taped demonstrating the games. Since Abby had her big TV moment last week, I figured it was Brandon's turn. The camera guy filmed him looking cute and waving hello, racing the giant mechanical bball player at "Home Plate Stretch", whacking water drops coming up from the "plate" at "Splatter Up" and throwing pitches into the giant catcher's glove at "Strike Zone". Oh, and he got a free hat.

Then we, with Clay, purchased signable souveneirs for the kids so they could stand along the first base side of the field to see if they could score some autographs. As they stoood there waiting, we had a front row view of Brandon, complete with first and last name, on the Jumbotron as promised. And before the National Anthem was even sung, Brandon was the proud new owner of a ball signed by Morgan Ensberg and Brad Ausmus, and Abby proudly toted a pink Astros bat signed by them as well. The only thing that could have made our Ferris Bueller moment more Bueller-like would have been for one of those foul balls to land softly in Abby's nachos like she was hoping. But she was content with her new bright yellow Squeeze Play hat that Brandon gave her (even wearing it loosely "in case my head grows during the game") and Brandon was happy for more obvious reasons. Later, we took them back to Squeeze Play when the game was well in hand for the 'stros because at Minute Maid, it may cost $7 for a bowl of melted cheese on tortilla chiops, but those kids' games are free for everyone.

Next stop on the summer tour: Super Summer in Abilene for Clay and me and a much-awaited return to Midland for the kids. As sands through the hour glass....