{Let's Go Rays!}

The hubs is a huge Tampa Bay Rays (previously the TB Devil Rays) fan. He's been a fan of the team since they were terrible and his love of the team has never waned. The Rays AAA team is the Durham Bulls and it's neat to get out to games there knowing that those guys will (hopefully) make it to the "big time" soon after leaving the Triangle.

Anyone that knows the hubs, knows he's hard to buy for - especially at holidays. So, when I was trying to come up with something fun for Christmas, I decided to look at the Rays schedule. It worked out that they would be in St. Petersburg for a home stand at the beginning of the season. I started working on the trip in September/October and was actually able to keep it a secret until Christmas morning (yes, this was beyond difficult for me!). With the help of some connections, it worked out such that we were able to go to 1 spring training game, opening day, and an additional game.

Here's a summary of our week with some pictures:

We drove to Florida on Friday. Our plan was to leave by 7 a.m. and stay in Altamonte Springs on Friday evening. We got on the road late and finally made it to Altamonte around 6 p.m. We were able to visit with Margaret and Branden that evening, complete with dinner at Harry Buffalo.

Got a bit of a late start on Friday, but once we were properly

loaded in my car and caffeinated - off we go!

 

I think I now officially hate South Carolina. Traffic started at South of the Border and

didn't clear up until Georgia. (We all know how great that was for my patience.)

Lunch at Ferg's and Rays spring training

Dinner with friends...

A new mead and my favorite cider

And some baseball....

It's safe to say that this kid (well, and me too!) had a good time. He's already plotting when we can hop in the car and head to another game.