Root, root, root for the home team. If they don't win it's the same.

The wording of the title is intentional. It's an unfortunate homage to the fact that in spite of a very promising start, the Pittsburgh Pirates have returned to their losing ways that have become the norm over the last twenty seasons.

Nevertheless, last Sunday, we traveled with our friends to PNC Park to see the Pirates play. This was Lauren's second baseball game, and the first one that we've attended as a family since she was two.



Sundays are Kid's Days, which means that Federal Street right outside the park is lined with fun activities for young fans to enjoy.

And what was the first item on the agenda?



Face painting. Of course.



The lines for the activities get pretty long, but that didn't seem to damper the girls' enthusiasm.

As we stood in line, Mark and Scott bet that I am so short, that I could stand underneath Willie Stargell's legs.



But I showed them! I am no where near that short. Look at how much I had to lean over in order to fit underneath Willie. Yep, I sure showed them...

On second thought, I think I was set up.



RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!! The Pirate Parrot ate too many Bucco Tacos and is so bloated with gas that he towers above the city!!



Oh, nevermind. It was just an inflatable.



I noticed this strange fellow painted on the street. I like to call him "Flat Bucco," but Mark calls him "Pirate Roadkill."



Eat n Park was there too, doling out the Smiley Cookies.



The girls even got to personalize theirs.



The new Mini Smiley Cookie was posing for photos. Scott insisted that there must be either a small child or a midget in the costume.



So then I too had to pose with Mini Smiley, as a show of solidarity for the vertically challenged. I bet no one asked him to stand under Willie Stargell's legs.



Once inside the park, the girls watched batting practice.



Then it was time to head to our seats and watch the game.



As seems the case every time we have an outdoor activity planned, the weather was extremely hot. Ultimately, we left after the sixth inning, wilted from both the heat and the Pirates' 5 run deficit to the Padres. As we left, we vowed to return next year, but only if it's an evening game.