Cupcakes, Chuck E Cheese, Coach, and Pouncer

Saturday was a big day. I was on call Friday night so I got to usher in the big day awake in the NICU. But, I was post-call Saturday morning and actually got out a little early. In fact, I got out early enough to meet Drew and Katie for a big first. Drew's first trip to Chuck E. Cheese! One of Katie's friends has a daughter who was turning three and having her birthday party there. Drew had a blast. If you know how much Drew loves the carousel and little rides at the mall, then just imagine that on steroids. First we rode some rides and played some games. Then he got to eat pizza, ice cream, and a cupcake while being entertained by Chuck, or the mouse as he called it. He got upset that the fake one on stage wouldn't wave back to him and was a little too scared of the real one to give him high five. Then we played more games and rode more rides. It wore me out, but Drew kept on going. I love the picture below of Drew and me in the helicopter thing we were are both concentrating so hard to shoot the robots. He is chewing his tongue just like me.

After going home for a short nap it was time for one my favorite days of the year: Tiger FanFest! It's our annual time to meet the players, but more importantly to see Tom the Tiger, Coach West, and of course, Pouncer. Drew had his picture taken with them all as we do every year. That's us with Pouncer, Coach West, and star receiver Duke Calhoun. Drew even had his picture taken with the cheerleaders. They had the big inflatable Tiger head set up that the players run through before the games and Drew thought it was so cool that he got to run through it. We got a pennant signed by some of the players, ate ice cream sandwiches, and had all kinds of fun.

The best thing about FanFest is that it means football season is right around the corner! I can't wait for Sunday to see Memphis take on Ole Miss. Fortunately it is in Memphis this year and hopefully we can get out this year without some Rowdy Rebel trying to pick a fight. Unfortunately Ole Miss is supposed to have a good team this year and I think we will lose this one. My prediction is about 35 to 21, but we'll see. I think Ole Miss is a little over-rated and we might have a shot at the upset.