We got a pretty amazing opportunity two weeks ago to go with my parents to Columbus for an Ohio State game. Now, that might seem weird b/c neither of us went there or would typically cheer for them, but my Dad had won a charity thing that got him tickets, hotels, and passes for the field and invited us I think because my lifelong friend lives there! Score for us!
We totally lucked out in that Aunt Michelle flew in to help us watch the kids and stayed a bit longer to hang with us. And we got an amazing 48 hours away. We crammed a lot into those hours, including 12 hours of driving there and back, some pretty great sleep, some really great meals, and an amazing football game and tailgate. Woohoo.
Driving 12 hours total isn't ideal, but it was actually fine. It's amazing how you actually get to have real conversations without children in the car and Disney movies playing in your ear. We played DJ and had random conversations, and I enjoyed that.
When we got in we went out to dinner with Kaitlyn, Dan, and my parents in a really cool area of town. Short North is totally my fave. Such a fun area with lots of bars, restaurants, and stores. We loved it so much we went back for lunch the next day. But not until we slept in, worked out, and had a leisurely morning of not having to make kid breakfasts.
After that, we got ourselves to the stadium where Dan had gotten us into the official Ohio St tailgate. It was really cool - they had performances, and these really cool backgrounds.
One of my favorites pics - we all look so happy
With Kaitlyn and Dan
We didn't stay too long though because we had a date on the field.
This was a really cool view. One because Ohio State's stadium is so big it was awesome to be at the center of it. Plus, the players literally warm up 3 ft away and we had balls flying over our heads. We were standing with family members and recruits. I found the recruits the most interesting part - and still giggle about the one my dad pointed out with one really bright orange shoe and one really bright blue shoe. We stayed there until the players had run out and fireworks burst over our head, and then quickly headed to our seats on the 50 yard line!
The game was a good one though we only stayed through halftime. We stayed to check out "the best damn band in the land" as my parents' friends put it. They were indeed very good, but it was a blowout, unexpectedly, and so we took the first two quarters of excitement and then went to the restaurant next to our hotel for some food since the night was getting colder. Was a great way to finish watching the game, and not have to fight for cabs.
Mark's highlight was probably this photo, which garnered us some "hey!'s" from a few nearby...though all saw the humor in it. Mark got a picture in his Spartans shirt on the Ohio State field!
Here's Brutus who was constantly within 5 ft of us. I probably could have gotten a picture, but I'm not a superfan so didn't.
And one last one with the band in the background.
Amazing trip - so great to see Kaitlyn and Dan and get some one-on-one time with my parents. We had a great time...one I'm unlikely to forget :).
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