Fall Weather, College Football and Family

I ended up flying to Northwest Arkansas on Friday for a quick meeting. The meeting went very well and it was nice to experience some chilly Fall weather. Living in Los Angeles, I forget how amazing it is to see the leaves change on the tress and feel the brisk cold air on your face.

Saturday morning I was up early to catch a flight back to Los Angeles. As we drove to the airport through the countryside, I saw all the Arkansas Razorback College football fans heading into the city for early tailgating. Flags were flying from their cars as they raced by to spend a Fall Saturday afernoon with friends and family. I was a bit jealous because I remember when I would do the same thing with my family and friends on a Saturday in Baton Rouge.

LSU football was always a big part of my life and I remember those Saturdays very well. My Dad would start cooking 2 days before the game (he’s famous for his potato salad). My brother Phil, his wife Becky and my 3 nephews Landon, Payton, and Austin would get all excited and paint their faces with purple and gold tigers. My little sister Amanda was head cheerleader for LSU and my Mom always had the best sweet ice tea for everyone that came by our tailgating party. My family’s tailgating party was always a hit and those memories will always make me smile.

One thing I realized this weekend; no matter where life takes you and how busy you are with work, it’s nice to slow down and remember the times that make you smile.

As soon as I arrived home in Los Angeles Saturday afternoon, I turned on the TV to find the LSU vs. Tennessee game. So… Oliver, Benson and I had our own little tailgating party on my sofa. It was one of those “edge of your seat” games as LSU won in the last 6 seconds.

Although the weather outside may have been a hot 89 degrees in Los Angeles, inside it felt like Fall college football weather with my family.

My little sister Amanda My nephews Payton, Landon & Austin