Tennessee Trip 9/12

Aaron has a friend with whom he coaches with, and he has season tickets for UCLA football. I try not to hold that against him, but this year UCLA was Tennessee. He was able to purchase two extra tickets, so off to Tennessee we went. I know that my mother-in-law, Donna, goes to Tennessee, her home, to attend her family reunion. It turns out, the family reunion fell on the same weekend. My mom said she’d help us and watch the kids, so off we went. Aaron & I at the game. No, I could not wear that bright orange. I'm a Sun Devil, we have limits.

The only downfall in this plan was that we had to take a red eye, and sleep only for a few hours. I remember taking a few red eyes during my recruiting trips, and was not looking forward to it. Turns out, it wasn’t so bad. We were able to sleep, and then head out.

The campus atmosphere was completely amazing and energetic. There was bright orange everywhere.

The players walking in. This a huge tradition, and it was pretty cool.

Smokey & Daniel Boone ~ not the ideal combination, but I love that dog. He is so funny, and has the best collegiate mascot wardrobe.

Tons of tailgates, some on church properties and lots of fun. Some of these tailgates were so amazing that it was something out of a sports bar. Perhaps that is the best description is a traveling sports bar.

I forgot how fun college football could be.

The band before the game. To the rest of the stadium, they spelled Vols. To us, well you make your own words.

It was fun going to a game that I was not emotionally tied to. The outcome was not to Aaron’s favor, and I love seeing UCLA lose, but was happy to see the Pac-10 get a win.

After the game, we went to Aaron’s Mamaw & Papaw’s house. Neither one of us realized just how close they lived to Tennessee. We came in to a house that was like we never left. Aaron said it’s southern charm, I think it’s his grandparents. We stayed up talking and showing them pictures of our little babies.

We woke up Sunday to a great breakfast and getting ready for family. I hadn’t seen Aaron’s uncles Dale & David since ’04 and ’06. Of course, it was great seeing them.

The family reunion was so much fun.

Donna, Aaron's Mamaw(Peggy), Uncle Dale, & Aaro

There were many generations present, and everyone seemed to be in great health and spirits.

Uncle David, Me, Aaron, Uncle Dale, and Aunt Charley

Outhouses really seem to give the Cooper men a thrill, so I felt compelled to add this. And yes, people did use this at the reunion.

Mamaw (Peggy) Papaw (Raymond), Aaron and Donna

Aaron showing off his domestic skills

At my family reunions, I know just about everyone. Aaron on the other hand, was meeting some relatives for the first time.

Uncle David, Donna (my MIL), and Uncle Dale

Mamaw, Papaw, & Aaron

He was commonly referred to as Donna’s boy, which I thought was kinda funny.

Aaron & I

We met a lot of family, and had some laughs. I'd love to take the kids and have them meet their other family, and most importantly... their Mamaw & Papaw.

Mamaw, Papaw, Aaron, & I