Cotton Bowl 2025

It's been a long time, maybe I'll have some time to catch up in over a year of blog posts. I don't really write this blog for me anymore, but for our daughters and generations to come, and maybe a spare person who remembers that it still exists. 

Football season of 2024 was a good one- Texas was in the CFB playoffs and in January we headed to the Cotton Bowl to play Ohio State. But, I had already had time off work, and planned to go up closer to the game, and Gretchen had an award ceremony at school that she didn't want to miss. Top that off with a snow storm and we weren't even sure we'd be able to make it. DJ and the team left a day ahead of schedule to beat the storm. 

One of the events the Cotton Bowl had for families was a hat making bar, and since we weren't there- DJ facetimed us and got all of us hats made. 

The girls had their initials branded on to the back of their hats. 

Friday morning was game day. We started off the day with Gretchen's award ceremony at school. 

They served breakfast tacos

and she got her award. 

A quick picture and we were back home to pick up the other girls. 

Megan had her hair in heatless curls and was ready to go. 

We made it in time to freshen up, take some pictures, and catch the bus to the game. 

This one wasn't feeling great, but she ended up rallying and made it. 

A quick selfie before leaving. 

We were treated to a pregame party area that was field level before the game- look at these treats!!! 

We managed to have time for a quick family photo before kick off- which was a miracle because DJ was scrambling to fix something on the sidelines. 

Our Minister of Culture...

Pete's dog. 

We made it to our seats! 

Let the game begin!!! 

The goodyear blimp flying around the stadium. 

Tears from this girl, because she was cheering hard for our boys, but the game was a tough one. 

And Gretchen's dance teacher was there performing with the Kilgore Rangerettes so it was exciting to see her!!

 

Peach Bowl Game day

We woke up on New Years day ready for some football!!

A little OOTD with my littlest (but biggest) fan. 

We walked over to the stadium- family picture time of course. 

And one pic with Nana

The girls in front of the Eagles before heading in. 

DJ came to see us for a quick pregame pic, hug, and best wishes before the game started. 

One of my support staff wife friends was there and we had to meet and say hi!!! 

Then we were ready for the game and to take on Arizona State.

This poor girl got a migraine half way through the game but she was a trooper. 

It helped that Scout was there to keep her occupied! 

If you squint and look through the bleachers, you can see DJ in his black sweatshirt on the sidelines! 

This game was tough!! We ended up winning in overtime and felt all of the emotions. 

The girls weren't able to go on the field after the win, but DJ and I facetimed them! 

Winning confetti! 

Champions. 

A winning video staff. 

DJ ran up to see his girls since they couldn't come down to the field. 

He flew home after the game, nana, the girls & I ordered pizza, called it an early night, flew home the next day and met DJ for lunch, and then he was back at the airport to fly back to Atlanta for the national championship site visit! 

 

Peach Bowl Fun!

A few days after Christmas, DJ set off for Atlanta, and the following Monday, we flew out to meet him! 

We headed to the stadium to load our bags, and to pick up a CFA breakfast, then we were off to the airport. 

We had lots of room on the plane! 

Within a few hours, we had landed; DJ met us at the hotel, and we were up to get settled in our room. 

We had a little charcuterie board waiting! 

And some gifts including this blanket- which is literally my favorite because it's so warm and cozy! 

The girls had a CFA blanket! 

We also received a commemorative football and CFA cow of course! 

We settled in to explore the hotel, and then we were off to grab dinner- DJ said he was sick of hotel food already! 

We walked a few blocks, grabbed a bite to eat, and then came back to the hotel to chill in the hospitality suite. 

There was a guy making balloon animals, so of course the girls had to get one! 

After some card games and fun, we were off to bed! 

The following days the girls and I were up for breakfast and they had to hop on the video games. 

We took Gretchen breakfast to the room, so she could sleep a little bit longer, and then we were off to stuff bags for the local children's hospital

A little elevator selfie! 

The girls had a fun time writing cards and stuffing bags for the hospital. 

At one point they were even racing each other (and me) and timing to see who could do it faster! 

After we finished stuffing the bags, we headed over to the Coca-Cola museum. 

I've never actually allowed the girls to have coke or coke products that often, so this was a little bit of an experience for them! We were ushered in to a room to see memorabila and to watch an inspiring little movie, before being released to the rest of the museum. And honestly, it was so crowded which made it hard to read anything! 

The girls did to taste test a new coke flavor! 

But Megan was not a fan! 

But you know, the photo ops were cute! 

The coke-a-cola polar bear was there, so of course we had to get a picture, but he was a bit scary! 

This is the couch from American Idol- I joked that the girls got a little brother because this kid would not get up!! 

Anyway, we ended up skipping some things and made our way to the tasting room. 

Obviously these girls are not coke fans, which made me kind of proud. 

After a few hours at coke, we headed back to hotel for lunch- chick fil a of course! And then nana arrived!!! 

DJ was in meetings, so we headed over to the college football hall of fame to explore. 

It was so fun seeing all of the college football helmets and finding all of the schools we've been at! 

I mean, she's seen a Heisman before but of course you have to strike the pose. 

The museum was fun and interactive- you scan your VIP pass when you arrive, and it puts your photo in all of these generated scenes! 

Maybe one day, they'll be college game day hosts! 

Texas Silver Spurs uniform. 

Because her Pops was in the air force. 

Eventually, DJ and Gretchen made their way over so we went back through the museum! 

A little CFB playoff family pic.