2011 Predators Game

I'm sure I had a better title during the actual event, but this photo sums up Roland's outlook on the evening. Happy. We waited patiently for our turn, and while Jack hung back, Roland positioned himself right in the middle, gave me his best smile (which he NEVER does) and then on cue every one of these cheerleaders (?) bent down and snuggled in. Bet they weren't planning on this photo when they picked out those skirts, eh? Roland, you're a natural.

Before the game starts you can go down to the ice and see the warm up skate. I've seen only 4 hockey games in my entire life so most of my vocabulary related to anything ice-related stems from figure skating so forgive me if I'm incorrect. You'll notice that Jack here is in awe of the sound and spectacle. (And moments later, 'Grace' here busted her tail missing her seat to sit down. Good job Kristi!)

Aria and Roland loved being up on the glass, which to me, isn't nearly thick enough. When those pucks hit - it is so loud! Aria always reminds me of a Russian princess in this coat, which was fitting for such a chilly event. Very cool to see the warm up, a must for future visits.

Proof I was there shot. We got these great seats for only $10 a piece and didn't even pay for Jack and Aria - and then took up 8 seats for the 6 of us. Who really wants to sit with our motley crew? We totally lucked out with great access to everything, awesome views of the game, and the Austin Peay pep-band was right behind us - double fun! (And surprisingly LOUD.)

 

 So, it's not a beautiful face, but this goofy grin she does totally cracks me up.

 

I love doing random stuff like this. We've gone to one game each season with the kids since they were born. It's always a week night and tons of fun. We park at my building and bring all our own food and drink. We get there plenty early to see all the crowds and pre-game show, which NEVER fails to disappoint - there is so much to see and they have such a great intro! The beers are always too expensive (but Brian gets one anyway) and I usually cave to something that should be sold at the fair...this year it was a funnel cake. I looked like a bag of powder sugar had exploded all over me after breaking apart a dozen sections for the kids, er, me, to munch.

 

But the laughter, the grins, the wide-eyes and the "wow's" make this easy random adventure and late night totally worth it. There's just so many sensory things to experience at a hockey game, and then it's totally mellow during the play, which is soothing to watch and listen to. Just one word of caution, when we score, they blow this fog-horn-from-a-battle-ship which shakes the rafters. We bring ear plugs, which kids just love to wear, so just be ready to squish some little ears with your palms to prevent freak-outs!