The boys got a little crazy with the sidewalk chalk
The Senior Busking Championships were today; with Maunganui Rd blocked off, The Anchorage was surrounded in a sea of diverted traffic. After Sherry got back, Ro went off with Barnaby, Craig, and Paulette to take in the scene. Mark soon caught up with them after stopping by the bank. There were tons of musicians and other street performers along the sidewalks. The musicians were all very good, but their numbers diluted their impact, and the biggest crowds hovered around the more unique acts. The jugglers, in particular, were a big hit with Ro and Barnaby. Ro briefly (less than 30secs) got lost in the crowd on our way home, eliciting a few crocodile tears.
An early taste of summer crowds on Maunganui Rd
The boys captivated by the fire juggler
We were in line to buy tickets when a couple ladies with some extras gave them to us, freeing us from paying admission. Combined with the free parking, and the gorgeous, warm, mostly sunny weather, things were looking good. Once inside, Mark headed for the merchandise stand to pick up a jersey (which were discounted since it was the last game - Woo Hoo!), while the rest of our group got their faces painted. Barnaby didn't like the way the paint felt on his face and promptly rubbed it off, eliciting whines from Ro who now wanted Sherry to wipe his off, too. Sometimes you just can't win.
In the right place at the right time for free tix
The concession stand has a remarkable way to keep the lines to a minimum: beer comes in six-packs! Mark was duly impressed with their efficient solution. After finding seats near midfield (general admission), Sherry went on a food run to pacify the younglings. She normally avoids greasy stadium food, but the hot chips were some of the best we've had in ages. Ro and Barnaby dug into their sausages on a stick (akin to corn dogs) with gusto, although it was probably not the best choice for Ro, who'd been ripping truly rank ones ever since we were in the car.
Savoring a rare treat: candy floss!
Ro & Mark enjoying the 1st half
Halftime show featuring local Catholic schoolgirls. Not exactly the Raiderettes
The Steamers made it look easy at first, mounting a 24-6 halftime lead despite the absence of their vice captain, newly elected All Black first five-eighth Mike Delaney, who's currently with the All Blacks on their end-of-season tour. Unfortunately, the Steamers took their foot off the gas, and the second half saw Taranaki mount a remarkable comeback. Even so, the Steamers almost prevailed at the end, crossing the goal line as time expired but the ball carrier was held up and prevented from placing the ball on the ground to score the try, so we lost 30-24. Still, it was a fun afternoon, and a perfect day for rugby.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10605384
Ro found Barnaby's Omnitrix more enthralling than BOP's play in the 2nd half
Leaping for a line-out
Ro pointing us out to classmate Ruby
As we were leaving the stadium, Ro and Barnaby darted ahead of us, disappearing into the crowd. Unable to pursue the fleet-footed kids through the throng of fans, we were left hoping they'd stop and wait for us at some point. As Sherry, Craig, and Paulette patrolled their likely exit point from the stadium, Mark went on ahead to the car in case they got swept into the parking lot by the crowd. About halfway to the car, Mark heard Ro call out, "Daddy!" Fortunately, Barnaby was with him. Mark tried not to be too hard on them, since they appeared sufficiently shaken by the experience. "We nearly drowneded!" said Ro, referring to the crowd that surrounded them. Mark didn't have his cell, so he took them on to the car, rolled the windows down and locked them inside with strict instructions to stay put...or else. The initial look of panic on Sherry and Craig's face when Mark returned without the boys quickly changed to relief when they knew the kids were accounted for.
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