Football Season is Upon Us

I love Fall for so many reasons: the start of a new school year, the leaves changing colors, getting out sweaters and sweatshirts to wear in the chilly weather, fall decorations (especially Halloween decorations), Halloween, Thanksgiving, my birthday, my son's birthday, my husband's birthday, my best friend's birthday, and FOOTBALL SEASON! Growing up, I was definitely not a football fan. One of the reasons was that on Sundays my dad took over the kitchen while he watched the Bears game on the TV with the volume turned down and listened to the game on the radio so he could enjoy commentary by his favorite announcers. My dad loved (and many times hated) the Bears so much that he was very passionate (to put it nicely) while watching the game...I'm sure I could have heard him yelling at the TV even from outside the house. My dad has definitely calmed down over the years, but he continues to love (and hate) the Bears. The other reason I never really liked football was because I just didn't get it. I think it is a very complicated game and I still struggle to follow the game at times. It wasn't until I started attending games and watching them on TV with Jesse that I finally understood the game. Jesse has taught me many things about the game and I've grown to love it. This will be the third year that we have season football tickets at the University of Illinois. I do enjoy the games, but my favorite part about going to the games is tailgating....good food, drinks, games and conversation with friends huddled together under our orange Illini tent is always a good time. Jesse and I hope to continue this tradition long after our children are old enough to join in the fun.

This past weekend we introduced Logan to Fighting Illini football and Memorial Stadium in Champaign. We stood in line outside the stadium for about 20 minutes as we waited to be admitted to the Fan Appreciation event. The entire team (I'm guessing about 50 football players) sat in a long line and we just went on down the line as they each signed our poster and Logan's book (Let's go Illini-a children's book about the Illini football team). Logan even posed for a few pictures with a couple of the star players (too bad he isn't looking at the camera). It was a great start to what we hope to be a great season! GO ILLINI!!!

Logan and Jesse in front of Memorial Stadium

Logan with Juice Williams, Illini starting quarterback and future NFL star?
Logan with Regis Benn, Jesse's favorite Illini wide receiver