BCS National Championship Game

James and I had talked about going to the BCS National Championship Game here and there throughout the season if Texas made it. We wanted to go back in 2006, but didn't want to fork out so much money to watch us lose. After that, we totally regretted not going; and it was kind of eating at us ever since. So, with every victory this season, we kept talking about it more and more. We looked into the tickets and air fare for a few months. We actually bought our airline tickets during a Southwest sale long before we had game tickets. We tried all sorts of ways to get cheaper tickets, but finally we bought them online through StubHub.

We really wanted to go the game, but the clincher was that we would be able to visit my family in Los Angeles. We have always talked about making the trip to the West coast, but this would work out perfect! So, even if we lost, the trip wouldn't be a complete waste!

Anyhow, we flew out in the morning. Our Southwest flight was like 75% burnt orange. There were lots of Longhorn cheering; and we even sang "The Eyes of Texas" when we landed. It was one of the more spirited flights I have ever been on that's for sure! Ha ha! And our little Longhorn was awesome on the plane! He played and slept most of the way (scheduling our flight around naptime = good). He's such a good traveller for Daddy and Mommy!

My cousin, Duc, was so sweet to pick us up at the airport and took us to his home where we relaxed and chilled before we had to leave for the game. Andrew fell right back into step with Duc totally at ease with him and totally playing with him (which helped Mommy's anxiety about leaving Andrew with Duc and his family during the game). He so loves him some Uncle Duc!

Before we knew it, it was time for Duc to take us to Old Pasadena Town where we could take a shuttle to the game. Everything went really smoothly; and we arrived at the Rose Bowl with no problems. The atmosphere was unbelieveable and nothing we have ever experienced before. We walked around the stadium for a bit and even caught a glimpse of the Horns in one of the tunnels.

We found our seats in the end zone and took everything in. It really was a magical night. The weather was perfect! We talked to lots of people close to us including a couple who was friends with one of my former coworkers. What a small world! The pregame festivities were awesome including parachuters floating onto the field and fighter jets flying overhead.

After the half, Will texted us to come join him, Jill, and David at their seats on the 20 yard line. It was great to see them. Friendly faces always helps things! We even had some celebrity sightings including Sheryl Crow, Taylor Hicks, Robert Horry, and Chris Fowler. It was totally cool!

After the game ended, we met up with John and his friend, Dave. We took the shuttle back to Old Pasadena Town to grab a late bite to eat at a burger place called Jake's. Delicious! It was getting pretty late so Duc came to pick us back up and took us back to his house. He told us that Andrew was fine the whole night. He only asked for us a few times, but never cried. Duc also said that Andrew had lots of fun playing with all his second cousins. And he fell asleep with no problems. What a relief that was to Mommy and Daddy to hear that!

Yes, the game could have ended a lot better than it did. And yes, I wish so many things could have been different that night, but oh well, that's life...or football! I know we could have won that game! And we still had a great time at the game. It was still a great experience; and all in all, we are glad we went. I am still so very proud of our Longhorns.

Thanks to Duc and all of his family for watching Andrew and making it possible for us to go to the game.


**Note: I have added two pictures from the post-game activities when we went to eat with Uncle Johnny. Thanks for sharing them, John!