It Takes Me Back

I seriously do not know where the time has gone.

I am not sure how my son is already 12 years old. I think I have said that every year since he was...about 3.  "I cannot believe he is already ____ years old." In the blink of an eye, I will be old and gray and the number that fits in that blank will be the age I currently am.  

That is scary.

My son is in 6th grade this year.  When we had a chance to win tickets to the KC Chiefs game that just happened to be on his birthday, it seemed like the perfect gift.  He loves football (really, all sports), and we don't usually spend the kind of money it takes to go to a professional game. Apparently God thought it was a good idea as well...or luck was just on our side...because we were the holders of the winning number.

He was ecstatic (which for this wild-and-crazy child means a really big smile) when he found out we were going to the game. 

My parents joined in the fun and bought them shirts for game.

Long sleeve shirts...which made sense at the time since the game was on October 26.

 

Little did they know it was going to be nearly 90 degrees.

Someone should have reminded me to pack sunscreen. #MomFail

We got to the stadium a tad early.  There really were more fans at the game than what this picture suggests. 

This was the first time at Arrowhead for all of the guys in my family.  It brought back great childhood memories for me. 

I have loved NFL Football since I was a kid.  It may have had something to do with the fact that one of my good friends' uncle played for the Los Angeles Rams. I had no claim to fame, but as a kid, when you know someone who does, you start to think you are big stuff.

My dad had back surgery when I was in 6th grade, so my parents' best friends got stuck taking my brother and I to KC for the weekend for the KC Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams game. I had two goals: 1) get Nolan Cromwell's (aforementioned Ram's safety) autograph, and 2) get Eric Dickerson's (Ram's running back) autograph. 

Goal #1 was not so difficult since we were staying with Nolan's wife at the hotel.  Family connections are always nice.  Goal #2 was also accomplished, and I am fairly sure I can still scrounge up the magazine he signed for me.

Odd as it may be for a 6th grade girl, I was on top of the world.

I had a really hard time not thanking my dad for having to have back surgery.

I'm pretty sure I shed a few tears when Eric Dickerson left my beloved Rams to go to the Colts the following year.

But time marches on...my players left...I grew up....the Rams moved to St. Louis...

and I became a Chief's fan along with my family.

6th Grade for me - Chiefs vs. Rams

6th Grade for him - Chiefs vs. Rams

28 Years Later....Same Stadium

He loved every minute of it. 

His brother...well, I think he watched the cheerleaders more than he watched the game. The cheerleaders and the giant TV screens - thank goodness for those.

Happiness is ending the day at Culver's.
 

If you've never gone, you need to fix that. Right away.

And then go run a few miles.

Unless you are my kids.  Then you will just fight all the way home to burn the calories.  And then sleep.  Sleep is good.

Happy Birthday, old child!