500 in DKR

Saturday's game was the 500th game played in DKR stadium here in Austin. It also marked our last home game of our 1st season with the Longhorns. The season flew by. Usually, by now, I'm ready for football season to be over. I'm ready for life to return to "normal", but this season has been so much fun, and we missed the first month of the season while the girls and I were living in Tulsa, so, I'm not ready for it to be over. 

Thankfully, we have a game on Friday, and a bowl game sometime in December. So, the season isn't over yet. 

We headed out to tailgate before the game. The girls were excited to play and see their friends again... and to eat, because the food is always delicious. 

The tailgate spot is in the best location. There's always a band playing on that stage in the distance. The girls also love running on the hill and climbing the trees. 

Sweet little friends. 

Gretchen spent most of her tailgate time in this tree. 

We headed to the field early. Nana was with us, so we wanted to be sure we could show her everything and have plenty of time to enjoy before kick off. 

Our first stop on the field is always to see Bevo. 

And then we head over to the cheerleaders. 

We got there so early, that they weren't practicing yet, so the girls danced and tumbled. 

Maybe one day, they'll be cheering on this field. 

We took some pictures too :) 

Can you spy our little photobomber?

And, can you spy her again?

The little girls go inside to babysitting, so before we took them upstairs, we took Nana to see the golden hat from the Red River Showdown. 

When we went upstairs, the end of the OSU/West Virginia game was playing. While we have never been OSU fans, we needed them to beat West Virginia, so we would have a chance at the conference championship game. OSU pulled ahead, so we had pistols firing. If we can win this weekend, then I'm thinking we have a shot at the championship game next week. 

Crossing all my fingers and toes. 

We made it to our seats to watch the band and enjoy senior night. 

Now, I don't know the seniors on the team, but it's always a little bittersweet to watch the players take the field for their last home game. My heart always aches for them, and swells when you see the smile on their faces, and them embracing their families. 

During the 2nd quarter, we went inside to DJ's office to show Nana the inner workings of what he does. Three of the screens show his cameras and the top left shows the televised game. 

In the 4th quarter, Living on a Prayer played, and thousands of fans had their cell phones out, which was the coolest scene ever. 

This girl just read a Harry Potter book during the game. 

We beat Iowa State and celebrated on the field after the game. 

The girls school counselor played in UT's band when she was in college, and on this game day, they had the alumni band back. We ran in to her on the field! 

After the game, the band always comes on to the field, and we found ourselves right in the middle of the tuba players. The girls went over and talked and explored the tuba's for several minutes, and the band members were so sweet. 

Then we enjoyed a spectacular fire work show. 

It was 11 pm, but these girls were still hanging on. 

Happy 500th game DKR. 

We can't wait to see you again next year for 501.