Hello Kyle Field!

As I entered Kyle Field I tried to remember the last time I was actually there...in the stadium...I think it was at least a good 8 years (maybe more!). I've been back to College Station since graduation and I've been back for tailgating, but I never had a ticket to the football game. I've also seen the Aggies play since I graduated, but it was at UT. So imagine my excitement when my sweet cousin and her hubby called us to invite us to the Auburn game! Whoop! 

Early Saturday morning, Forrest and I dropped Davis off in Buda with my Aunt and Uncle. He was ecstatic to spend the day with the cows, chickens, and Miracle (their horse). We enjoyed our drive to College Station surrounded by the suburbans full of fans decked out in maroon. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, sunny and cool. The game was a great one, so close. Sadly, the last two minutes of the game were not pretty for the Aggies. 

Pregnant girls enjoy their pickles!

There's Johnny!

Gobble Gobble!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Most of it spent with family, eating turkey, and watching football. The rest of our time was spent driving! We started out in Beeville at Forrest's family farm. Davis had a blast playing football outside with his cousins and sitting by the huge fire (yay for the lift on the burn ban)! The next day we were sad to leave, but knew we could not miss out a day (possibly the last) in Aggieland with the Longhorns! With A&M heading to the SEC next year, who knows what's in store for the traditional Thanksgiving UT vs A&M football game. My family set up a great tailgate, pumpkin pie and all! Spence Park is the place to be! We got to see the Aggie Band march (a huge hit for Davis) and we also were close to the Alumni Center (great for bathroom breaks, changing diapers, and of course...pictures with the Aggie ring). Forrest was lucky and had a ticket to the game. Davis and I headed back to the hotel around 7:30pm. I enjoyed a glass of wine and we fell asleep in the 3rd quarter. Pathetic, I realize this, but turned out to be a good thing because I didn't have to endure the last part of the game. My favorite part of the trip was getting up the next morning and walking with Davis around campus. Kelly and Molly happened to be staying at a hotel next to ours, so we ventured out with our strollers. Who else was up at 7am in College Station that morning, no one. We had the sidewalks to ourselves! After a big family breakfast, packing up, and then eating one last time (La Bodega, delicious) we got on the road to Austin. Afterall, what's one more family stop for yet another Thanksgiving meal.

Softly call the Muster

Last night, Forrest and I attended the yearly Aggie Muster here in San Antonio at Aggie Park. Aggies all over the world were also paying their respects for loved ones who have passed away over the past year. We went in honor of a family friend that passed away in February. I felt honored to answer 'here' for him as his name was called and light a candle.

Once you leave the land of traditions, howdies, and humpin' it -- it gives you goose bumps to be back in a room filled with aggies. I was, admittedly, a 2%er, but that doesn't mean I don't love a howdy or two. I love the traditions A&M holds true.

The tradition of Muster began on June 26, 1883. Students gathered to live over again their college days, victories and defeats won and lost on the drill field and in the classroom. Over time, this tradition changed, celebrating different things that had happened over the year. "If there is an A&M man (woman) in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas."

Roll Call for the Absent

In many lands and climes this April Day

Proud sons of Texas A&M unite.

Our loyalty to country, school, we pray,

And seal our pact with bond of common might.

We live again those happy days of yore

On campus, field, in classroom, dorm, at drill.

Fond memory brings a sigh -- but nothing more;

Now we are men and life's a greater thrill,

Before we part and go upon our way,

We pause to honor those we knew so well;

The old familiar faces we miss so much today

Left cherished recollections that time cannot dispel.

Softly call the Muster,

Let comrade answer, "Here!"

Their spirits hover 'round us

As if to bring us cheer!

Mark them present in our hearts.

We'll meet some other day

There is no death, but life eterne

For old friends such as they!