These kids got to have their first professional football experience:
And I think they enjoyed it well enough, despite Peyton Manning's absence and the accompanying Colt struggle. Maddie had her less than cheerful moments as the game went on, but she still seemed excited to see the big stadium and take pics of the pros.
Our seats were pretty high up, but we still had good views! Because it was the 10th anniversary of 9/11, they did a really cool tribute before kickoff that brought tears to all our eyes. The NFL planned for field-sized flags to be rolled out in every stadium with a 1:00 EST start at the same time. They showed video on the big screen of players all over the country paying tribute to the great US of A while Taps played in the background. Chills. It was awesome. So proud to be an American. :)
Of course Texas had to be pay its own tribute to...itself. Which they did (as they do every game apparently) by rolling out the giant Texas state flag and singing the state song.
Does Tennessee even have a state song? Rocky Top? Anyone? Oh Texas...
Some things we learned about the Texans experience at Reliant Stadium:
-They're big on fan involvement. As in letting the fans finish all the announcer's sentences. You're expected to yell out the last names of the starting line-up players after being prompted with the first name, AND every time (I mean EVERY time) the Texans make a first down, the announcer will yell, "And there's another Texans--" Now it's your turn to yell, "FIRST DOWN!" Every. Time. It gets old, but yay for excited fans I guess.
-It doesn't matter how hot it is outside, bring your boots and winter coat, because it was FREEZING in there! I was very thankful for the roof over our heads and very efficient AC, but I had chill bumps the whole game. And it was September.
-They serve foot-long hotdogs. And they're really good.
-People will call you confused if you double up on team gear. I don't blame them, he does look rather silly and confused with his Texans hat and Colts shirt. At least they're both blue? Eh...
-Oh, and make sure you have a full tank of gas when you arrive, as you will need it to sit in traffic afterwards. Unless you're a seasoned pro, unlike us, and have an idea of where you're going when you leave and what direction is home.
Overall it was a fun day, though! After the game (and hour's worth of traffic) we had to take dad and sister to the airport and say goodbye. :( I'm so glad they got to come see where we're living these days, though! And I will see them in a few short months--we bought our plane tickets home for Christmas this week! Yay!
Tennessee state song = When It's Iris Time In Tennessee. I once had a piano book that had all 50 state songs. Sad.
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