On Friday, we went to a pep rally held by the Notre Dame Club of Atlanta. The cheerleaders and leprechaun were all present, along with ND Alumni Association president Chuck Lennon (who seems to be everywhere). There were also quite a few ND football players from years past. Last, but not least, there was a lot of cheering, drum cadences, and school songs (played on the loudspeaker because the band didn't travel with the team this time).
Before we get to the pictures, we are proud to report that, after a week's worth of coaxing, we got Gabi to say "Irish" just in time for the pep rally. Actually, she picked up on it as we were driving there. Lolo and Lola would say, "Go..." and she'd say "Irish!", and then we'd all clap and yell "Irish" after her. It's now a favorite game to play whenever we get in the car for her to say "Irish!"
Gabi with Lolo just before we leave for the pep rally.
Gabi with Lola at the Notre Dame pep rally.
Gabi shows Daddy and Mommy where the pep rally stage is.
Gabi meets the new ND Leprechaun. Go Irish!
Gabi was fascinated by the shamrocks the organizers
drew on all our hands as we entered the pep rally.
Gabi was a bit overwhelmed by all the noise and wouldn't smile.
Lolo and Lola tried coaxing those smiles out with some tickles.
After the pep rally, we got some leftover balloons to take home.
We followed the other alums and fans down to Jocks and Jills
for a yummy dinner and a little Notre Dame football trivia.
By the way, Tony Rice was apparently from South Carolina.
Saturday was Game Day. Mommy and Daddy got dressed up in The Shirt, which unfortunately didn't come in a size small enough for little Gabi. We had to settle for a more generic Notre Dame t-shirt.
Before heading out for the game at the Georgia Tech campus, we had dinner with Lolo and Lola at Wahoo, which is one of our favorite restaurants. Not traditional football fare, but we got a really nice meal for about the same price as one of those exorbitant stadium hot dogs.
Gabi likes being able to run around in the restaurant's courtyard.
The game itself was lots of fun. Honestly, Mommy and Daddy would have liked for a more dominating performance by our Irish, but we're quite happy that we won. 14-10 is still a win, and Georgia Tech did play very well. We were excited to get to be there, but would have probably enjoyed a Notre Dame home game more. (Call us old fashioned, but college football doesn't need jumbotrons and loud music to get fans involved. That's for professional venues.)
Unfortunately, it was a night game and a bit late for Gabi. It was her bedtime before the end of the first quarter. Gabi did enjoy meeting the other Notre Dame fans and exploring the bleachers. We had to have Lolo and Lola come rescue her after halftime though, because she let us know she was "all done!"
Go Irish! Beat Jackets!
Gabi enjoyed sitting on the bleachers like a big girl.
Mommy and Daddy stayed standing for most of the game
and barely even used their seats. Those silly parents.
Look what I found on the ground! A peanut shell!
Gabi made a new friend, who gave her some Irish beads.
Gabi liked trying to put on the necklace until it broke.
Then it was fun to watch it slide under the seat repeatedly.
As per Notre Dame student tradition, Gabi did pushups in
the air for each point after we scored. 1...2...3...4...5...6...7!
She loved this, and would have liked to do it even more.
Mommy and Daddy would have loved for their team to have
scored a few more points to celebrate with Gabi pushups.
Daddy and Mommy pose as the football team salutes the fans.
Daddy was so excited to go to the game. He was also excited we won!
Daddy with legendary Notre Dame quarterback Joe Theismann.
Next week, Gabi will be watching Notre Dame vs. Penn State from the comfort of her own home... as long as it doesn't interfere with her nap time. Go Irish! Beat Lions!
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