Down on the Bayou

After a fast and furious trip to Grapevine with the girls (I left out the part where we had amazing food at The Cheesecake Factory and I shattered my iPhone that was a whole 33 days old), it was back to the grind for a few days. BUT, thanks to a sweet family friend, Tonto and I had another trip looming.

This time we headed to the bayou. Or, more precisely, Death Valley. Yep, our first trip to Tiger Stadium. Or, as I like to call it, HOME.

Mike and I became quick friends.

And we were adopted into an amazing tailgate (they had their own emcee, y'all!) where we hung out, watched College GameDay, ate some amazing food and even hid from the rain at times.

Gotta love a Huey P. Long reference. :-)

Our first glimpse.

We also hit the Tiger Walk but there was no tiger to be found. Mike VI is apparently quite a moody fella and, well, if he's not in the mood to socialize...he does not socialize. 

Our first glimpse at what would become the most mind blowing tailgate experience of our lives.

Another view of the promised land...

...and Tonto playing washers...

...before we headed to Victory Hill for the big show.

This sweet girl became our personal tour guide. She was so awesome, friends. Words do not do it justice.

Yep. Bomb. Sniffing. Dogs. Somewhat disconcerting...

...but all was forgotten when I got my first glimpse of ol' Les...

...and his suit-clad players. :-)

Once the players were sufficiently secured in the locker room, it was time for a little Tiger spirit...

...and Tonto's fav part of the experience...

...and the color guard girls...

...and the Golden Band from Tigerland...

...and more law enforcement.

After a downpour of rain - thanks for the shield, tailgate friends - we met up with our pals and got a first glimpse at the hallowed ground.

There were fireworks. ON. THE. FIELD.

And the game - with the Aggies as opponents - could not have played out more beautifully. In my personal opinion anyway.

After a super fun halftime performance...

...and a bit of third quarter action, we decided to head to the truck and thaw out. It was sooooo cold, y'all.

But not before catching a last glimpse...

...and being so thankful to have had the experience.

We spent that night with my grandmother and she spoiled us with homemade spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread and blueberry yum yum. There is NOTHING like going home. No comparison. :-)