Keely Sees the Tigers

Since the beginning of football season, Keely has been asking to go to a Clemson game. Of course, we love her enthusiasm and want to encourage it, but it is just not realistic to drive up there every weekend with two little ones and gas prices the way they are. But we had decided we would get her up there for a game at some point this season since she enjoyed it so much last year, and seems to enjoy football in general.

This past weekend was the big day. Doug got some tickets and a parking pass through a family at the school who wasn't going (after all it was South Carolina State). We didn't even tell her until Friday night driving to Columbia she was going because I knew she would be too excited. I was right. She didn't want to go to sleep that night. And got up at 6 AM the next morning ready to go. When I got her up in the morning she informed me, "Mommy I didn't sleep last night." I am not sure how true that was, but she was pretty tired. But we got all decked out, grabbed the Suits family and headed up the road. She didn't understand why we couldn't go see the football players as soon as we got there. (It was still 2.5 hours until game time.) But she made it through the tailgating party and had a blast once we got inside the stadium. She did great! Cheering when it was time, jumping during kick offs, pausing for the "o," and yelling tackle on defense. The only bad part is I am not sure she will ever settle for one of our high school games again. It just doesn't seem to be quite as thrilling!

Here are some of the highlights from the day:

Caca got to ride in "Caca's Seat" (which I learned was any empty seat next to Keely) on the way up to the game and they had "Nany time" together.
Throwing the football with Daddy and Uncle Wally while we were waiting to go see the football players. She didn't even eat that much food because all she cared about was going into the game.We got Tiger Paws painted on our faces. If you can't see them in the picture, that is ok just look at our cheeks. We forgot sunscreen and have nice white paws on our faces still!! Nothing like a little team spirit.The cheerleaders and the band walked right passed where we were parked so she got to see them up close and personal. These two cheerleaders were kind enough to make Keely's dream come true. They talked to her and took a picture with her. She couldn't believe it. When we walked over, Keely said, "Mommy those are real cheerleaders." Then when they were leaving, she really impressed them by asking, "So where are the football players." The were amazed to see she knew what it was all about.She looks scared in this picture, but she actually was so proud she got the meet the Tiger and give him a high five. She is still telling everyone that as the highlight of her trip.After meeting the cheerleaders, Walker helped her be a cheerleader. This is one of their stunts. She got some real height. And I wish you could see her face. She loved it.I guess all the excitement (and lack of sleep) finally caught up with her because she fell asleep in my lap at halftime and slept through the entire 3rd quarter...canons and all. It was a great day, one that will be remembered for a long time.