Her first football game.

Sweet Auburn! loveliest village of the plain,

Where health and plenty cheer'd the labouring swain,

Where smiling spring its earliest visit paid,

And parting summer's lingering blooms delay'd:

Dear lovely bowers of innocence and ease,

Seats of my youth, when every sport could please,

How often have I loiter'd o'er thy green,

Where humble happiness endear'd each scene!

--Oliver Goldsmith, The Deserted Village, A Poem

So, we were finally able to take Eden Brooks to see the place where her mom and dad met, where my heart still is, and where it still feels a bit like home ... Sweet Auburn indeed!

We left Baton Rouge on Thursday and drove to Mobile, spent the night, and left on Friday minus Lydia (who tells us she had a grand time with Nona). We arrived in Auburn on Friday after lunch and headed to the bookstore for some proper attire. When we walked in, E promptly asked where all the books were - smart girl. We then headed to a raptor show, where EB got to see tons of owls, falcons, and other birds including Spirit, the eagle who flies on gameday. But more on that later.

Since the game started at 11:30 on Saturday, we headed to campus early to get pictures...

EB was, of course, attached to Kathryn, her new best friend...

They had a blast playing in the bushes of our old building...

...and we had fun catching up with friends.

Margaret couldn't believe it has been nearly 10 years since Ashley and I got married (and longer since we were in her classroom). Time flies.

The Gonzales family stopped by as well, and EB and little Arthur hit it off right away. (They were born like 2 weeks apart).

Ashley kept saying how strange it would have been for 17-year-old Graham and 17-year-old Arthur to know that this day would be in the future.

In the stadium it was ... loud (though she had ear muffs she did not consistently wear them).

Arthur and Alison had an extra ticket, so Ashley was able to go with us!

Perhaps the most fun part was watching EB sing the songs and get excited when Aubie came into her view.

Watching Spirit fly...

Hiding from the sun (it was REALLY hot)

Perhaps EB's most favorite part was drinking a real Coke. She asked to have it in her usual way, very carefully:

EB: Is it a special occasion?
Me: Yes.
EB: So I can have a Coke?
Me: Yes
EB: Yeeeeaaaahhhh!!! (and lots of jumping)

Her being silly and saying it was not a good drink...

We made it to halftime and saw the band then headed to lunch with the Gonzales family.

Overall, it was a success - EB asked if she could go back whenever she wanted ... OF COURSE!