go bucs, go!

mr. pike called me at 4:30 p.m. and surprised us with free tickets ($0) to that night's pirates' game.
the kids and i hadn't been yet, so we jumped at the chance to root for the home team!

i love the pnc ballpark.  it sits right on the allegheny river, overlooking the city.  and it was
a beautiful night!  the castle-like building on the right is where mr. pike's office is located.

once i got downtown with the kids, we crawled through game traffic and found a parking spot ($12).
i could smell that little boy needed a diaper change before meeting up with mr. pike.  it was a blow
out, out the side of his leg.  and his shorts were benched, and little boy went pantless to the game.
and couldn't have been happier.  (he'd prefer to be without clothes most days.)

mr. pike did buy little boy some new pirates pjs ($20).  (because he couldn't find a pair of replacement
shorts.)  but little boy didn't want to wear them at the game.  so we focused on watching the game instead.
and eating the game snacks that mr. pike bought. ($15)

the popcorn and nachos were really salty.  and little girl really, really wanted ice cream.
so, i searched the ballpark for ice cream and drinks ($13).  and then everyone was happy again.

on the way back to the car, i realized we left our new umbrella ($22) that little girl had brought.
so, our free tickets cost us $82.  but we had a great time!  it was the best ballgame we've seen with the kids.