Hershey Park

We've been planning for the series in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for at least a month! Harrisburg is gorgeous, and the team stays at a pretty sweet hotel, but most importantly, Hershey Park is a mere thirty minute drive away! 

 

Hershey Park is a huge amusement park and is attached to the Hershey Chocolate Factory where visitors can create their own candy bar, learn how Hershey makes chocolate and enjoy the rides. Yeeeehaw! We enjoyed the water log ride and a huge roller coaster, as well as the Hershey Chocolate Factory tour, complete with three singing cows who narrate Hershey's chocolate production process. Each batch of Hershey chocolate is made with the same proportions of cocoa beans from around the world to ensure that the chocolate has a consistent taste! The factory itself produces 33 million Hershey's Kisses each day! It was pretty sweet. 

 

Adios July!

My goodness we've been busy, I blinked and it's suddenly August!

So here's a run down on what we've had going on:


The Eastern League All Star game - was awesome! Kyle played very well and the Ghost Hunter games were surprisingly fun! Kyle was selected to catch tennis balls launched into the outfield, a pretty easy charge considering his speed. There were several activities that the players could be selected to participate in. Other festivities for the Ghost Hunter games included a bubble gum blowing contest, mascot dodgeball and a family friendly version of flip cup. It was definitely a different experience, but such a blast. We feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to attend. Below is Kyle signing autographs and a photograph of Kyle catching tennis balls launched into the outfield for the Ghost Hunter competition.

New York City - after the All Star Game I spent a day and a half at home before catching a bus to New York City. (Side note: I like taking the bus!) Kyle's grandmother, cousin, brother and sister in law were visiting the city and invited me to join them. It was a very busy few days, and an amazing first experience in Big Apple.

 Trenton, New Jersey series - After NYC I came home to work for a few days before heading off to the series in Trenton, which is only three hours from Binghamton. I was so excited, many wives and girlfriends also traveled for this road trip because it was so close to home. Plus one of my sweet friends I haven't seen since the end of last baseball season was going to be in town! It was absolutely wonderful to see her! Kyle grandmother and cousin also came to Trenton before flying home after their long trip. We took a morning to travel into Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell. One of Seth's goals it to play basketball and shoot a three in more than three states, so we of course took some time to hoop it up while we were there.

So July was a little hectic...but we wouldn't have it any other way! 

I've come to embrace that the abnormal and unexpected is my normal, it makes each day easier. I plan very little in advance, rely heavily on Craigslist and entirely enjoy a schedule of dysfunction.

What's on the menu for August? We've got play offs, packing, cleaning our rental and fighting the burning desire to know exactly what day we should buy our plane tickets home. (Did I mention I still work full time and babysit?! BRING IT!) At the end of the season we will be driving the car back down to Florida and putting it into storage, before flying home to Coeur d'Alene. The off season is almost here, cheers!

Second Season: Day 87

Hello dandelion princess! Look at those beautiful curls, babysitting this sweet one is such a privilege. Today when I left her dad texted me, "she keeps saying your name and watching the street. Apparently you have a fan!" Too cute! 

I was so excited for the ball and this afternoon, my sweet friend Shawna was here visiting! And with TEN other baseball wives, fiancés or girlfriends! I'm the lucky one whose been here all season so I had the privilege of connecting us all during the game. Kyle sat out again due to his migraine from the other day. Kyle's trainer has been in close contact with us, and she texted me today saying she's waiting for feedback from Boston University on possible multi-vitamin aids. The Mets doctor did clear Kyle's new Relpax prescription today for any future migraine issues. I'm praying we won't even need them! 

Second Season: Day 73

It's been a challenge to fight the urges to stay home on the nights I know Kyle won't be playing. We still have five outfielders on the roster and the boys are on an even rotation through the outfield. Tonight was one of those nights where Kyle knew he would not be in the game, so I didn't get ready to go to the field to face the cold tonight. To clarify, "getting ready to go to the field," means layering leggings, wool socks, boots, jeans, scarves, sweatshirts, gortex gloves, and jackets galore. I started to listen to the game while I lounged on the couch, and was satisfied for about a whole seven minutes. I quickly layered up and headed to the game to root on our boys! Thank gosh I did. The game went into extra innings and in the bottom of the 10th, Kyle was called in to pinch hit for one his teammates. His coach initially signaled him to bunt, then signed him to swing away. He did his job with a sac fly to center to bring in the walk off RBI! My hubby swings the bat a little heavier than before with his newly acquired twenty pounds, and it's fun to watch. We celebrated at Amici's with so delicious pizza that reminds us of our favorite pizza place, Fire, from back home. Feeling so blessed today.

Here's an article from local press, which also features Cory who finally broke out of his early season slump! Yippy, he holds a special place in our hearts. It was a good day for the B-Mets!

http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014304240095&nclick_check=1

 

Photo credit to the Binghamton Mets. Facebook and Instagram friends, there's a video of Kyle's AB on both of my profiles.

Second Season: Day 51

This evening was the Binghamton Mets opening dinner, and "welcome back," gathering. We arrived at the Double Tree banquet room at 5:15 pm, so that Kyle could sign autographs with team until the supper began at 7 pm. At first, I couldn't fathom why the team would need so much time for autographs at a dinner in a relatively small town. I was shocked to see fans lined outside the hotel as we walked in, and as the time passed the line for autographs wrapped around the entire banquet room, into the hallway, through the bar and out towards the common area of the hotel! We sat with another player, his date, and with some folks from the local community. The speakers were informational, but brief. I learned that this year marks the hundredth year of Binghamton hosting a professional baseball team. The Crickets, Bingos and Triplets have all resided here in Binghamton, at some point, since 1877. Of the players who have played here, 741 of them have gone on to the big club and made major league debuts. And I discovered that Binghamton also has a minor league hockey team! Kyle and I had a blast, but were relieved to head home relatively early in preparation of the opening game tomorrow.

Kyle sneaking a selfie during dinner.

The new Binghamton Mets being acknowledged for their accomplishments last season. 

Second Season: Day 42

Kyle was called up to his second big league game this Spring training. So we loaded up and headed to Orlando to cheer him on! It was a rough outing, but we're still proud of his hard work!

Second Season: Day 38

Off days are my favorite days. The one day during Spring training that I don't have to be up for a field run, a gym session or a work commitment. (Okay, maybe a work commitment but I definitely ignore those on off days). We met my family at our favorite, Berry Fresh Cafe, for breakfast. Apparently every one else on the team had similar plans since we bumped into several of our friends eating breakfast there too! Afterwards Kyle went to get a much needed hair cut and I went shopping, then my mom and sister and I were off to the condo while my dad and Kyle headed off on their long standing golf date. My mom and sister and I toured Backus Art gallery and the Manatee viewing station in Fort Pierce before hitting the beach and the pool. We wrapped up the day with the guys joining us for a St. Patty's dinner of corned beef and cabbage! A few days late, but just as tasty as I imagined.

Manatee sisters!

My beautiful momma soaking up the sunshine. 

My goofy husband making use of the pool with his fresh hair cut! 

Our traditional St. Patty's feast!

Second Season: Day 35

Kyle made his first Major League Baseball appearance today! The NY Mets were hosting a split squad series, one game here in Florida and the other at their AAA field in Las Vegas. Split squad means that the managers divide up the major league roster into two teams to accomadate both games. This temporarily leaves spaces on each team that Minor leaguers fill. Like Kyle! Yippy!! Kyle was put in to DH (designated hitter) in the seventh inning. He made "okay" contact and hit a short grounder to the Cardinals short stop who made the out at first. (I must say, it was close!) Kyle's second at bat was another infield grounder, and he made it on a fielders choice, and later scored a run. He finished up the game in center, catching the game inning pop fly. And we may have (errr definitely) kept that ball....I'm not sorry Cardinals. Although my mom and dad, and siblings, were here to cheer Kyle on we are so thankful for the support of our friends, family and those in Coeur d'Alene for their kind, supportive and encouraging words. Our phones were ringing and buzzing like crazy all day. We are blessed to have you all, God is good! 

Kyle is number 20.

First MLB at bat.

Kyle's number one fans after the game!

Bud updated his sign at Ultimate Athlete in Coeur d'Alene! He helped train Kyle for this baseball season.

Hippo Car Wash shared this cool collage.  We love you Spencer family! (Go get your car washed at Hippo if you haven't already!)

After the game we celebrated in style with a home cooked dinner at the condo, lounging in the pool and Skype with our sweet pumpkin who couldn't be here this time. 

Second Season: Day 33

My family is here, my family is here! After leaving the farm to reliable hired hand during the busy calving season, my parents made their way to Orlando. Slowly. Their flight was delayed after a plane in Philidelphia failed to take off properly and skidded back into the run way. Fortunately everyone on that flight was okay, and additional planes were rerouted to the East coast to accommodate the passengers of the damaged aircraft. But that process set the flight schedules back so my parents and sister finally made it to their condo at 5:00 am this morning. Yucky! After dropping Kyle off at the field I surprised them with a much needed home cooked breakfast, then we were off to meet Kendall in Jupiter and to watch our favorite baseball player do his thaaang. And that he did! Also a wonderful surprise, our friend from Washington State University was catching for the Marlins. There were four Cougar alumni at the game! So fun! 

Second Season: Day 18

Today was the official start of STEP camp, infamously marked by mandatory physical exams. Kyle had to be at a local physicians office at 5:45 am to begin a physical and brief dental evaluation. Kyle weighed in at 200 pounds with 11% body fat, the lowest BMI of all the outfielders present. At the field, he completed a 32 inch vertical drop and a 1.47 ten yard burst. Yes, that equates to a 4.47 40 yard dash or a 6.3 60 yard dash. Wheels! This was a lingering concern, we worried that with his weight gain his speed MAY decrease even though we were constantly reassured by the trainers that wouldn't be the case. I suppose it's time to listen to the professionals, hehe.

5:30 am. Or for the folks at home, 2:30 am. I haven't done that since college. 

Second Season: Day 15

Kyle logged another day at early camp. When we pulled up to the field this morning, the big leaguers were still out practicing. I took a few moments to sit and watch them. It's becoming surreal, to watch big leaguers, and see that Kyle could very well compete with them. He wasn't ready last year, he's grown so much since then. 

The hot topic of the day: The MLB changed some rules of the game. Catchers are no longer allowed to block the plate, and there are to be no egregious collisions from the runner. This is good for Kyle, he frequently has to slide around catchers at home who are blocking the plate with out the ball. Sliding around an aggressive catcher can cause serious injuries. The MLB also imposed the "neighborhood" rule. Meaning that if a player is to turn a double play, from second to first, the fielder must merely be "in the neighborhood" of the bag, but is not required to touch it. If the player has to move from the vicinity of second to field or catch the ball then he must touch the bag. This has been an unspoken rule for decades, but with the new institution of instant replay, it needed to be verbalized. Yes, I said instant replay! From here on out, each MLB coach will be given one "instant replay challenge" up until the 6th inning of the game. If the coach wins his challenge then he will be alotted one more challenge for those 6 innings. For the later innings, after the first 7, all the instant replay calls will be determined by the booth. It's a season of change. 

My husband, rocking his Valentines day present for the first time: off the field shades!

Second Season: Day 14

Kyle's first day at Spring Training Early Camp. The other boys say that being invited to Early Camp with the Mets means that they want to "get a closer look at you." Kyle hit very well today, and looks like a whole new man at the plate with the extra weight he's throwing around. Hehe. It was awesome to see the boys working hard today and it finally feels like home now that most of our friends have arrived. Kyle called for a date night at Hurricane Wings and then walked around the typical touristy shops at Tradition Square in the warm air. 80 degree evenings sure beat the 8 degree ones we left in Idaho!

Introducing Kyle's Spring Training jersey. One of my favorite guys' came over to chat with me while Kyle finished batting practice. I asked him if the jersey numbers meant anything and he said, "Nope, nothing matters until you make it to the big field next door. They'll give you a jersey that means something there." Whew. We're having to learn Spring Training all over again.

Second Season: Day 13

Today was Kyle's final guaranteed "off day" for Spring Training. He may be given another one but once the season commences there is no advance notice of when the next off day is scheduled. Which makes planning anything awesome for it pretty tough! So we went all out today, and left our house around 7:15 am for my great Aunt and Uncle's home in Orlando. We checked in with my family, dropped off our bags, grabbed some snacks and then made the quick drive over to Disney World! Eeeep!! We started at Hollywood Studios, where I got my Star Wars fix right off the bat. We also saw cool movie sets like Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Later we moved on to Animal Kingdom, with the impressive Safarri Tour and Kyle's favorite, the Mt. Everest roller coaster! Finally we went to the Magic Kingdom and did Space Mountain, Casey's Dugout Diner, Thunder Mountain and a live performance from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, Sleeping Beauty, Prince Charming, Cinderella and Snow White. It was a magical day! We enjoyed dinner with my great aunt and uncle and we met our cousin, Tim, for the first time. A prime example of off day success, good family, good food and good fun! 

Star Wars!

The Safari ride. We saw hippos, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, lions and cheetahs! 

Space Mountain

The live princess and Disney character performance at Cinderella's castle!

At the castle. 

A lovely dinner from my Aunt Mo and Uncle Hep. Thank you guys for having us! 

Second Season: Day 12

Kyle was given his first off day today. We laid out an itenary of relaxation at Jensen Beach, a lunch date at our favorite New England Fish Market and then more relaxing at home watching the Olympics. We also caught up on the Walking Dead episodes we missed during our crazed "pack up and move, drive across the country and find a new house" state. (That's not in the DSM-IV). Tomorrow is also an off day and we have a splendid adventure planned before Kyle has to report Sunday for official weigh ins, physical and meetings for the Met's STEP. (Spring Training Early Program).

Jensen Beach, with a little help from an Instagram filter. 

New England Fish Market - Their new 10 for $10 lunch!

Watching the Olympics and rolling out my hammy's when my husband snapped this sneak shot. My legs and back have been loving roll outs since I reinvested myself in crossfit WOD's. 

Kyle's winning sunburn from the beach! Idaho paleness doesn't fair well in this neck of the woods. 

Second Season: Day 11

A pretty standard day in the life of the Johnson's. Kyle played baseball, I shopped at Target. The only stand out development?! Kyle texted me after his weigh in....at 200.4 pounds! Finally, we broke the 200 pound barrier. This was obviously very serious business, and resulted in extra large grocery bills and tears when I would have to force feed my husband. Okay, it was not serious, but a goal my husband and both the Mets and Angels had set for him this last off season. More weight, more muscle and more power mean bigger hits!

Introducing the new and improved, Mr. Two hundred!

Second Season: Day 10

The great housing folly finally came to a close. Okay, it wasn't great, or really concerning, it just felt like it should be dramatic. But I felt unusually calm when I found out two days before our arrival in Florida, that the home we were going to stay at would not be available. Just by sheer dumb luck, the owner of the house had to return to Switzerland for a family emergency and put closing the house on the back burner. Bringing us to the now, with a house half sold. Not ideal. In a grandiose minor league baseball move, I instantly resorted to Craigslist. My strategy was a bit different this time than it had been in the past. Usually I scroll the temporary rentals and desperately (quite possibly, unfairly) pray that there's something, anything, that we could use. This time, I posted an advert introducing ourselves and what we would be able to pay in rent, and faithfully prayed it would work out. I felt calm, and collected, and confident He would sort this out. So I went back to enjoying my cross country vacation. Then He totally did sort it out. I had three excellent offers in 48 hours and this is the darling gem we picked. Another day in the minors down. 

Second Season: Day 9

Firstly, the minor league baseball news that is dominating conversations between minor league players, their teammates and their families:

http://m.ktvu.com/news/news/local/suit-claims-minor-league-baseball-players-paid-les/ndRrP/

Just a little food for thought. Minor league baseball really isn't all that glamorous. 

Kyle was off to the field early, and today I watched some of the drills and batting practice at the field. It's so good to be back! We moved into our Spring Training home today, after a long day that included my two least favorite things: grocery shopping and sorting through the belongings we left stored here in Florida. But my husband made a spaghetti and salad dinner so I survived!