Monkeying Around

Emerald City Trapeze,   Seattle

posted by Melissa Baumgart
Yesterday Amy and I went in search of monkey bars.  

My thought was that we should try something that would be somewhat like aerial, hanging from something using our upper body strength.  Monkey bars seemed like the best option: free, close location, and maybe not too many people in the middle of a school day to make fun of us.

We tried Miller Park, one black away.  No luck, there weren't any monkey bars!  The only thing close was a small triangular metal zip line to hang on, and that didn't go well.  It was raining, and I felt defeated, in many ways.  I could barely hold myself, simply hanging from this metal rod...let alone think about lifting my body even a millimeter.  How was our first aerial class going to fare the next day?

In search of monkey bars, we set out for Cal Anderson Park.  I knew for sure there were monkey bars there.  Tallulah adores the act of going back and forth, back and forth, across the monkey bars.  From watching her, I assumed it was easy.  I mean, are kids that much stronger?  Or is it the difference in their proportions?

Down where all the magic happened today.

We got there, found a sweet parking spot and headed to the playground.  There was a guy standing on top, yes that's right, on top of the monkey bars.  He appeared to be smiling, dressed somewhat dirty, holding a skateboard in one hand and holding the other arm out like he was flying.  When an airplane flew overhead, his arm would raise, the smile would widen and I can only assume that he felt like he was flying.

Amy and decided, I think wisely, not to ask him to get off of the bars so we could sadly attempt our pre-aerial workout.  He was most definitely high on something, and I did not want to be the monster ruining his special flying trip.  So, Amy and I left, before we had to call 911 if he were to slip upon take-off.  Seriously, he would have really hurt himself.

Instead of monkey bars, we came home and did some push-ups, arm exercises with free weights and watched some videos on "what to expect at your first aerial class."  Which we just finished an hour ago today!

Think it was torture?  Or joyful?  Inspiring? or Frightening?
More on that tomorrow....
Melissa

Urban Achievers - So very proud we are of all of them

posted by Melissa
Happy Fathers Day!!!!

Everyone with their Wedge/Ryan "Moose"-stache.

We started the day with yet another attempt at making it to Maltby for the All-Star games.  This time by 8:00am.  And this time with an extra 11 year old girl.  It was a rainy drive, and about 3 minutes before we arrived at the field I got an email on my smart phone that the games were cancelled again.  I hesitated telling everyone since we were so close and if we showed up, at least the coach would see that we were on time, yet again.

I did speak up, my consciousness not allowing my to lie when I was soon to be asked what I was looking at my phone for.  Jamie didn't believe me.  He said I was pulling "an Uncle Ian" and pulling everyone's leg.  I denied that.  He was even more convinced.

We pulled into the Maltby Fields and sure enough, there was Coach Ken waiting for us to inform my husband that the games were indeed cancelled, again.  I was secretly happy that the coach saw that, had the game been on, we were on time.  Again.  If we had made a U-turn when I saw the email, no credit would have been due to the Baumgarts.

We decided at that point to make it to the Mariner's game for father's day.  Turns out the cheapest tickets were $60.00 today.  We had us and 2 extra kids, bringing the total without food and beer to $420.00.  Yes, I did just pass my math class.  And no, I don't think that is in the Baumgart's budget.

So, Jamie had the great idea to bring the game to the Baumgarts.  We set up our apartment all stadium style.  We tried to create bleachers, that didn't work.  But we did make a snack seller carrier and fake money for everyone to spend.  We had a board with our prices for hot dogs, beer, root beer and the all important Mariner's food "Rally Fries."  We decorated the TV armoire with Mariners regalia and an Ichimeter, that we updated during the game.  He got to #82 hits today.

We even had a shell game with some bowls and a fuzeball ball during a commercial, just like on the jumbo screen during the breaks.  We sold candy and had a raffle for a Mariner's jersey.  It was a super fun afternoon.  And best of all, the Mariners WON!  We took the series and beat the best team in baseball!!!!

T.J. is quite a natural at the plate.  We are signing her up next year!

Then after that we all headed down to Miller park to play our own game of baseball.  We met some other stragglers playing their own games of catch and batting practice; and we asked them to join our clan in a lively game of baseball.  No teams, just one person up at a time, everyone else out in the field.  Everyone was playing together, cheering each other on and having fun.

It was a great time.  All day.  A day I think the kids will always remember.  But who knows about them.  I know I will always remember this Father's Day.  It was a day that Jamie loved and he deserves it.  He is such a good father and works hard for his family.  I love you, Jamie.

Speaking of fathers, thank you Dad, for being a part of who I am today.  For inspiring my love of Math and for talking my ear off when I got in trouble.  I loved your stories, even though at the time, I wished you would just stop talking. :)  And a shout out to my brother, Ian, you are a great dad.  Your girls are  lucky to have you.

So, no bowling today.  But baseball.  All baseball.  All good.
-Melissa