Come September, The McQ Zoo lives, eats and breathes FOOTBALL. Last year we became Falcons Season Ticket Holders, the proud owners of 2 seats for 10 home games, and we took Jack to all but one. He loved it, of course, so this year we got him his very own seat! The first pre-season game was at home, and we made our way through Atlanta rush hour traffic down to the Georgia Dome to claim our spot in the Blue Lot, where this year we accepted the lucky offer to purchase a season parking pass. Our tailgating friends skipped this one, so it was just our little family hanging out and kicking back a few cold ones while Jack ran around in the grassy field in the corner of the lot and launched himself off the truck bed. We missed kick-off, but we had a great time watching our boy enjoy himself before the first "put-bawl dame" of the season.
After we trekked our way up the hill on Northside Drive to the B Gate entry, we stopped to give Jack his own ticket. He walked like a big boy through the security check point where he raised his arms for his first "pat down." Mommy of course got all of this on video! Next, Jack handed his ticket to the gate attendant and scooted his way through the turnstile. Inside the Dome his eyes grew wide with wonder! Brett and I both thought he was having a deja vu sort of moment, knowing he'd been there before, but unable to place the memory. Daddy scooped him up on his shoulders, and we began the escalator ascent to the Upper Level, Section 312. Some call it Nosebleed; we call it home.
Jack hiked up the cement steps himself, Mommy and Daddy following behind, with lots of friendly smiles and curious eyes watching to see where we would end up. Row 12, Seats 18, 19 and 20. We sat with Jack between us, and so began his little mind observing, evaluating, calculating with every snap of the ball. When the crowd cheered, Jack clapped. When the music played, Jack danced. When the game got good, Jack sat on the edge of his seat, alert and aware of the heightened intensity. I spent most of our time there just staring at him, taking pictures of his expressions and soaking up the memory of this wonderful experience with my precious son.
We had promised him popcorn, but at Half Time Daddy went to find some and came back empty handed. Apparently the concessions were a bit under-stocked (possibly due to the NFL Lockout?), and as hard as he tried, there was no popcorn to be found. I decided to try my luck on the same conquest, but ended up with Italian Ice instead, hoping Jack wouldn't be too terribly disappointed, and irritated at myself for taking so long. When I finally returned to our seats, Jack was thrilled with his "eye-peam," and all was right with the world...
Except that we were losing. That is never fun, but winning wouldn't be nearly as exciting if we did it all the time, right? Hmmn...not sure about that, but a pre-season loss won't hurt us. The 2nd string got some practice and field time, and we got to spend a family evening doing what we love most: being together and watching football. We left the game just shy of the 4th Quarter 2 minute warning, and Jack resumed position atop his Daddy's shoulders for the walk back to the truck. It was a lovely night; the air was unusually less humid for August, and the moon was bright and beautiful, peeking out around wispy clouds and reflecting in Jack's eyes as he looked up to the sky.
We have spent the last 3 weeks talking with Jack about our next football game, and at last, the moment has arrived! Tomorrow we will go to the 2nd exhibition home game, and hopefully this time, the Falcons will win! I can't wait to see Jack's reactions throughout the season, and I am just so thrilled that our family can share such an awesome gift of football and togetherness all wrapped up into one by our decision to become Season Ticket Holders. Oh yes, it is worth it...
And who knows? With the McQuilken Family Football history, and Jack-Bo's advanced athletic skills (I know he is only 2, but when you got it, you got it, no mater what age, and trust me - he's got it!), maybe one day we'll be sitting a little closer to the sidelines.
And YES, we'll be ready!
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