November Trip to Michigan

Well, although this trip took place a long time ago, it seems appropriate that I write about it on the day that Michigan is hiring its new head coach, Jim Harbaugh. The Michigan nation is rejoicing right now as I type this! Exciting times....

We promised the boys we would take them to a Michigan game, and finally found a weekend that worked for everyone. The boys even got to miss a day of school, so they were doubly thrilled.  We arrived on a Friday in Detroit and took the short drive to Ann Arbor. There wasn't a lot to do in Ann Arbor with the boys- the stadiums and tours are closed on home game weekends so we couldn't go see much. So, on Friday, we went to a fun bar with the boys, and then made a big trip to the infamous MDen and filled our bags with Michigan apparel (much of which was saved for Christmas Day!), and then we went back to the hotel to swim, and I made a quick trip to the mall to just walk around. Later that night, we went to California Pizza Kitchen for some really good pizza!

On Saturday morning, we ate pizza again at a small pizza joint, and then started to head to the stadium. Luckily, we packed really well- lots and lots and lots of layers. The boys thought we were crazy making them wear four shirts and three pairs of pants and 2 pairs of socks but they saved us. We happened on to the Michigan Football Museum and it was open for only 10 more minutes when we got there so it was a quick trip but we got to see everything and we loved it all! 

Although I personally thought that getting to the stadium two hours before game time was a bit much, it turns out it was perfect. We got to welcome the team into the stadium and see them all walk into the locker room. And, we got the most perfect place to stand when the team took the field.

The game was great and our seats were awesome! We won - which made everything even better! I did a lot of concession stand visits for the family so that the boys never had to leave. 

So, we had a few highlights of our day: winning, and high-fiving players! Also, Amara Darboh, the Dowling standout who plays for Michigan, came over to the boys and talked to them! They were star struck and wide eyed and loved it! After the game, he came back through the tunnel with all the other players. We noticed that other players were giving out their receiver gloves....Amara walked over to the boys and handed them his gloves! And, THAT was probably the best moment of their trip. Those gloves did not come off for days - they slept with them! The boys had perma-smiles - their smiles could not be wiped away!!!

After the game, we headed out back to our hotel without a ride. As we were walking, Joe noticed that NFL player and Michigan alumni Taylor Lewan was walking by....so, he stopped him and the boys got to take a photo with him! Approximately 5 seconds after the photo was taken, Joe's phone died! Whew! 

We then began a two mile walk back to the hotel and it was chilly....but luckily, we found a cab! We went to our hotel, drove to get a burger and then headed back to the hotel. At the restaurant, we saw some other Michigan players eating with their families, but of course, did not bother them! (Although, we debated!)

The trip was fast and furious but it was so much fun. Watching my boys (all 3 of them) just have the time of their lives was awesome. I could just see them dream about playing on a field like that in front of all those fans....watching their eyes just light up their whole face! 

And, on Sunday, two very happy boys returned to Iowa from their trip of a lifetime!