Tuesday, April 20, 2021

VMI - SOCON Champs!!

Jimmy said he wanted to play football at the highest level he could and man...did he get his wish!
VMI went 6-1 this year, won the SoCon for the 1st time since 1977 and held onto the Silver Shako in their final ultimate rivalry against the Citadel.  And...Tracy, Billy Grandpa Jim and Grandma Bunny were there as witnesses!  (Tom had to stay home with Kay because she was sick - more on that in another blog).

We all met up in Lexington on Friday night, Jimmy was "off limits" until post game so Saturday morning we did the usual walk, breakfast, catch up then it was off to find our virtual friend at the tailgate. These are all Jimmy's friends parents and we had little to no idea what they looked like, what to bring or what to expect. The good news is...Tracy has blue hair so...Jimmy just told his friends that and they all found us!  There was constant...wait, are you Jimmy's mom? We LOVE Jimmy.  He has quite a fan club and most of the families are lined up to adopt him.  Its very sweet.

The game was a nail biter and it shouldn't have been. A badly placed call, fumble and missed kick and we were all nervous. But, they pulled it out in the long run. Grandpa Jim did get some extra steps in from pacing.

We were able to go down on the field to celebrate and it was so exciting! They play in their 1st play off game, ever, next weekend again James Madison University and finished their season ranked 11th. THATS HUGE!!

His friends Chance, Aiden, Grant and Josh lit up the field and it was so fun to see this underdog team do so well.

The boys came up to the tailgate post game and there was more hanging out followed by dinner "as far away from post as you are willing to go".  We chose Quaker Steak and Lube for their wings and were NOT disappointed. And..of course Jimmy's bestie - Chance - and his family also showed up there 30 min after us.  Coincidence?  I think not.

Sunday was SUPER chill. Jimmy was able to spend the night with us, everyone slept in, Mom/Billy/Tracy went for a long walk while Jimmy/team were on ESPN learning their playoff standings.  Then Jimmy gave a super patient tour of post and we ran into more friends.  This was all followed by naps, all around and reading on the front porch. We did take out for dinner and Jimmy had to be back on post for an 8pm interview for a summer job (which he got!!)

Monday was a pre travel walk, packing and lovely good bye.

It was so awesome to see Jimmy in his element and share it with Billy & Grandma and Grandpa.  The weekend was JUST what the doctor ordered and it felt great to be treated to dinner each night, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa.

Cant wait until he's home in a few weeks before his big summer internship in DC.

but, more importantly - Rah Va Mil!!!! Let's win this thing!!

XOXOXO
Tracy



Kay got a burst of energy and made this extremely gorgeous cake, everything was from scratch. We are sort of afraid to eat it...

We all had sunburn necks. It was great to be together

Our Sunday walk by the river 

Celebrating on field 

The house we stayed in was built in 1880 and  you could tell... Tom would NOT have liked this kitchen.

Hugs with my good man 

Brothers 

Lexington is gorgeous in the spring 

A post tour, that hat makes him like giant 

His tight end buddies 

The stadium 

Spring flowers 

Selfies with parents 

Too cute 

Campus

Facials on Sunday night 

Spring! 

Red buds 

Grandpa making friends with the Knox at the tailgate. Tator has a new best friend. 

Champions! 

With alumni

Man I have a big schnoz



More hugs

Seriously dinky 

He had to duck through every doorway