Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Spring Comes Early in Arizona

While most of the country continued to bundle up and shovel snow, Ava escaped the 70 degree weather of Orange County to head to Arizona for 80 degree weather. 
Our first stop was to Tempe Diablo Stadium to see the Angels.  For Abby and Chris, this was their sixth Spring Training trip but first time visiting the Angels' stadium.  Despite their attempts to get Ava to cheer for the A's as her American League team, Ava has clearly chosen the Angels as her second team - a natural choice for a girl constantly surrounded by kids with Rally Monkeys and Mike Trout jerseys.


Arriving at the training fields early, not only was Ava able to get autographs from a number of players, but minor league catcher Pedro Pizarro even gave her one of his cracked bats.
At the game we met up with Grammy and Poppy, who were enjoying their first Spring Training trip. 
Checking into our digs for the weekend, Ava enjoyed the balcony and grounds at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass.
Most importantly, it was warm enough for Ava to go to the pool and waterslide  in the mornings and late afternoon.
You can't spend all day in the sun without getting some good food, and we enjoyed an evening out with pizza and ice cream.  
Ava gave in on Saturday and was willing to cheer for Abby's A's while we checked out the revamped Hohokam Park, the former home of the Cubs.  A special treat (more for Chris than for Ava) was getting to visit with Hall of Famer and mustache king Rollie Fingers (for a charitable donation). 
Every road trip has its hiccups, and ours included leaving a library book at our motel in Blythe on our way to Arizona.  Fortunately, the motel was able to find the book and we were able to pick the book up on our way home.  Or, maybe, Ava just wanted an excuse to visit the dolphin statue outside the motel.
We're looking forward to returning in 2016 when we plan on tailgating on the lawn at an A's and/or Cubs game.  Feel free to join Ava for that adventure!

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