The Zyriek Zoo: A trip to the Plains.....finally!!

It has been so hard this year to be at home watching Auburn run up the score all over the SEC!! Now that soccer and cheer are over and fall break at Disney had come and gone, the Zyrieks were headed to Auburn for the Auburn/Georgia game. This is Auburn's longest standing rivalry dating back to 1892. I believe they have played just about every single year since (except during WWII). When I was in school and I was glad to hear it was still a tradition all the Greeks build floats and have a "Burn the Bulldogs" parade the Friday afternoon before the game and then build a bonfire to burn the floats in which launches the pep rally. It was always such fun.

The girls were so excited to be headed to Auburn. Gary and I went to Starkville back in September but seeing the Tigers in action on the Plains of Auburn is much more fun. We went to the spring game in April and so now the girls think we can always go on the field after the game and pose for pictures and autographs with the cheerleaders, players and Aubie. That was a rude awakening!!

It was great to see my college roommates and their kids and catch up a bit in person. Gary and I enjoyed taking the girls to Tiger Walk where the players and coaches walk down from the athletic complex to the stadium 2 hours prior to kickoff. We got the girls on the front row. Anna was really wanting to see Cam Newton in person. She has been watching the games this year and has learned how it is played and who plays what position. Such curiosity in our oldest!! All the players were so excited to be heading to the stadium.

We got settled in our seats, watched Bo Jackson be given a 25 year Heisman award (he's got 2 kids at Auburn currently so he has been on campus a lot this season) and cheer as the eagle flies over the stadium prior to kickoff. All the fans were thrilled to see Cam Newton as the starting QB. Way too much controversy and media coverage of him this season. There is so much there it is a whole blog post in itself. I'll have to work myself up to that one. The game was great....started off shaky in the first quarter but in classic 2010 season style, Auburn roared back to victory by the third quarter and stayed in front for a 49-31 victory.

After the game we walked around a bit and even watied for some players to exit the stadium. We saw Bo Jackson exit on a golf cart with his family...several players walk out and grant pictures and autographs including one of Gary's favorites Darvin Adams and then we laughed as we saw two black Yukons exiting. The first had Jay Jacobs the athletic director in the front seat looking worn out. The second we assumed would have Gene Chizik, the head coach, in the front seat but were surprised to see a smiling, excited and enthusiastic Cam Newton instead. He is always so happy and loves the fans. Anna was thrilled!!

What a weekend. Fun times seeing good friends, good football and great memories! War Eagle!!