A's Fan Fest 2014

You've all heard it before, the saying that goes like this ... "You don't know what you got 'till it's gone."  I can honestly say that I've been there a few times, realizing that something I had was so good a little too late.

The hubs and I traveled out to California a few weeks back for our first experience at a Fan Fest, a Fan Fest other than the Orioles.  Having never been to the Oakland Coliseum, I wasn't sure what to expect.  Of course Jim had played there and gave me a little insight beforehand.  To say I was surprised would be an understatement.  First of all, it's not truly a ballpark ... being that they share it with a football team for part of the year.  In fact, the baseball field wasn't even there yet ... not even ready.  There wasn't any nostalgia feel to it ... no warehouse, no bronze statues, no special look to the concourse, and no Bird.  (Although I did manage to find Stomper and I'm pretty sure the kids will fall in love with him too.)  I guess what I'm trying to say is it surely wasn't Camden, but something quite ... different.

Getting past the initial shock was thankfully easy to do.  The staff at the stadium was welcoming, the fans were super pumped for a new season to begin, and Jim seemed to fit right in with his new teammates. (would you have expected any less?)

Just like any Fan Fest, Jim was busy BUSY!  He signed autographs, had photo sessions (my fav is pictured above with the Budweiser girls - soooo cheesy), had media sessions, and was basically running around from one station to the next.  I was thankful to meet two other wives that day, who gave me some of the ins and outs of what it's like to be a part of the Oakland Family.  

Being sans kids in a new place gave us some couple time together.  We were able to have three (yes, three!!!!!) date nights in a row.  Needless to say we found some yummy restaurants.  We also had time to look at some housing options and were so excited to find one we liked.  One less stressor, one more thing checked off the list!  It was fun to explore a new place - finding new restaurants, playgrounds, shopping areas - simply taking in a place we will call home for a few short months.  

As different as it will be, the trip did get me excited for this new journey to begin.  Memories are waiting to be made and this is going to be one of the best seasons yet!

Take a look - the kids think so too! :)

Go A's!