"Play Ball!"

To say Rudy is obsessed with baseball is an understatement.  So we planned the perfect party for him (well within reason):  bringing all his friends out a baseball game where he was able to throw out the first pitch and announce the "Play ball!" call!  Doesn't get much better than that! 

We got to the field early to get situated and find out what the plan was for taking the field, etc.  Rudy and John sat back and watched practice and checked it all out.  Rudy was fascinated.

Then I took him to the players dugout and Rudy was able to get lots of autographs

Posing :)  
Could Avery have a cuter outfit?!  I certainly don't think so.  Gran and her handiwork - like no other!

Scoping it out, waiting for his cue to take the mound

We got out to the field, and Rudy was so anxious to throw a pitch.  We had to wait for a few seconds and Rudy kept pointing, "Mom, that way.  That way, Mom."

John and I were allowed to go with, but Rudy didn't need us!  He ran away as soon as he could - he knew right where to go

Here's a little video - Rudy loves the part when "the boys" all chant "Rudy, Rudy, Rudy"

The Sliders' photographer captured some keepers for us :)

Then we had to step back for the National Anthem before Rudy's next big job...

Rudy was such a natural.  He loved being out there and loved the crowd's attention.  

Waiting for the signal...

And another short video:

Showing off his game ball (the catcher was nice enough to give Rudy back the ball and let him keep it)

A few of Rudy's biggest fans!

We all took a little break from the game for cookies and presents - and some "happy"

I'm really disappointed in myself for the lack of pictures I took.  Kate and I took lots of time to package and wrap personalized baseball cookies for each guest, and I had fun theme-appropriate party treats of Cracker Jacks, Sunflower Seeds, and Big League Chew… not a picture of any!  And there are several guests that aren't pictured, either.  Ugh. 

Peach enjoying her cookie

and lots of great new toys!

Some of our favorite party-people 

These two are so hard to take pictures of, let alone together

Speedy!

And their favorite and still talked about, "Hockey Guy"

Well, we tried.

After the game, the kids were allowed to run around the bases.  John took out Avery and Rudy and Josh went out with his girls (the only kids still standing after 9 innings).  John and Rudy ran around the bases over and over and over and over… Rudy was loving every minute.  

Never too early to teach them the importance of Thank You notes...