Tailgating (and an Anticipated Conversation).

I know that by posting this blog post I am provoking the following conversation.

Mom: Is your paper done?
Victoria: No, but...
Mom: Then why are you blogging? NO blogging until your paper is done!
Victoria: But...
Mom: And you need to go to bed. It's late.

Also, there's a chance this conversation could happen on video chat with my mom adding to it's seriousness. But I'm willing to risk it to show you game day faces at the tailgate.

We have tailgated at my grandparents' parking spot for as long as I remember. We have had birthday parties, family reunions and hugs there at many home games. My grandpa's purple cowboy hat marks the spot even if the car changes. There have been games where people were missing. And those were sad games. But not last Saturday. Last weekend the tailgate felt very complete.

First, the family minus Bethany. We missed her dearly. I'm sure especially Sasha because she probably would have worn red & blue. You can see in my grandpa and uncle where I get some more of my height.


My sister and cousin have boyfriends that we like so we keep them around for photos too. I don't have a boyfriend which is convenient because then I could take this photo.


My uncle Keith likes Mark (Lauren's boyfriend) because he is a "real American." Here are three more "real Americans" that came by the tailgate. They are happy because it is after the win and because they love America.


Girls also really like football in Kansas. Sarah, Lindsay, Tara and Erica all came up from KC. Yep, we mostly paid attention to the game. I had a lot of stories to tell in between plays though and chattered away to them most of the time.


Out of camera range: the Mitchells, Sherri Sue, Susie Zimmerman, and the Stretchers.

It was so nice to be able to stay put at one tailgate and see so many people in purple (or those other colors). Someone once asked me how we can pack up and drive to Manhattan for so many long days in the fall. It's easy when it's not just about a football game, but also about your family and your friends.