Thursday, July 17, 2008

Peanut-free baseball...

Well, Owen got to see his first baseball game last night! For those who aren't aware (or apparently have never been around me in the last four years), Owen has a severe peanut allergy. To most, a baseball game is an every day event - but to anyone with a nut allergy, a game is a reaction waiting to happen. Kevin and I both were disappointed this summer when we realized we couldn't take Owen to a White Sox game, for fear those around us would be enjoying those nasty legumes. =)

Then Enjoy Life Foods (www.enjoylifefoods.com) partnered up with the Kane County Cougars to host Peanut Free night at the ballpark. The stadium was powerwashed, along with all of the kidzone bouncy houses and slides, the concession staff was educated, and both teams agreed to keep the dugouts peanut free for the night.

Owen donned his Cougars shirt, Grandma came to babysit Lyla, and Kevin, Grandpa, Mom and Uncle Bryan loaded up the car for the fun to begin. And FUN he had! We arrived early enough to take in all the pre-game happenings, and didn't leave until the last car was in the lot. He danced between pitches, bounced in the bouncy house, pitched a ball 19MPH, ran the obstacle bouncer, ate hot dogs, nachos, cotton candy, ice cream, rope candy, and pizza (really -all of that fit into his 35lb four year old body). Washed it all down with lemonade and soda. This of course, allowed him to have the pep to stay awake for the fantastic fireworks and running of the bases.

We are already looking forward to the game next year!