A REAL Steelers Game

A few days after the family attended a Steelers preseason game back in late August, Taylor figured out the game didn't really count in the standings. Since then, she has begged to go to a REAL Steelers game. I've been to many Steelers games in Heinz Field, and based on the number of drunkards, obnoxious fans and sheer volume of people, I thought this was a bad idea. But, the kid is so obsessed with Steelers football (and Michael is getting there, too), I caved.

We were up at 5 a.m. and on the road by 5:30 Sunday for the Steelers/Bengals game in Pittsburgh. This game was extra important for Taylor because almost all of her friends and teachers at school are big Bengals fans. (We are only 45 minutes from Cincy and our little town was once the site of the Bengals training camp.)


What better way to start the trip than with a baggie full of powered donuts?

Terrible towel - check; Steelers shirt and hat - check; donuts - check.

We got to see the sun rise about an hour and a half into our trip. Isn't it beautiful? We lucked out on the weather!

Passing time during the 4-hour drive.

Perhaps you are wondering why we left so insanely early for a game that didn't even start until 1 p.m. Well, Mike's friends have a pretty awesome tailgate that is a must before the game.

Chilly start to the tailgate, but a half hour later, the sun was out and the weather was perfect!

There were lots of games to keep the masses entertained - cornhole, some version of beer pong (Michael and I dominated in the only round I played) and some Right Left Center dice game that I hope Santa puts into my stocking! So much fun.

I told Taylor to have fun rolling the dice, but not write about this in her journal the next day at school. :)

The Pear letting them fly!

G-ma N stopped by and posed with Taylor.

They did this a lot. Just running around having the time of their lives.

High fives all around.

Michael blocking Uncle Steve while Taylor takes one to the cleaners.

I love this tailgating family picture!

I was really looking forward to the game, but was a little sad when it was time to pack up the tailgate and head over to the stadium. We really had a great time.

The kids literally walked miles and miles and never complained. I love that they are old enough to enjoy the things we enjoy!

Cute picture before we got frisked by security. :)

We made it! Our seats are in that endzone, but only about 12 rows up from the field. Michael looks a little distraught because he was mad that he couldn't turn around and watch the game.

Yay, Polamalu!

She watched every single down of the game this intently. I love this picture. She still looks like my little girl here.

Big Ben drops back.

It was nice to see that Santa could make the game. I'm glad the kids didn't freak out when he removed his beard to eat nachos.

Look at his little feet dangling. Precious. :)

Believe it or not, we made it home by 8:20 and even had time to watch the Amazing Race. We couldn't have asked for a better day. God certainly does take care of us!

Until next time,

Mommy Kel

P.S. In case you were wondering, the Steelers dominated and won 35-7. They were up by so much that they pulled most of their starters by the start of the fourth quarter.