When Danny and I were considering moving back to Utah from California, the chance of having season tickets for the BYU Football seasons played no small part in the decision. Last year was our first season back, but with me just having had Luke and us having just bought our home, we decided to delay a year. So this year was our first chance to have season tickets, and we were excited! Because Danny signed us up for Cougar Club, he was notified about all sorts of fun things happening throughout the season. When he got the email about the party at Lavell Edwards Stadium and found of it was free of charge, he knew he had to take the Fam! We called up David and Millie to see if they wanted to join us, and they were game. Unfortunately, Papa and Aunt Katie weren't able to come. We missed them, but I'm sure they'll be with us next year!
We drove down to Provo and had a quick dinner at Cafe Rio before making our way to the stadium. Danny knew that the locker room was open to the public, so we decided to check that out first. As we walked in the locker room, I noticed this sign above the door. So cool!
We're so glad we went to the locker room when we did! Apparently, they hadn't announced to the rest of the crowd that they could tour the locker room, so we were early. Which meant we had the entire locker room to ourselves for about a half hour! They had sets of pads and helmets to try on, so of course that's the first thing Danny and David did. :) They were in heaven! I have to say, seeing my incredibly handsome husband in a set of BYU pads and a helmet put me in heaven, too! :)
It didn't take 10 seconds of those boys being in pads before they started hitting each other. Of course. :) Boys will be boys!
Danny has two dreams that he laments will never be realized. Playing BYU Football, and being a fighter jet pilot. But these pictures make Danny feel a little closer to at least one of those dreams. :)
But where Danny can't play for BYU, that doesn't mean he can't live vicariously through his sons!
Or the wives? :) Danny and David convinced Millie and I to put on a pair of pads. It was quite the enlightening experience! I have absolutely no idea how those guys move at all in those things, much less move the way they do! I think we looked pretty good. :)
Claire and Sophie had to get in on the fun as well. You could search the world over and not find two little girls that are bigger Cougar fans than our little girls. They make their Daddy proud!
Now, obviously Danny is about as true blue a Cougar fan as they come. But it's deeper than just the love of football. Danny's uncle Kenny, his Dad's brother, played for BYU. He died unexpectedly in a drowning accident while he was still a player. The locker room was lined with pictures of All-American players and such, and we found Uncle Kenny's picture. Needless to say, it was really neat for Danny to see his uncle's plaque up there.
Our time spent in the locker room was definitely the highlight of the night, but it was far from the only fun thing we did! They had set up the big inflatable target they use during half time to give away prizes and such, and it provided another opportunity for Danny and David to test their pure athleticism. :)
Then we took a minute and stood in the tunnel the players come out of, and enjoyed an awesome view of the field. This has to be one of my favorite pictures of Danny. Can you sense the longing? :)
It was while we were on the east side of the stadium that we realized there was a crowd gathering on the other side to hear none other than the great Coach Bronco Mendenhall! We can never get enough Bronco, so we hurried the kids to the other side. It was fun to hear Bronco get us more excited for the season, and especially for the home opener.
The kids had the chance to meet the cheerleaders, too! This was the moment that Sophie knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. :)
And Daddy and Lukey got to meet the famous running back Fui Vakapuna. "FUUU-III!"
With the major events over with, we were able to spend some time just hanging around and enjoying the evening. Everyone was having such a good time!
As we made our way around to the east side of the stadium again, we got to meet Cosmo. In the furry flesh! Admittedly, this was a major moment for me. I grew up searching for Cosmo doing back flips during the games my Dad would take me to, and I still search him out during the games. Our kids were so excited! Except for Johnny, who was veritably terrified. :)
Lucy shared Johnny's trepidation, but Ruby was totally excited!
Before loading the kids in the car, we enjoyed some complimentary food from McDonald's and some drinks for the kids.
Then it was time to leave. We had a hard time pulling ourselves away! So we took more pictures. :)
What an awesome way to kick off the season! Of all the memories we made this summer, this evening is definitely at the top of the list! I'm certain it won't be the last time we participate in this perk of the Cougar Club!
The next time we'd see Lavell Edwards Stadium, we'd be cheering the Cougars in their first home game against Texas. Go Cougars!
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