war eagle!

When it comes to college football season, I guess we're a "house divided." Craig went to Auburn and worked for the football team, and I went to Georgia. But we're good at sharing, even though we usually end up in Athens for GA football games because we have more friends there. Last weekend was the one trip to Auburn for the 2009 season.

Wake up call on Saturday morning was 6:15..... not my favorite thing about the day, to say the least. We convinced our friend Hunter to join us since Georgia was playing in Arkansas and he wasn't making that road trip. (Did anyone?) The Auburn group tailgates in a great shady spot by the Amphitheater, which is right across from the stadium. One funny thing I saw that morning that would never fly in Athens -- people reserve parking spots all around campus... with lawn chairs! Are you kidding me? I was tempted to move them so we could have a decent parking spot just because I thought that was so ridiculous.

In between rainstorms, we had a great day of tailgating and watching football on the 2 tvs the boys brought. Once game time rolled around, Craig, Hunter and I headed downtown to watch both the Auburn and Georgia games on tv since we didn't have tickets. Best decision of the day! As soon as we got to the car to drive downtown, the Heavens opened up and let out every bit of rain there could possibly be. Within about 15 minutes, main roads downtown were being blocked off by cops and there was nothing to do but drive in circles until we could find a parking spot. I was just happy to be in a car and not crammed into the tunnels of the stadium -- the game was delayed over an hour because of the downpour!

Georgia beat Arkansas (and Cox threw 5 touchdowns, which was unbelievable) and Auburn beat West Virginia. It was fun to be back in Craig's old college town for a night. It was a fun day with fun friends and exciting football!


the amphitheater at auburn


craig and me at the auburn/wvu tailgate
he's modeling dad's vintage auburn hat


my dates for the day

Fall has finally arrived!

Last weekend was quite a whirlwind... first football game in Athens, the Center's annual fundraising gala, and Andrew's high school buddy's pro football game against the Falcons here in Atlanta. Needless to say, I'm still pretty exhausted. :)

Athens is one of my most favorite places, especially in the fall -- because that means football season! Georgia played South Carolina, and while I didn't get to stay in town for the actual game, it was a fun, quick trip back to my old stomping ground. We're fortunate to have a friend's sister who is still in school there, so we even have a wonderful, free home to stay in every time we head to Athens. Thanks, Jaime!

Saturday morning, we were up bright and early... but while everyone else was gearing up for the game, I headed back to Atlanta to help prepare for String Fling, the Center's annual fundraiser. The gala was held at the JW Marriott and despite the 11 hours spent working the event, it was a good night! "Reach for the Stars" was the theme and the evening was filled with silent and live auctions, a delicious filet and fish dinner, a mini-puppet show, and great company. We're still waiting to hear the final numbers, but I think it was a pretty successful event! (I'm just thankful it only happens once a year!)

Sunday was spent at the GA Dome watching the Falcons/Dolphins game. Andrew's high school friend, Chris Clemons, just got drafted to the Miami Dolphins, so dad generously gave us tickets to see one of his first games as a pro football player. We had great seats, but we never got to see him play! Unfortunately, he wasn't able to dress out for that particular game, so we had to settle for watching him watch the game from the sidelines. It was still a fun day with Drew and Lauren (even though it took almost an hour to find a parking spot). Thanks for the tickets, dad!


Family photo -- back in Athens


our wonderful hostess for the fall


out with some of my coworkers after String Fling
Elizabeth, me, Hilary and Kathryn


Tater tots! We felt like we deserved some fried goodness after a long day and night of String Fling


Drew and Lauren at the Falcons/Dolphins game


I was just a little out of place in Dolphins colors

family, friends, food & football... labor day weekend at home in florida

For the first time since Christmas, Craig and I took a short trip home to Arcadia to visit my parents and just hang out at home for the weekend over Labor Day. It was so nice to be home, even if it was just for a couple days. Nicole and her boys, Caleb (4.5 yrs) and Brady (3 yrs), came over on Saturday morning to swim in the pool and visit for a couple hours. Those couple hours consisted of playing water taxi for the boys, seeing who could splash the biggest, pushing each other on the tiny old tractor, and messing with crabby Brady. It was a great start to the weekend. Those boys are absolutely adorable -- but man, were we tired after just two hours in the pool! haha - I don't know how you do it all day, Nicole!

The day continued by positioning ourselves on the couch to watch the Dawgs play their opening game of the season. Sadly, we lost to Oklahoma, but at least it was to a top 10 team. We only left the couch to eat dinner, which was a yummy homemade meal of country fried steak and all the fixins. Ah.... there's nothing like a home cooked meal!

Sunday afternoon was spent reading magazines and listening to Buffett by the pool...wish we could do that more often! We had a lovely weekend. It was a nice refresher before the fall frenzy that is football season!


brady, nicole's youngest boy, at home in our pool

they found andrew's almost 20-yr-old tractor and had a field day!


nicole and me... best friends since 1st grade


ah...boys


it's so nice to go home!