Going Rose Bowling!

Before this year we had (or shared) season tickets to the Oregon Duck football games. But because Cade and/or Gabrielle's soccer teams played out of town every weekend this Fall we gave them up. Though we so enjoy watching our kids' play soccer it didn't quite seem like Fall without at least one Saturday afternoon at Autzen.  So, to make it all better :), we decided we had to make it to the Rose Bowl to watch our Ducks! 

We got to the stadium early leaving us five hours to check it all out and take in the fantastic atmosphere.

 

We all had fun at the ESPN tailgate party. The kids played a bunch of games and won a few prizes...

Cade running the course

Gabrielle's turn!

Go Willem!

Cade and Willem are such brothers...they are best buddies and then so competitive (and rough) with each other. They had a blast playing football in the grass outside the stadium.

 

This picture is kind of fun because Willem looks bigger than Cade. During our trip someone actually asked if they were twins which Willem, of-course, loved and Cade did not :) I do have to add that they were sitting down when the person asked!

 

It was also fun running into so many friends and fellow fans from Eugene. I forgot to get pictures but we had fun hanging out.

Finally, it was time to take our seats and watch some football! Gabrielle, Willem and I sat together in some great 35 yard line seats (thanks to Sheri, Keith and Bob!). Cade and Chad had good seats as well with other Oregon fans (thanks to Chris and Kev!).

 My view from the 35 yard line

 The fighter jets flying over the stadium after the anthem was very cool!

 

 Lots of Oregon Fans (though we were surprised how many Ohio State fans there were as well)

The sky was so pretty...though the game took a turn for the worse :(

It was a bummer the Ducks lost the game 26-17 (which led to some tears from Willem) but it was still such a great experience and one that we definitely hope to repeat.

We still Love Our Ducks!!! Thanks, Ducks, for a great season!!