The second the buzzer sounded after Aaron Harrison's spectacular game winning shot against Michigan to reach the Final Four, my husband said, "We have to go." Within a few hours, we had made travel arrangements, hotel reservations, found tickets, and made sure my mom could fly over and stay with our younger boys.
By Friday, I had gotten a Big Blue pedicure, packed my lucky sweater, and rounded up all of my eldest son's Kentucky gear. I put on my lucky blue earrings (which were, oddly enough, given to me by my very dear friend who just happens to be the biggest Gator I know).
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| Had John known Russell Wilson's collegiate loyalties, he would have left the Seahawks lid at home, I'm sure. |
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| This guy was on our flight. Proud to say I successfully controlled my tripping foot. |
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| Yes, there is something Big and Blue happening in Dallas! |
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| Pre-gaming at Bracket Town |
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I was so excited to run into my Transylvania University friend, classmate, and sorority sister, Lisa Ezell Allen!
This was definitely good luck. |
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| Almost beat his old man in Pop-a- Shot! |
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This IS the year of the UK tattoo, right?
See below.
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| Unfortunately, they didn't have this one available. |
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Before leaving Bracket Town to make the drive to AT&T Stadium, we picked up some official Final Four merchandise. We are so nice, we even picked up some Gator gear for our sweet friends.
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| SEC love, y'all. |
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| Absolutely thrilled to share this time with my favorite ten year old Wildcat! |
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| I really wanted to see an All-SEC final. Boo. |
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| There was some foreshadowing. |
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| That many people and very little traffic control. It was a late night, but we didn't mind. Why? |
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| Because this happened! |
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| Then THIS happened! |
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| An unbelievable finish! |
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Best Night Ever
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When the game ended, we hugged strangers and didn't care at all. More than one Cat fan was overheard saying, "I'm so happy, I don't even know what to do!" Then there was more hugging, because that's what you do when you are so happy you don't know what to do.
Here I sit on Monday, back at my house in North Carolina, a decision made in favor of school and work, and one I knew we would regret. I desperately want to be back there in Dallas, or at least somewhere on Limestone. I feel as antsy as you probably do, but don't worry y'all. I have my lucky earrings.
