Homecoming Done

We had such a great, full day yesterday with the kids at the Clemson game for homecoming. My buddy and old Clemson roommate, Matt, showed up in the heavy rain on Friday evening. He brought his girlfriend, Naura and her son, Dawson (9). Matt's cutie pie girls, Claire and Kylie, also made the trip.

After getting everyone settled, Matt and I stayed up for a while catching up and drinking a few cold ones and watching Colbert Report recordings. Matt and I share alike political leanings, so that was a big topic of our conversations, Obama and what happens now. I think I made it to bed around 1:30am. Which made the 07am wakeup by 5 kids under 11 very LOUD. We made breakfast for all and finally got on the road around 10am, which put us a little later than we wanted into Clemson.

All things said, we still made it in time to park over by the Botanical Gardens, walk into campus, see a couple of floats and make it to our seats in time to catch the run down the hill. Since this was probably my only game this year, it was nice to soak up the spirit, even if the crowd was smaller than normal and a little low-keyed to start. The rain and clouds of the earlier part of the weekend gave way to bright blue and some strong winds. The wind was better than any rain during the game and it turned out to be a great day for football at Clemson. Clemson handidly won this game, almost shutting out Duke, save for 1 respectability touchdown in the 4th quarter.

We found my Dad's name in the sidewalk with the class of 1960 and headed to the cars. We then strolled across campus, including a walk in front of the library just in time to see some teenage boys steal some guys' clothes as they swam in the reflection pond (some weird homecoming ritual that I have forgotten?). That was funny. After the long walk back to the vehicles, we took the 2 cars around to the other side of Clemson to hit the legenedary "roller coaster road". It's a stretch of road behind the local airport that earns it's name. The descents are over 15%, seriously. It's amazing those roads are even legal; but, they sure are fun. There were several cars and minivans with Dads behind the wheels with big smiles of pure joy on their faces. It's cheap fun and the kids had a blast.

We made a couple of souvenir Tiger clothing stops, including the Mr. Knickerbocker's in Greenville so Matt and crew could get the gear they wanted. Matt and Naura hadn't been downtown Greenville, so we headed for the great downtown of G'vegas for some Mellow Mushroom pizza. We got in to MM really quickly and enjoyed some great pizza and 420 pale ale. We then strolled around Falls Park and the Sky Bridge. Some Starbucks afterwards and then we headed home. 2 of the 5 kids fell out before we made it home.

Matt and I played a little guitar and sat up for a short while with the ladies. I think we were all in bed and sound asleep by 11pm. A full day of homecoming fun with friends and family. We had a few grumpy moments for all but for the most part, a great day. I am proud of how the boys behaved and made their guests fell at home. Miles and Dylan both enjoyed their "audience": Miles was with Claire and Dylan was with Dawson. It was fun and LOUD.

On another "family" note: I set up Keller's crate and bed in the corner of the garage on Friday during the heavy rains. He has slept in the garage both nights locked in the crate on the bed. He was so happy to be in and back in his crate. He felt right at home and got in the bed without us having to tell him. Smart dog. Don't worry, the dogloo is still his home during the day! We have no plans to let him roam the garage. Just on cold, wet nights he can now have the luxury of sleeping "inside".

Well, kids are stirring and I need another cup of Sunday coffee.

See ya!