Could you name it anything else? A few years ago when looking at the football schedules, we realize Army (West Point) would be coming to the big house to play Michigan in Sept 2019. Who knew what our live would look like than, but we knew we would regret it if we didn't go -
ALL OF US
Somehow we managed to make 'all of us' include my folks too! Thrilled to appreciate they would come, now where to stay? My uncle is a saint!
What does packing look like for the ROTC Michigan Girl. I think I nailed is. I flew out to Houston for work leaving Chris to fly with the boys as my folks went early to enjoy life at the lake before it got hectic.
We all landed in Detroit on Thursday night. Chris was on the same flight with Rib, Waylan and Madelyn as Heidi was flying in from Chicago. My dad drove in with Uncle Russ as he loves a good airport pick up orchestration. It was late before we all made it home and to bed. I cannot believe we are all in the same beautiful home!
Friday morning - lets go explore the campus. First up, North Campus. Love that one of the many aspects of 'proof I graduated' still hangs on the walls of the Chemical Engineering department.
Commence I remember when.... as we observe the clock tower that was built while I was attending school.
Love the touch of the engineered swings
We moved on from here to fins a spot right in front of South Quad allowing us to walk to good time charlies for lunch. There we met Shane and Nicole and later uncle Russ and Raela. The food was as remembered especially the Count Twists and Georgia Rubens. May I never forget that on my dad's diet he had a Cesar salad and didn't eat a single crouton! I almost gulped them down, but rather thought better and left them for trash - amazing dad!
How I do'nt have a photo on the Michigan M, at Steve and Berries where Nicole patiently waited for me, or running into cheerleader Dan and Nick Offredi, I have no idea. The beer at Ashley's was delicious -
From there we linked with Shane and Vito for a game of Euchre, minor help in setting up and purchasing as Shane almost insisted in doing it all. Delicious dinner at a Shane and Vito favorite by the water with ducks. Nick was a sport and joined us for the night.
Now for Saturday. Early chilly morning - here is the first wave in the VERY large car my father relished in renting.
Find the only green tent along the green and there you will find the greatest tailgate.
Yes, along the golf course with plenty of games to play
Football included. Cool to see my kiddos playing with a crew they were meeting for the first time. Yes, it was chilly but your won't know by looking at Shane and Drew.
Here is the tailgate - Heidi orchestrates year after year and this year we were ALL thankful to be there!
Thankful my folks got to experience this weekend and the tailgate on their terms (AKA, going to the lake whenever they want to 'get out')
If I do Christmas Cards this year - this one is in the running
Kids - lines up for a brief moment.
IN a round about way, Joe Oderizzi should take a slice of credit for Chris Leadbetter being the man in my life =) never had us all in one frame together - to include photo bomb from Heidi!
Some say we may have missed the pre-game fly over. I would say we got it
Almost inside
It should be a tradition to capture the Shanes.
I always want to remember Nick telling me how he kept his head down until he walked into the stadium and than looked up to be in awe of how huge is really is. The sounds, the numbers. its an experience
The stands were packed, yet it will never cease to amaze me how the Army people find each other. Here is Chris and Matt Rogers. Neither knew each other was here. and yet....
We were surrounded by Army fans - which was rather nice. One was a mom of a player (and 4 other boys #mynewhero)
Another Christmas Card Candidate in my book
Lots of glow here
Kept snapping photos!
A little series history?
So Michigan had to tie up the series right? The game was awesome. Double overtime and Army played great! WE all would have loved a win for the Black nights but somehow Michigan stayed alive.
Lets hope tradition of the game continues - similar to this tradition right here.
With a noon game there was time for tailgating and catching up after. Than home to the lake. We took a BEAUTIFUL pontoon cruise that needed with the boys launching off an island neighbors rope swim. Would love to put it together onto a You Tube video and link. Some day right? Until kids - remind me to show you. Nick took the first leap, Shane never really held on all the way through and Drew spent more time getting encouraged until finally launching.
waking up to this every morning is my idea of paradise.
Shane was in fluffy dog heaven with these girls.
The weekend was perfect in every way. Family, Football and fun. I hope it is forever etched in our hearts and minds!
