Exhibition Hockey

On Wednesday, we had our usual Wednesday playgroup and Wegmans excursion (always must get more CocoPops!). Gigi was a bit whiney during playgroup and the previous nights' party was most likely the reason.

And then, after a very long nap, the moment we had been waiting for for a long time... our first Sabres game of the season! With Gigi in tow this year!

Nick and I didnt actually get seasons for this game. I had requested getting tickets to a game in the pre-season, just to get our bearings on what Gigi might need in future games. It was a great idea (ahem) because attendence was low at 11k and we did learn quite a few things. Even though we got seats in the 200s and attendence was concentrated there, everything just took less time. We had kick-ass seats, too! Section 208, on the aisle. Of course, we took full advantage of the rare air and ordered nachos from our seats. The bustle was more leisurely and family friendly and the walkways are carpeted, so we were even able to let Gigi walk around during intermissions. I dearly wish we were in the 200s for the season, for Gigi's sake.

Ah, back to the game! Gigi loved it. The night started with the train ride in. We park and ride from Amherst and that is definitely the best way. She enjoyed sight seeing above ground and turned to people watching during the underground. There was a live band outside the stadium and without the bodies to absorb some of the sound, they may have been a tad too loud for her.

But oh my, when we got into our seats! The lights, the crowd, the individual people, the cheering! It was a wonder to her. And us, too- it was simply exciting to be there. The anthem was accompanied by deaf kids signing to the lyrics and that was really fun to see. Gigi was having so much fun, hanging out in daddy's lap, eating nachos, flirting with the people to our left and behind. Having fun, until... we scored. I actually didn't anticipate that little problem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnMtFFiu47k&videos=QlWSarkM7ng&playnext_from=TL&playnext=1

The link above is what it sounds (and looks) like when the Sabres score. That horn is loud. Gigi cried, jumped into my lap, buried her face against me and sprouted genuine tears. That scenario was to happen an additional two times. We were thrilled that we scored of course, but I have a feeling I may begin to dread it also, ironically.

The 200s afforded us plenty of room to nurse a few times, switch her from lap to lap and take it easy. Going forward, our seats will be slightly less posh, but I believe we can make it work. And the whole family is clearly looking forward to our next game. Oh yeah, the Sabres won, something I am starting to actually hope I'll be able to say alot this season!