This wasn't Hudson's very first ND game, because he was with us for the Navy game last year, but it WAS his very first pilgrimage to South Bend... Daddy couldn't wait!
Mommy and Daddy were very excited/apprehensive about the upcoming flights.... Hudson wasn't necessarily impressed
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| This was almost the same position he was in for the last Navy game... just smaller.... and on the inside. |
A little milk, a little shut-eye, and before they knew it they were in Chicago!!! Hudson is still not impressed
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| Patrick and Ashley are obviously the most excited that they made it without tears and without any dirty looks |
Once they landed, Patrick had some business to attend to before checking in at the hotel.
First thing's first....8 yrs later, does the clicker work????
Once unrestricted campus access was confirmed, Patrick could sleep much better....
Before they knew it Christmas Morning gameday was here, and it was tailgating time!
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| Why is Daddy running around all excited? Is it Christmas? |
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| Who has 2 thumbs and loves a tailgate? This guy right here... |
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| Mom was so excited that she practically LEAPED out of the car.... forget feet first... this woman is going head first |
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| Hudson was thrilled because this is probably the tallest person he could remember holding him.... what a view! |
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| Hudson and Patrick's first of many trips to the Holy Land |
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| Finn was still back at the tailgate learning about Mad Dog, flip cup, cornhole, and Edward 40 Hands. Hudson was flying solo for his first lap of the stadium... |
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| Hudson had heard for months about the giant leaves that fell from the magical football trees surrounding the stadium... |
FAMILY PORTRAIT TIME IN THE JACC LOT
Once their bellies were full, the little tailgaters sat back and went people watching...
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| Hey Finn! I can almost poke you without even getting out of my chair! |
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| The future cast of Grumpier old men (circa 2083) |
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| Hey Finn.... teach me how to make that face! |
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| Nothing says Holmes family get together like a photobomb from Mom.. |
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| no play toys? no problem.... Baby Safe Holmes Family Fine China |
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| Both Mom's giving a pregame peptalk to their little players |
You can only constrain a future Domer to a stroller for so long... Hudson want out!
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| Old Domer Stroller |
From the stadium to the library, and then off to the Main building. Hudson couldn't wait to stretch his legs and peel off some layers.
The trumpets may have been a bit noisy... 'EARMUFFS'
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| The babies and grandparents say goodbye to the crew, and the ticket holders made their way in for the football game. |
The next morning was here before they knew it, and the grey skies were all but gone.
A quick morning nap, and then it would be off to campus
But first.... BREAKFAST!
And then some morning walking with Grammy and Papa...
Hudson getting some exercise
On to campus we go!
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| Hudson's first grotto experience |
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| Couldn't have picked a prettier time to be there... |
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| Hudson refused to pose without a puff... |
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| DADDY... TAKE ME TO THE DOME! |
Hudson got some special play time and an entire ballroom floor to himself before the long trip home...
At the airport, as dinnertime rapidly approached, baby got fussy, and the normal foods were not cutting it... Patrick and Ashley hung their heads as they quietly ordered a plain hamburger at an undisclosed fast food joint... We loved it... but only when we were able to share it with Mommy...
Full belly means happy baby, quiet plane, happy passengers. We were home before we knew it.
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| Meanwhile back home, the guard beasts made sure that no one took our parking spots. |
