Spring. Baseball. The two are synonymous in our house.
Long ago, upon becoming mama to three sons, I embraced that my life would include the All-American game---both my boys' and the Brew Crew! Thankfully, it wasn't much of a stretch, as I've long loved the game! I kind of wish I had counted the number of games I've attended over the years; the number of bleachers I've sat (and grown numb) upon; the number of times I've embarrassed myself with my spirited cheering for my boys! It's easy to see why the return of baseball each spring has always, always, always been a holiday at our house.
Play Ball! (2006)
In the Big Inning (2007)
Opening Day (2010)
Today was no different. With the Brewers' home opener came our annual party---and our own spin on ballpark faves. We enjoyed bacon-wrapped hot dogs (a new delicacy my guys discovered in Mexico) and a creation of my very own. I'd heard of a contest that was being hosted by our MLB park several months ago. They wanted contestants to submit an original recipe to be featured on their ballpark menu. Upon hearing about it, I immediately said to Jon, "Apple pie nachos. What's more American than apple pie and baseball? And what's more fun to eat at the ballpark than nachos?" So while I didn't submit my idea, I thought it. And today I created it.
As we do every home opener, we donned our colors, ate our food, and cheered for our home team. Different from every other year, however, was that our oldest son's school and play obligations kept him from joining us. See? More change. :) But while the change is inevitable, I'm learning---albeit s-l-o-w-l-y---that the love and memories that bind us cannot be taken away. And I dare say that our older boys are discovering new found appreciation for those memories with each passing year.
And so we'll continue to celebrate and create traditions and build memories and our shared story.
4 comments:
So how were the Apple Pie Nachos? Inquiring minds want to know.
They were a huge hit, Gwen! I made up some cinnamon chips, then cooked up some apple slices with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then I topped it off with a homemade caramel sauce. I contemplated using vanilla ice cream, too, but I think that would have made it too difficult to eat with your hands. I might add a little whipped cream in the future.
You've inspired us with your Opening Day tradition - the boys had Cracker Jacks and peanuts for an after school snack, and we had hot dogs, nachos and bottled root beer for supper! And the boys even had Dippin' Dots in little helmets for dessert - all planned by Jason! Such a fun tradition you've shared with us! The Apple Pie Nachos sound yummy!!!
While baseball is not a sport we watch here I certainly love hearing about your continuing tradition! Such fun making memories. And the apple pie nachos sound wonderful!
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