We had a great day as a family on Saturday. Since we're headed to DisneyWorld in the fall, the beach trip that I long for is not going to happen this summer. Instead, we did the next best thing, and took a one day vacation to Auburn. Vacation to me means time with family, in a lovely location, with good food, no strict agenda, and fun memories. We managed to accomplish all that and more!
It was the annual Fan Day in Auburn, so we'd planned for a couple of weeks to try to go. We've been a few times in the past, and it's a fun event. Though the actual autograph/photo op time was from 3-5 pm, we planned well and got there early enough that we were in the line to see Aubie at 1:45. Autographs aren't that big a deal to us, but photographs and just being with other Auburn folks is really enjoyable, so that was our point. We just didn't want to stand in line for hours to do so. Thankfully, our plan worked out well. We parked right by the coliseum, didn't even break a sweat in the 100+ heat, and got inside, and out-before 3 pm! We were thrilled to see Coach Tuberville, several players we love, Aubie, the Tiger Paws dance team, and cheerleaders too. Afterwards, we spent a little time leisurely shopping in stores that weren't crowded at all, since the other 5000 people were at the coliseum. We were searching for a "sparkly" AU shirt for Abigail, and finally, at our last stop, found it. It's not exactly what I would've chosen, but she was so happy to have it. Isaac got a new jersey since his old ones are all too small, and they had to change as soon as they got in the car. It was really cute.
The funniest moment of the day was as I waited in the restroom for Abigail, at the last store. A woman came up to me, and said, "So, you all done?" I assumed she meant with Fan Day, so nodded yes. She said, "Us too. Was it your first?" I said, "No." She said, "Oh? Your second? It was our first and only child." At this point, I realized she was referring to it being welcome week for freshman. And, she thought I had one. She thought I was old enough to be the mom of a college student!!!!
As I stood there, struggling to understand, and glancing in the mirror to make sure I didn't look much older than I feel, she kept talking about how they left their only child, hugged her, and said goodbye, and blah blah blah. I just nodded dumbly, half smiling, and wincing, at the same time. Then Abigail came out. The woman remarked as she turned to go, "Oh, she's beautiful!" I wanted to scream, "Yes, and I'm her mom. She's 5! I'm pregnant for Pete's sake! My oldest child couldn't go to college for 10 more years!!!!" But, I just smiled and shook my head.
As we exited and met up with James and Isaac, he asked why I looked like I did. As I shared the story, we laughed hysterically. We figure she just needed someone to talk to, and I was the person who got to hear her processing leaving her daughter at college for the first time. Then, it then hit me. James is the age my Dad was when I was a freshman. So, I got a big kick out of that, I promise you. He took it well, and then offered a surprise, since I needed a little encouragement. We drove 30 mins. out of the way to the nearest Dunkin Donuts, and loaded up with 2 dozen. It was worth the insult of being accused of being MUCH older than I actually am. :-) Oh, and Abi and I made the Bham News online. Click here to see it.
