#VFL

Perhaps you remember my last post about the awesomeness of my husband? Turns out, I was speaking the truth even more than I realized. 

I have been to exactly 2 UT games since I graduated from college 10 years ago (11? I can't remember.) Huge shout out to Bobble Cole & Uncle Hughes for providing the tickets for both of those games. 

 You might remember last year where I had to drag his giant helmet around with us?

This year I wore the one semi-orange shirt that I own and we ventured out despite the fact that Max had ear infections and a virus (thankful for Noni for keeping him!) and it was a 70% chance of rain. 

We spent 8 hours on UT Campus and, it is safe to say, Anderson had the time of his life. 

First, we stood right by Brandon as we waited for the Vol Walk to start. We stood there, that is, until Coach Jones walked by, at which point Brandon had to walk with him because I married the coolest guy ever. But, it was ok because the police chief let Anderson stand in front of him to high five the players.  It takes a village, people.

The Vol Walk was a hit, for sure. I mean, is there anything cooler than the Vol Walk?? The atmosphere is so energetic and the giddiness is contagious.

Then we had to kill some time waiting for the band & cheerleaders (Tess was there! It was worth the wait!), so Anderson used up almost all of my phone charge taking selfies.

As we were making our way up to our amazing seats, Brandon called & asked me to meet him by some stairwell because he had a surprise. In a shocking twist, kidding I was totally directionally challenged & it took about 10 minutes to figure out where he was talking about, but it was worth the confusion because he took Anderson INTO THE LOCKER ROOM WHERE THE PLAYERS WERE WARMING UP!!!!

I cannot think of any caption for this other than AAAAGHHH!!!!

Then...THIS.

I will never complain about Brandon's job again. Who needs holidays or weekends, or nights off when you get to take your 4 year old son on the field to see the players?

I love this picture of them. 

I was there, too! Really wishing I had worn an actual orange shirt. 

One day, this will be on the the high school graduation party invitations.

Oh, the players running on the field? You wonder what that looks like? How big are they in real life?

Well, I know a 4 year old who might be able to answer those questions. Again, AAAAGHHHHHH!!!

After living the dream for a few, we made our way to our amazing seats to continue the epic time. I am so grateful to Nicole for letting us use these because they are amazing. For example, they hand out ponchos when it rains and you are totally not prepared and brought your 4 year old in a thin jersey with no jacket. The ponchos also come in handy for protecting the $8 pretzels, so they are a double bonus.

He refused to leave the seat during the game, despite the fact that it was raining, his stomach hurt and I really wanted some nachos. 

We are currently playing a fun game at our house called, "All Anderson wants to do is play football, despite the fact that he is currently on soccer and baseball teams." He actually watched the game and got excited about all of the fun stuff like interceptions, fumbles, touchdowns and field goals, but also wanted to know what down it was, what yard line the ball was on, how much time was left, and had to watch all of the replays. One of the best parts was "Third Down for What" played every Chattanooga third down. I should be so embarrassed to admit that one of Anderson's favorite songs is Turn Down For What, so he got really into chanting with the crowd. In an attempt to protect your view of my parenting, he did also sing  Rocky Top, so we are at least exposing him to a variety of music. 

Also, in one of the cutest things ever, I looked up over at one point and saw him frantically waving. I asked how he was waving to (we had options...Daddy? Tess? the players you just met?) and he said, Bop told me to wave because he is watching on TV. Precious. 

My phone was dead by the time we actually saw Tess, but there she is on the field!!

And there, in all of his cuteness, is my husband. He stood right in front of us during the game :)

An experience like this is truly what creates a Vol For Life!