One of the main reasons for our trip home was to take a trip to South Bend for the Notre Dame Michigan State game. We were worried for awhile that we might not make a game this year but we are so glad that we were able to make it. In our family, it isn't fall without a trip to South Bend. Thankfully, this year's journey was much more calm than last year's trip in the pouring down rain which turned into flooding in Northwest Indiana. We were blessed with absolutely perfect football weather, fantastic company and waaay too much good food.
Gio loved playing bean bags with the boys. Ok, he really loved taking the bean bags out and standing in the hole but he'll learn eventually!! He is now tall enough to reach any food on any table so we kept the veggies and chips within his reach but moved the cookies and brownies just a tad because I'm pretty sure he had 2 or 3 before 9 am!! He also enjoyed searching through the cold coolers and handing out beverages of choice. Aunt Carrie even put him to work passing out jello shots-thankfully he was not in the least bit interested in trying one of those tempting treats.
Bryan, John-Paul and my cousin Lauren and I enjoyed a walk onto campus, stopping by Bond Hall and the Basilica. We also saw the team walking from mass to the stadium and took a back path to avoid traffic and head back to the tailgate. While walking, I asked Bryan if the Coach walks because it is a long walk for someone with bad knees. Although Bryan didn't know the answer, I received my answer when just about a minute later, a 'bike cop' asked us to move over and we saw Coach Weis in a golf cart going to the stadium. Our favorite part of our encounter was when he waved to us, said hello, and apologized because we had to move out of his way. His coaching decisions some may questions, but his love for Notre Dame...I don't think they well-how classy. We wished him good luck and maybe that's what helped them squeak past Michigan State-we like to think so!!
Although some of our family went into the game, most of us just relaxed and enjoyed the fall weather (and again, more food). I am so grateful for everyone who helped chase after Gio because my bad back was taking its toll on me. My cousin Lauren's youthful energy was essential as she chased him up and down the sidewalk as he ran, ran, ran for what seemed to be hours. His favorite game was throwing his football at complete strangers, expecting them to play "Hut, Hut" with him. A few obliged and thankfully no one was hurt! My mom took him on a walk to the Grotto and I envisioned the two of them playing by the lake watching the ducks but when they returned, I learned that he slept the entire time!! Maybe next year.
Speaking of next year, it is hard to imagine that next fall he will be the big kid at the tailgate!! We are certainly starting to prepare for 'baby brother' and at the same time enjoying this beautiful fall season with our little boy!
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