Sugar Bowl Part 2

The day before the gamee, we were up and ready to do some shopping and have a little girls day before the parade that afternoon. 

We headed over to the mall, and found a few good sales! 

We had lunch in our room, and then we hit the streets for the parade. 

We found a great spot to hang out and catch beads! 

We were excited Nana was in town for the bowl! 

The girls and I hit up the gym a lot! I was working toward my 365 days of working out! 

The day of the game, I took Gretchen out for some 1:1 time; and of course we visited a book store. 

She bought a few books, we grabbed Subway and headed back to the hotel for lunch and to start getting ready for the game. 

We said goodbye to DJ and wished him luck. 

One quick family picture. 

A little game day outfit selfie. 

We were at the game and ready for a win! 

The girls had a blast with their friends. 

And we were able to get a quick picture with DJ before the game. 

Sadly, we didn't win. DJ flew home with the coach's right after the game, the girls and I headed out the next day. 

We had an incredible 2023 season. 

 

Sugar Bowl Part 1

Two days after Christmas, we were off to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl 

DJ flew out the day before, and we were on the official team plane. 

The girls received beads as soon as we landed! 

We settled in to our hotel room, and the next day, we headed to Jackson Square with a few other families. 

We ate beignets on the steps at Jackson Square. 

And the girls had pearl rings made at the French Market. 

The next day, the wives were off for some dueling pianos, umbrella decorating, and a parade! 

The bead throwing from the wagon was so much fun! We had lunch at Arnaud's and then we all went to the Carousel bar for espresso martinis

This group of ladies is so much fun! 

Later that night, we headed out for dinner and Megan really enjoyed her fried chicken! 

We drove by Tulane so Gretchen could get a glimpse of their campus

DJ and I ended the night in the hospitality suite. 

and had some fun in the photo booth! 

The next day, the wives were off on a tour of New Orleans houses in the Garden district. This was right up my alley, I love architecture and old houses. 

We had to wear protective shoe coverings in one of the houses. 

Some of the houses got in on the fun and decorated for each team. 

We ended our home tour with lunch at the zoo. 

We were able to go to Mardi Gras for world for a pre-game party! 

And ended the night with fireworks! 

 

Football 2023

Last season is one that we'll remember for a long time. I'm recapping it all in one and honestly, I don't know which game is which, but I know that we had a winning season that ended in the conference championship and ended in a top 4 spot in the college football playoffs. 

We were ready for our first game!!! Sadly, Gretchen only attended one game the entire season because she was so busy with theater rehearsals. 

Bevo traditonal picture always. 

The 2nd week of the season we played at Alabama. This was a big game because the year before they beat us at home- but barely. I went in to the Pants Store, and had to be sure all of their horns down buttons were actually facing up. 

And of course I had to go by sorority row and see the houses. 

Our seats were at the very top of the stadium. I don't think I've ever sat so high, but it was total payback for Texas seating the away fans on the top deck at our stadium too. 

Nana went with me and we sat in the nose bleeds together. 

DJ came up to say high before the game got started. We were matchy matchy in our icy whites. 

And spoiler- we kicked Alabama's butt on their home turf and it felt amazing. It was then that I knew that the season would be unforgettable. 

We started letting the girls have friends tag along and they loved having them! 

They spent the whole time after the game taking pictures with players, cheerleaders, dance members, the band and even Bevo. 

October rolled around and Nana came down for a game and two of her friends were able to come too! 

We are always so thankful for life long friends who have watched DJ grow and supported his career. 

October rolled around and Gretchen was finally able to come to a game! 

And my parents made it too! 

Winner Winner! 

The first weekend of December, we headed to Dallas to play in the Big 12 championship game. Gretchen had to stay behind for her theater performances. 

We played Oklahoma State and won and became Big 12 conference champions! 

Every single hard moment during the season is nothing compared to the most unforgettable ones. 

A family picture- and later we discovered that Arch Manning was in the shot too. 

Sweat became my favorite player of the season and we had to get a picture with him after the big win! 

And a few more celebratory ones!!!

This season will definitely go down in history.