Are You Ready For Some Football?!!

Well, here is another installment of Daddy’s actual authoring a section of the blog. I think it’s important for Ashton and Landry to know, from me, how much I enjoy this time of year. More importantly, how much joy it brings me to see that Ashton enjoys it as well. I’m hoping that this time next year Landry will be showing the same enthusiasm, but if not, that’s o.k. too!!

Football season is the greatest season for me. I’ve loved watching football since I was a little boy with my Dad. Whether it is college or pro, doesn’t matter, just give me some good ol’ head banging!! Ashton was introduced to my love for the ‘Noles right out of the womb. She had a Little Noles t-shirt that I got for her that would fit for her first football season. Landry got the same treatment…Daddy had her a Noles shirt to proudly wear too! They, of course, at a few months old didn’t realize what they were wearing, but as they grow older, they can look at those pictures and know that their Daddy got those shirts for them.

This year, like all others, got started with anticipation and excitement. We spend a good part of Saturday mornings watching College Gameday on ESPN…Ashton will stop from time to time to see what is happening, and on occasion will bring pom poms in to cheer with the Gameday crew! This first Saturday was a great one…The Alabama Crimson Tide (Papo the Great’s Alma Mater, and Uncle Todd’s current school) kicked off the college season. Ashton was so excited and couldn’t wait for the game. Of course, she didn’t get to watch much of it because it was a night game, but she sure woke up wanting to know who won! Thankfully the ‘Tide won, so Ashton was ecstatic!

Fast forward to this past Sunday; the first Sunday of the NFL season!!! Sundays are action packed in our house. We are lifelong members of the NFL Sunday Ticket subscription on Direct TV, so Sundays are dedicated to watching as much football as eyes can possibly see! We also make Sundays a “fun” food day. We stock up on a theme food for the week and just chow down all day. In fact, by the time suppertime rolls around, we’re all too stuffed to even think about having a “real” supper!

Saturday night was so funny; Ashton was so cute…she was so giddy, she could hardly sleep! She kept talking about football starting and the Cowboys playing. Erin made her a Cowboys shirt two seasons ago that still fits, she could not wait to wear it!!! This girl is the best cheerer you can imagine. She will absolutely scream for the Cowboys. She knows by jersey number: Romo, T.O., MB III (Marion Barber III), and T-NEW (Terrance Newman). It is so cute!! She runs all over the house cheering for the ‘Boys!

Lastly, we do a Pro Pick ‘Em league with my family every year called the “Football Frenzy”. This started when we lived in Colorado and it has become a tradition now. Uncle Jeff has built a website with a weekly pep talk, pictures, and overall trash talk to host our “Frenzy”. It’s the grown ups responsibilities to go onto the site at some point during the week and make their picks for the games. Ashton always hears Mommy and Daddy talking about “who did you pick”, so last year she decided that she wanted to pick too. So, her most anticipated moment every Sunday morning is when Uncle Jeff sends out the picks via spreadsheet to everyone so we can follow along with the standings as the games go on. Once we get the spreadsheet I make a column for her and let her pick the games. Now, here’s the laugher…she is usually towards the top of the bunch!!! She gets such a kick out of this. And, of course, when she beats Mommy and Daddy (usually Daddy for sure!), she really rubs it in!

Daddy reading the games to Ashton so she can make her picks for the week
Daddy and his Football Chick after her picks have been made
Us girls in our "gear"...Landry doesn't have a shirt yet so she is wearing Cowboy colors
Daddy and his Cowboy Chicks
Landry is sporting her love of the Chiefs with Ashton's football

I’m so thankful that Ashton enjoys this time of year right now. I hope that it is something that we can all continue to enjoy together. After all, with so many girls, and only me, I need a break from all the dance recitals!!!!!