As a little girl, I remember going to the Alabama games with my Daddy. First at Legion Field, and then in Tuscaloosa. I remember watching everything on and off the field...except the game. Big Al, the cheerleaders, the fans, and especially the man in the houndstooth hat. Bear Bryant was larger than life to me as he still is to all fans who bleed crimson and white. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to grow up loving and learning about the game from the best. Even though Bama has not always come out on top, my family has pulled for the boys and we know about the tradition of excellence. Lucky for Cole and Mary Conlee, they have also had the privilege of going to games with their dad. With only two season tickets, we juggle going with each child, sometimes all four of us going together. And when the games are "not to be missed," the kids stay behind with Bubbe and Pop while Judd and I head to T Town for the action. One special moment for us was when we took Bubbe and Pop with us to the game over Labor Day weekend. Judd and Cole gladly relinquished their tickets so Bubbe and Pop could go. MC and I sat in our regular seats while they sat in the ones given to us by sweet Jo Mark. I loved walking in the quad with my parents. My mom hasn't been to a game in Tuscaloosa in over 20 years, maybe longer. Daddy kept going strong to each game until his ankles wouldn't let him climb to the upper deck. There is nothing like the roar of the crowd as the team, led by Nick Saban, charge the field. The Jumbotron echos the big booming voice of Coach Bryant as the sound of the elephant trumpets the stadium...THIS is Alabama Football. So for the first time ages, my parents and I were in Bryant-Denny stadium together...cheering on the Tide. I hope my children will pass down this love and allegiance to the Tide to their kids one day. However, Cole says he caught a disease from his cousin, Charlie Pierce, and they passed it on to cousin Mac. This disease is rightfully named because the boys all say they cheer for Auburn. Cole says "War Eagle" with a gleam in his eye, knowing how upset this makes his parents. But we all know it's an act because he proudly wears his Bama garb around town. As best said by the Bear, "I ain't never been nothing but a winner." ROLL TIDE!
Enjoying pre-game at the Quad with Pop
MC waving to Big Al
Everybody supports the Tide
Cousin Chelsea's last year as a Crimsonette
The legacy began long before Bubbe and Pop. Granny and Granddaddy Mac were students at UA when the Bear was a student
MC and I were in the upper deck and Bubbe and Pop were near the field on the opposite side of the stadium. Talk about a good zoom! Loving the big shades, Bubbe!
One of MC's favorite game events is the spell outs done by the Million Dollar Band
Training them early
Cole enjoyed being at the Bama/Penn State game. ESPN Game Day made it much more exciting!
Still bragging about being National Champs!
Daddy and MC celebrating after the Florida victory!
Despite school starting on August 4th, we still managed plenty of times to go to the lake, going almost every weekend from then until Labor Day. In those short weeks, Momma (that would be me) learned how to wakeboard! Thanks to Mary Conlee's teacher, Mrs. Matthews AND the use of her wakeboard, it was a fun way to end the summer. The Wilsons also became cliff divers (more like rock jumpers), thanks to our sweet friends, the Warrens. We saw how much fun they had jumping off the big rocks that all of us--minus Judd-- had to try it. The Simmons boys were pros at jumping off of bridges. Although Cole and Mary Conlee never made it all the way to the top of the rope ladder to jump...they made it more than half way. We are looking forward to next summer and will pick up right where we left off.
Sitting on Big Mable got a bit boring, so Cole and Mary Conlee decided to find a new way to ride it!
As Judd would pull Big Mable into our cove, Mary Conlee loved standing up and yelling, "Survivor Stance" as her brother was hanging from the backside of Mable. Good times!
Playing at the Warrens
This is our little taste of Heavenly food while on the lake. We raced to the lake after school on Fridays and took the boat here for dinner. Can't wait until we are back on the lake and eating at Arley's Lighthouse!
Loving the wakeboard!
Just like riding a bike! (or a skateboard on water)
Wakeboarding commentary by Mary Conlee Wilson--Take One
Wakeboarding commentary by Mary Conlee Wilson--Take Two
After lots of practice and many falls!
Surely this momma duck isn't leading her ducklings OFF the cliff!
Being encouraged by our buddies, Braxton and Jack Warren
It's HOW far down there? Sizing up the jump!
I count two out of the three. Luckily Momma made it up, too!
A much higher rock this time. We can do this, guys!
This is the bridge near Causey and Bounds' house. Luckily, they drove by just in time for Dr. Ryan to help the kids up the rope ladder!
