Tuscaloosa Gameday

I had tickets to the Alabama game Saturday in Tuscaloosa, it was a late game so I didn't really want to take Barrett.  I knew Brittany and I would have a blast.  We had so much fun the two years we were at Alabama together and I was ready to relive the glory days. 

We got there, got parked and headed over to my cousin's house to hang out.  We visited for a while and then headed out to see the sights.  We walked by the stadium and it was almost time for the team to arrive so we waited around to see that.  Then we walked all through sorority row to see the new houses.  (They are huge!)

We made a pit stop in front of Tut to make our picture before they tear it down.  I've made so many memories in that building.  From cheerleading camp to my freshmen year.  I'm sad they're tearing it down. 

We walked back up in front of the quad on our way back to the stadium.  I love Denny Chimes.   There was a big crowd for it to be a cupcake game. 

I was so excited about how good our outfits looked together.  Also this is my accountability partner and she looks amazing.  I'm so proud of how far we've come.  It's been many years since we sat in that stadium together and I'm so thankful that we're still friends.

And I know I include a picture of Matthew every year but I just can't get over how old he is.  He came to my house to tailgate before his first Alabama game when he was just 2 or 3 years old.  Now he's 14 and taller than me. 

We had the best time and I've decided that this is the perfect friend day because you're trapped in the car for at least and hour each way so you get lots of time to catch up.  And then the game is just so much fun anyway.  I'm hoping to get back down for another game this season but I don't know if it'll happen. 

And we won!

Roll Tide!

Football Fun

Unless you've been living under a rock (or you're my friend Kristen who doesn't care about football or keep up with current events) you know that college football started Saturday.  Well actually it started Thursday night but for me it started when my team took the field.  It actually wasn't Barrett's first game because of a little post season game we played in last year called the National Championship. 

Sweet little Barrett was only 2 weeks old when he first cheered on the Tide.

(Oh how I miss that tiny baby)

Here we are 8 months later with sweet Ally Bama.

We went to a friends house to watch the game. (Same place we watch the National Championships).  I'll be honest I didn't watch much of the game but I watched enough to know that we need some work.  It's crazy how the times change.  7 years ago I wouldn't have had one complaint about a 35-10 win. 

With his Granddaddy in their Bama gear.

"Roll Tide!"

When we got home Barrett watched a few downs of Auburn with Daddy.  

My boys.  

It was a fun day but I felt a little "off" all day.  I can't really put my finger on it.  I was texting with my little brother and sister that morning, they were both in Atlanta and going to the game.  I was so excited for them but I felt a little left out.  I watched most of Gameday on ESPN between taking care of Barrett and my weekend chores.  Normally, I'm watching as many games as I can.  Saturday I turned on Texas A&M but I ended up taking a nap.  Things picked up when I got Barrett up from his nap and put him in his cute Bama romper.  I enjoyed getting to hang out with our "tailgate family".  I missed Patrick, he had to work and then he stayed home to watch Auburn.  I was trying to explain to him how I'd felt all day and he kinda summed it up as now football seems so small now.  We both still love it, we love our teams but a baby changes everything.  

And then he promptly jumped up to scream and celebrate with the amount of team spirit that would make any cheerleader jealous.   I guess there are some things that even a baby can't change.

There's nothing like Gameday in T-Town

*I originally wrote this in 2009 as we were embarking on what would be a National Championship season.  It still sums up my feelings toward my team! I hope you enjoy!*

It's a crisp, fall Thursday morning as I walk to class I can't help but hear the coaches show playing over the loud speaker at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Granted this was 6 years ago and the coach was Mike Shula as he was embarking on his first season with the Tide. The season opener was Oklahoma, ESPN Gameday was set up on the quad, and my aunt, uncle and cousin took me to the original Dreamland for a slab of ribs. Life was good. This is how I will always remember my first UA gameday as an official student.

Alabama football has always been a Saturday tradition in our home. My brother's played little league football and my sister and I cheered. I can remember driving to and from the park listening to Eli Gold on the radio. I can remember him describing the ball flying through the air "end over end" and being able to actually picture it (as I had never been to an actual game before). We would rush home in the hope of catching the end on TV. My parents would jump up and down and scream and yell at the TV. I can remember thinking they had to be crazy. I remember my very first Alabama game. My cousin was in school and we went to his apartment that was right behind the stadium. It was so cold and it rained the entire time. We lost and it was miserable! I can remember my second game. I was a senior in high school and we were playing Georgia. This time it was miserably hot! We lost in the last seconds. Maybe you're noticing a trend! I didn't let that get me down!
I tailgated for 5 seasons as a student and there was nothing like it. Waking up (sometimes never actually going to sleep) on Saturday mornings just waiting for the early birds to arrive. They all filed in with their covered dish to correspond with this weeks theme. We would start the day with Gameday on ESPN of course...then watch all the football we could till it was time to head to the stadium. As the game ended and the crowd scattered, our crew always gathered round the bar to eat leftovers and rehash the events of the game. It's a routine that I'll never forget.

The most awesome tailgate house ever! This is where I tailgated (and lived) for 3 years!

Now that I'm an alumni I still go down and I see that same anticipation on my sister and brothers faces when we come thru the door. They are so excited to us and us them.

My brother, sister and cousin last season! They are roommates!

We have a group of about 25-30 people that tailgate with us every week. We have a theme every week and everyone brings a corresponding dish. The first week is usually a traditional tailgate with burgers, ribs, and hot dogs. My favorite is usually the cajun theme. We gather up our chairs outside and watch all the people . We love to inform each other on what all we've heard about the team and make our predictions. Sometimes we walk up to the strip to see what's happening, sometimes we don't! It is so much fun to see how excited everyone is!

This is most of the tailgate crew at the end of the 2006 season. That was the last tailgate at that house

My husband on the other hand is a die hard Auburn fan. I know it's tragic! We are a very serious house divided. He used to come down every weekend to tailgate wearing his Jason Campbell Auburn jersey but it was only to see me! So hopefully I can begin to convert him without him really knowing it! (I"m thinking any attempts to convert this man now are a lost cause)  I mean he did marry into a family where 10 of the 12 grandchildren either graduated from or are currently attending the University of Alabama!

Just for a little reminder!

This is Ally Bama! She wanted to get her picture made on the quad!

 

Here's a list of some of my favortie tailgate posts. 

• Later Gators 2010
• Teaching the Bulldawgs to Behave 2010
• South Carolina
• National Championship Season 

It really is Gameday

VS

It's Thursday and it's gameday in Tuscaloosa.  Feels weird that I'm at work but I am.  I'm not going down tonight for the game.  I didn't want to miss my last boocamp this round.  So I'll be tailgating at home again.  It should be a pretty easy game.  I heard on the radio that this is the first time that a first year program has played a defending National Champion team.  Hopefully some of our young guys get to play.  Then it's focus, focus, focus for the Iron Bowl.  I'm getting nervous just thinking about it. 

Roll Tide Roll!

Gameday Cajun Style

VS

The weather is finally cool and screams football!  As it should the first week of November! I've got my jambalaya ready and I'm excited to get back to football! I don't know about yall but I am refreshed after the off weekend!  I hope my team is too!  It's been a busy day or two in the world of college football.  With the allegations surrounding the Newton camp the Tide hasn't gotten much attention.  Which is fine by me because the more everyone talks about it the more nervous I tend to get!  I think it's going to be a good game.  LSU looked good against Auburn and I think we've got our work cut out for us!  Not to mention Les Miles and all the tricks up his sleeves.  That man scares me, who can be that lucky.  I think skill and smarts will win out over luck and I hope I'm right. 

I'm still not sure what to think of the Newton saga.  I think it's ridiculous that these agents continue to make deals knowing it's against the rules.  I think there should be harsher punishments to the agents themselves.  They don't care what happens to the schools or players.  I think it's ridiculous the schools continue to accept deals knowing it's against the rules and knowing the consequences.  If it's not true I think it's sad that Newton's reputation has been put through the ringer again.  I hate Auburn and I'm not a Cam Newton fan but I hate that his character has been attacked in an article that non-directly accuses him of a crime that has not been proven.  The truth will come out! 

ROll Tide ROll!

Rocky Top

It was a great day of football for the state of Alabama.  Auburn beat LSU to claim their spot as #1 in the latest BCS poll.  Alabama rolled all over east rival Tennessee with a 31 point victory.  Our team finally played well again.  I hope that Tennessee isn't just that bad that we actually looked good.  We had a great little tailgate party at the house.  I made a huge pot of chili and soup and we ate all day long.  I really enjoyed getting to be host and not having an hour drive once the game was over.  I didn't take a lot of pictures.  they are mostly just of the kids.

Ally was guarding her toy box while I was cleaning. 

Dad and Porter watching the game. 

Me, Ava and Porter.  I love these kids so much.

Sweet Harper.  She's a bit of a camera hog! 

He was worn out.  Aren't his little work boots so stinking cute.

Roll Tide!

Alabama 41- Tennessee 10

Third Saturday in October

Which is actually the fourth Saturday in October but no one else seems to be bothered by that and continue to call it the third Saturday so I'm just gonna roll with it.

VS

The Tide is traveling to Knoxville to take on the Vols.  Tennessee has struggled this year.  They almost got beat by UAB, but then a last minute penalty cost them the LSU game.  They are dead last in the SEC East but that doesn't really matter to me.  All that matters is how each team plays today.  We're having a little tailgate party here at the  house.  Chili and Broccoli Cheese soup even though it's going to be 80 degrees outside.  I'm still excited about it.  I'm glad we have the week off next week.  We need it!  Patrick is off today so I'm excited we get to spend some time together...hopefully both of our teams will win! 

RoLL TiDE RoLL!

Gameday Week 7

VS

Another week, another SEC game, another opponent with an off week before they play us.  I know I might be whining just a little but you have to be crazy if you think that off week didn't help South Carolina last week.  I'm not making excuses.  They did everything they had to do to win and we, well, we couldn't catch a break. (Can you tell I'm still not completely over that loss)

I'm so excited two of my friends from RHM are going to be tailgating on the quad.  One of them just had a sweet baby boy and one just got engaged.  I haven't seen them since I got married and I can't wait!  I feel so old and mature meeting old classmates on the quad.  Plus my old roommate Kristen is going down with us.  She isn't a football fan at all but she's going to tailgate and visit so I'm excited to spend the say with her too.

It's Homecoming at the Capstone... (I don't think I mentioned that!)  We thought about trying to make it down in time for the parade but it sucked so bad last year that I think we are going to leave a little later and miss it and hopefully the traffic.  Kick off isn't until 8:10pm.

It's also Matthew's 7th birthday.  We are having cake to celebrate.  He's so excited too!

Roll Tide Roll! 

Later Gators

Can I just say Saturday may have been one of the most perfect days of football ever. They were right the weather was beautiful! And the ballgame was great too.   We had a perfect gator tailgate.  Gator Gumbo, Gator bites, Gator sausage biscuits, "Gator" sticks & "Swamp sauce" (fish sticks and tarter sauce), shrimp, crab cakes and of course vict'ry chicken.  It was all so good! 

The kitchen table (this wasn't even all the food).  We have another table in the dining room where we put all the dips and desserts.  We had spinach & artichoke dip, crab dip, crab & artichoke dip, tuna dip and some others.

Bullet and his foam fingers. 

We saw this sign on our walk to the quad...they were parking cars but you can imagine the jokes. Ha!

 The foam fingers at the game.  I loved seeing the giant foam fingers doing the gator chomp!

 Sister and me at The Houndstooth after the game.

 

Sister, me and Amy at The Houndstooth.

After we went to the strip we came back and all shared the left over banana pudding.

 Best gameday thus far! 

Alabama 31- Florida 6

I am so excited and looking forward to our road trip this weekend to Columbia!  It's going to be a tough road game.  South Carolina had the week off to rest so they're going to be ready to play ball! 

Gameday

VS

We're headed back to T-Town to play our first SEC team at home.  Nervous would be an understatement.   I don't why I'm so nervous.  Florida is ranked #7.  The last time Florida came to Tuscaloosa was in 2005 where we spanked them 31-3.  It was one of the best games of my college years.  I'm so excited to go back to Tuscaloosa , I know it's only been two weeks but I love that place so much this time of year.  The weather is supposed to be perfect.  Dad got some gator sausage and I'm making Spinach and Artichoke dip.

Roll Tide Roll !

Biggest Test Yet

VS

Arkansas is the toughest team the Tide has faced thus far this season.  Everyone wants to beat us.  I'm so nervous.  I've been nervous since last week.  Arkansas is a good team.  But I'm not sure they're as good as they think.  (At least I hope not.)  I actually haven't watched them play much but what I've seen didn't look promising.  They have a great quarterback, he has great numbers but their offense seems very one dimensional.  So if we can stop the passing game and make them run we should be okay.  (At least that's what I heard some guy say on Paul Finebaum and Paul agreed.)  We just need to "Score Early and Often!)  The Hogs are having a "Red Out".  Should be terrifying seeing all those fans in red, Not!  I'm not sure they realize that our guys are used to looking at over 100,000 screaming fans in red at Bryant-Denny.  Or do they realized that Georgia tried the "Black Out" on us and it failed miserably.  I saw a video of the students from Arkansas camping out in tents outside the stadium to get front row seats.  There were over 100 tents lining the road.  It was unreal.  I just feel so helpless when I watch it at home.  I'm having "Hogs in a blanket" for snacks.  Not sure what kind of company we'll have if any for the game and either way I'm just fine!  I'm probably not going to sleep a wink tonight I'm so excited/ nervous!

Roll Tide Roll!

Beat the Hogs!

Game Day

We are heading down to T-Town to watch the tide in their SEC opener! We will be taking on the Arkansas Razorbacks.

VS

The tailgate is pork themed. I'm making hogs {pigs} in a blanket!!! Arkansas has one of the top ranked offenses in the country and Bama has one of the top ranked defenses. It should make for a very good game! Please let the rain hold off! I'm taking my 5 year old niece to sit with me! She is the only Alabama fan in her family of 6! Her mom is a die hard Auburn fan but we've managed to convince Ava that Bama is the right choice. We took her to a game last year and once she got over the shock of all the people she loved it. It didn't take her long to start screaming Roll Tide!

Hey Panthers...

Well we beat FIU...it wasn't pretty but it was a win none the less! Our team didn't look as good as I thought they ought to...but hey what do I know! It was a nice day for football. Everyone kept saying how hot it was and I thought it felt quite nice (well for Alabama anyway!) We had a great tailgate. The food was delish! Here are a few photos from the day.

Celebrating after a touchdown!Me and DadSaban talking to the reporters going into halftime!

Ally in her gameday shirt!

* Also I recently wrote a blog about tailgating and my college days during football season (that can be found here). As I was laying in bed this morning thinking about what I was going to wear to church I remembered that the first game my freshmen year was actually played in Birmingham at Legion Field. So the Oklahoma game was actually my second game as a student but the first in Tuscaloosa!