Monday, November 17, 2008

The Big Reveal

Sunday November 16th, 2008 will go down in history as Travis and Tanner's very first Bengals game. That was my big surprise. Since my tailgating days may be limited once Miss Mia comes home, I decided I wanted to take my nephews along for our traditional once yearly game.

The day was a cold one. And it started out a little wet from some snow flurries. But it was good football weather. For Ohio. We snapped a quick pic of the team taking the field.
But before heading over to the game, my crew taught the boys the fine art of tailgating. The first lesson is how to properly hang out in a parking lot. Tanner caught on immediately.
Next was eating. Lots of eating. Oh and drinking. But the boys stuck with soda.
Then, of course, it was time for cornhole, cornhole and more cornhole.
Check out the old school bus in the background painted orange with black tiger stripes. Now that's cool. The boys loved all the crazy team spirit they were witness to.
Travis has a good pitch but the guys let him take a few extra steps up since his arms are shorter than theirs. Notice the scoreboards, Tracy? (I had to rig them up for the parking lot. Not everyone can play on sandy beaches. LOL! Pretty inventive, wouldn't you say?) Although Craig committed a huge cornhole foul here by placing his beer on the board instead of in the handy dandy cup holder. And yes, that's a Bengals fan canoodling with her boyfriend who is an Eagles fan. Proof that love can overcome all obstacles, I guess.
Tanner giving a huge effort on the toss as evidenced by the look on his face.
Trisha is due to give birth in January. To TWINS! Now this girl is a trooper. And no I didn't hurt my hand as everyone kept asking throughout the day. That is a heated arthritis wrap thing. I wore one on both hands. Also had one of these on my back. And I hooked up both of the boys with their own, too. I'm no rookie tailgater. You gotta stay warm any way you can.
I had to snap this pic. Travis was totally chillin', watching the game, just munching down on that soft pretzel.
In spite of some initial complaints of their freezing feet, the boys really had a good time. And thankfully, the Bengals didn't lose the game. Well, they didn't win either. In fact, it was a tie. A very rare thing in NFL football. Leave it to the bumblings of our hometown team to pull that one off. But these days being a fan means just appreciating when you don't have to suffer thru another loss. Yes our expectations are low. LOL!
Oh and for all my Georgia blog mamas who think it's overkill for me to bring a cooler full of jello shots to our 3 day sleepovers..... this is pre-game.
And this is post-game. Now maybe you'll understand why it's just a reflex action for me to make so many. LOL!
PS. Don't worry. The 11 year old drove us home. Kidding, people.... kidding. He only steered. The 8 yr old laid on the floor to push the gas and brake pedals. I mean.. c'mon. It's not like he's tall enough to reach them himself. LOL!

25 comments:

A Beautiful Mess said...

You are the BEST aunt ever:)

Looks like lots of fun!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

SERIOUSLY...AUNT OF THE YEAR!!!

Looks like you had a great time....and the jello shots....OMG...I knew I liked you!! I have to refer you to one of my posts this summer....if you have a minute, check it out!

http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/2008/08/party-pictures.html

We go to this concert every year and my sole job is to provide the party with jello shots.

You are a trip....I always look forward to your posts!!

Have a great week!

Lisa

Robin said...

You are true bengals fan if I ever saw one.. LOL. :0)

a Tonggu Momma said...

I needed that laugh tonight, K. Your comments about the nephews driving definitely did the trick. Thanks!

Kayce said...

Dang you are the best aunt ever!! I was thinking something like 50 bucks ind free reign in the arcade. You rock, jello-shots and all. ;)

Michelle said...

Mmmmmmmm......jello shots. It has been a very long time since I had one of those. I might have to remedy that. Soon :)

Looks like so much fun!

Catherine said...

What a GREAT day!! Way to go Auntie K!! Fun times all round and so many great memories for your boys. Fun!

OziMum said...

OMG! That's alotta jello shots... then not so many!!!

What an awesome Auntie you are?!!

It looks so chilly!! gave me goosebumps (I was sweating, previous to reading your post!)

Diana said...

LOL
Loved the last part:)
Looks like a FUN cold day! We need to take our kids to a game and do the whole tailgating thing..brings back A LOT of memories:)
You are a GREAT Aunt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pug Mama said...

Looks like so much fun!! The jello shots had me dieing!!!

t~ said...

F.U.N.

Love your P.S....that's even funnier.

Middle-Aged Moi said...

Looks like fun. Don't feel bad about your 11 year old nephew driving home. My daughter does it all the time and she's 10. ;-)

Carla said...

ROFL!!! The driving comment, LOL, classic.

I'm glad they had a good time, even if their unprepared parents sent them off without enough clothing. Apparently, we are not experienced tailgaters.

And yes, Tanner got some new shoes.

Abby said...

hahaha.... I found out the other day that everyone in my combined 5th/6th grade class has driven a car or truck at least once. EVERY. SINGLE. KID.


These are the same kids who can't spell the word "Wednesday."

Kim said...

Okay.. you are the BEST AUNT.. and will be far a WONDERFUL Mommy..
Love the pictures.. and the jello shots crack me up..
Have a Great Week..

Abby's Mom said...

Fun pictures! Bet your nephews are loving having such a cool Aunt :)

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

I just saw your comment.....

Believe it or not, that little dress came from Target.....they had them in brown and cream....I fell in love with it the second I saw it!!

Have a good night!

Lisa

kitchu said...

man i am totally missing out on this cornhole thing, never done it! looks like you guys had a blast!! you are so stinking beautiful woman and your nephews are adorable!

Elisa...life as we know it. said...

Freezing your ass off..now that's a true fan...although I am sure the alcohol in the jello shots kept you warm a bit!

Liene said...

You are a kick ass aunt. How the heck was it a tie??? Don't they play overtime until someone gets the points to win???

I'm so thankful the Indianapolis Colts play indoors!!! I can handle a few hours of tailgating outside but tailgating and a game? No way!

So are you going to make that many jello shots for the next bloggy bash?? If so the only thing I request is I'd like some blue ones :-)

P.S. I laughed so hard at who did the driving.

C's Mom said...

No shite...only a serious fan is willing to freeze their arse. Heh, you've been to many more games than I have and I live here LOL. They have to bribe me with corporate box payola to get me there!

C's Mom said...

Does look like you guys all had fun...whew...that's a lot of jello shots.

Kristy said...

You are a Great Aunt!!! I love FOOTBALL , love Tailgaiting, and love fooball weather!!!

Love, K

Michal said...

This looks like so much fun! You really have turned tailgating into a true art form! I love the pics of you and the nephews. You realyl are a great Aunt, I mean, letting them drive?!?!?! Come on that's awesome! I might have to give Ev a shot at that this week.

cougchick said...

Seriously. That looks like one successful tailgate!
So glad to hear you got those boys learning to drive early. Good job Auntie!!!