I've always tried to be a spontaneous mom. I want my kids to see that even if it means sacrifices on my part, I'm willing to pick up and go at a moments notice all in the name of fun and memories. Yesterday was one of those times. I decided at the last minute, to pack up the three kids and head downtown to the Reds Rally at Fountain Square. I so wanted this to be something Noah tells his children when he's grown "I remember when the Reds won the division, my mom took us downtown to the rally at the square and we got to see all the players before they left for Philadelphia" or something like that. I won't know for some time if he'll remember it like that, or at all, but I have a feeling he will! So we waited for Joshua to get his morning nap in and then we head out with a packed lunch, a stuffed backpack, a camera and our baby carrier. We made it there a little after 1. The festivities were scheduled to begin around 2 with the players not arriving until 3:30. When we first got there, there were a few people walking around, eating and buying merchandise and then there were some who had already gotten spots near the stage to get a good few of the players. I decided it would be best for us to join those at the barrier around the stage to be sure we'd get a good view, I mean that's what we were there for! Everything was fine for awhile. The Reds Rally Pack came out and starting tossing out Reds themed items to the crowd (plastic kids batting helmets, stickers, soft cloth balls, dog toys, bobbleheads, etc..) and the crowd went nuts!! If it wasn't for the help of the sweet lady standing next to us, our kids would've been squished up against the fence by a couple of grown men trying to get freebies (one of them also pushed me aside and I nearly fell with Joshua in the carrier). I thank God so much for her. She allowed the kids to get even closer up, helped me load all of our goodies (yes we got our fair share of the freebies!) into my backpack and helped me keep the crowd off my kids!
So we ended up waiting there for about 2 hours (a bit difficult with a 25 pound baby strapped to my front and a 8 pound backpack strapped to my back!!) but it was so worth it. When we heard the sirens coming up the street and got to hear Marty announcing the team it was just so cool. We had a really great time and I'm so glad I did it. With the pictures, memorabilia and memories, I know I'll never forget it and hopefully neither will the kids!
Ready and waiting. Face painted. Reds shirt on. Ready to go!!
Ready and waiting. Face painted. Reds hat on. Reds shirt on. Ready to go!!
I got Abby and I matching Reds (and Bengals!) scrunchies at the Applefest in Lebanon a week or so ago. They were perfect for this day!
We were so close to the fountain that when the wind blew, we would get wet from the sprays!
My boys!
This is Joe Zerhusen, the announcer at the games. It was neat to put a face to the voice I'm so familiar with!
This is Jim Scott from 700 WLW. It was kind of surreal to see him in person because I used to listen to him every morning as I drove to the hospital to be with Joshua. That was the only time I listened to him, so to hear his voice again brought back many memories.
Noah and his balloon, ready to go!! (That's the lady that helped us with striped shirt on).
The hall of famer: Marty Brennaman!!!!
This was the big screen above fountain square and that's Noah's balloon showing up in it! 
The team arrived and here you can see manager Dusty Baker, Bronson Arroyo, Joey Votto, Drew Stubbs, Laynce Nix, Homer Bailey, Scott Rolen, Travis Wood, Paul Janish and many others. 
Here's another shot. You can see hall of famer Joe Morgan in the front as well as Jonny Gomes, Ryan Hannigan, Brandon Phillips, Coco Cordero and others.
Here Dusty is addressing the crowd and you can see Jay Bruce behind him.
And after all the speeches, there were fireworks to send our Reds off to Philly to to win the first two games and bring the win home!! Very exciting, can't wait for tomorrow's game!
GO REDS!!!!!! 