Cardinal Caravan 2015

Last year we traveled to Hannibal MO to take part of the 2014 St. Louis Cardinals Caravan. The boys (mostly Grant) had a great time last year and mentioned that they wanted to go again sometime. Last year Grant was able to see and get the signature of  Matt Adams, who for those of you who don't already know is one of Grant's most favorite baseball players.

The 2015 Cardinal Caravan schedule and line-up came out and beings that there were no real big or noticeable names on the line up we considered sitting this one out. We explained to Grant that we could go but it may not be as much fun as we weren't familiar with the players on the line-up this year. He said, "so what, they're still Cardinal players!!!" and requested we still go. We figured we didn't have any other way to spend his day off school (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and decided we would give it a "go."
This year we caught the caravan in Springfield at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. Which for lots of reasons made it more enjoyable. For one, there was so much more space and for two it seemed to be much more organized. We did have to pay a couple bucks per ticket to get in this year but it included a light meal (hot dog, chips, cookie, soda). And yes, the players in the line-up were not big names. But, like the announcer said yesterday during the caravan..."you just never know if one of these players will become the next Albert Pujos or Michael Wacha."
This year we bumped into friends of ours (The Strubbe family) which made the entire evening more fun. Grant got to hang out with his buddy, Cole which he said later was really unexpected and fun.
We were fortunate enough to pick a table near where Fredbird made his entrance. He played with our table for a brief while which the kids really got a kick out of. It was a nice time and I'm certain this wil be something our Cardinals lovin boys will want to do again next year.

Players: Randal Grichuk, Xavier Scruggs, Sam Tuivailala, Ty Kelly
Cardinals Alumni: Cliff Politte, Brad Thompson
Emcee: Dan McLaughlin

The boys (and Jason) loved that Fredbird was so playful with our table!

Dancing and hip thrusting Fredbird

Fredbird calling Frick out!

Lane was all giggles and couldn't get enough

So funny!

My favorite picture of the day!

Fist bumps for Cole

Waiting to get their items autographed

Lane was shy at first but warmed up after a bit

so cool- this player asked all the kids that came through the line for their autograph too

they had door prizes and give aways and Grant won a t-shirt and a pair of Cardinals tickets

Lane rocking out Grant's autographed helmet

holding up his winnings

Grant thought it was so cool that Fredbird signed his ball too

Lane suddenly became frightened of Fredbird and refused to stand by him for a picture- so Grant was solo

He had a fun time