Week 6, Redskins
“Welcome to Lambeau Field”. If I said that once to Kelly today I must have said it a dozen times. I was just so excited that she was here with me today. I really did feel like a kid with a new toy. I wanted to show her everything, take her everywhere and teach her every single rule of the game.
Kelly, bless her heart, wasn’t interested in much of that. For most of the game the temperature was in the mid 40’s (approx 8c) which to us is totally freezing. On top of being freezing and wet we were freezing and everything was wet. (Repetition intended).
The day started much the same as any other day in the Scullino house when we have plans in the morning. Absolutely hectic. Getting ready wasn’t just an issue. Don’t forget, we moved from the hotel yesterday so our things were all over the place as it was. Trying to get ready to leave when you don’t know where most things are, knowing the kids need to be packed for an all day stay and having to be out by 1030 is tough. We were out just before 11 which wasn’t so bad I guess. Except for the game starting at 12 but we made it so that’s the main thing.
There was an issue with separation this morning. We had once left the boys with a friend for our “hot date” last week but that was a little different. Both of them were well asleep before she arrived at the hotel and we were gone for no more than 2 hours. The boys, until they read this in a book someday, will never even know that we left.
Today, both were wide awake. We were taking them to somebody else’s home and we knew we’d be gone for most of the afternoon. Lucky for us we have met some wonderful people here in Green Bay. One that I have often mentioned Kathy, with her two Tyler and Katie were on hand as ever to help us out and the boys had the best time. Luc decided he wasn’t going to sleep until the day was almost out and Ben didn’t want to leave when the time finally came.
We left their house, not far from the stadium just after 11:15 in the new car. I know we’ve had it for a few days but I could say “new car” forever ‘cause the freedom we have now is just so great. We parked up on someone’s front yard for $20 which is the way things are done here and walked all of 50 yards into the Oneida Street car park. Having arrived so late the tailgaters were already starting to pack up and head into the game so we didn’t get a good look around. Instead we hot-footed it straight to the statues outside of the atrium to meet the friends with whom we were going.
Did I mention it was a little cooler today than we were hoping for? Oh yes, a few times. So as we were walking through the car park I could see Kelly becoming more uncomfortable with each step. Not expecting it to be as cold as it was Kel had worn a three quarter sleeved top with nothing but a singlet underneath. She told me she wasn’t cold when I asked but the look on her face and the goose bumps everywhere else told a very different story. Now I offered my jumper (sweater) to her several times but in the interest of fashion she was not going to wear a large, men’s jumper with a massive “G” on it regardless of how cold she was. We resolved to visit the pro-shop upon entry to buy something a little warmer.
Approaching the statues to meet our friends we realised that this is the meeting place for every single person that has made prior arrangements to meet somebody. Not just that but we hadn’t actually met Mike and Mary-Beth before so we had no idea for whom we were looking or what in fact they looked like. Thankfully Mary-Beth had made a sign for the both of them which you see posted here. It reads “Looking for Wayne from Australia”. This was so fantastic when we saw it for the first time. Not only was the impossible task of finding two people you have never met before made easier but it made us feel like those people that get off a plane to see Limo drivers at the baggage claim with their name on the board.
So we met Mike and Mary-Beth, were introduced to the infamous “fence painter” and made our way into the stadium with just enough time to hear the Star Spangled Banner and watch the always inspiring fly over by the air force jets.
Our seats were diagonal to the end zone which I really liked. It gives you a great view up and down the field regardless of who’s got the ball. Unlike the seats though the weather, as we have already established, wasn’t so great. Poor Kelly had had just about enough by kick off so after the first touchdown (to Green Bay i might add) we were straight down to the Pro Shop to see what they had to keep non football liking girls from Australia warm without being to “Green Bay” in their appearance.
Kelly made it quite clear what she was looking for and I think this confused the shop assistant a little. We wanted something that was obviously warm but not too Green or Gold. That’s hard when you’re at the game, in the pro-shop, supporting a team that wears Green and Gold. Then there was the fact that we didn’t want something that had an overtly obvious “G” on it anywhere. And lastly, it needed to have some sort of fashion appeal not just scream “hey look at me I’m a Packer Backer”. In summation, Kelly wanted a non green and gold coat, with no “G” that was fashionable and we were at the one shop in this world that specialises in the exact opposite. Thankfully a compromise was reached and we were able to get out of there within 15 minutes or so.
After our little shopping expedition we grabbed a brat and a beer, as you do, and found our seats again just in time for the rain to start. All in all we only missed about 12 minutes of the game. The funny thing about that though is that it didn’t really matter to me. Ordinarily I’d be huffing and puffing like a little boy that I was missing the action but I was just so happy to have Kelly with me it didn’t matter at all. Plus there are 2 TV’s every square foot at this place so whilst I wasn’t seeing it in the flesh I still got to see most of it.
Mike and Mary-Beth I’m certain thought our little expeditions to and from the seats were hilarious. The first time was for the sweater, the second for half time, the third for a coffee, the fourth for the toilet. I’ll blame it on the rain ‘cause I couldn’t possibly blame it on Kel. After all she’s been through so far as even coming here in the first place here she was at a football game, eating fast food, freezing her bottom off in the rain with only a poncho as protection. Neither of us ever thought we’d see the day.
As for the game, we won. It was tough though. We turned the ball over a couple of times but were lucky to capitalise when Washington returned the favour. Today though it was as much about Kelly coming as it was the final score. Sure I was whooping it up with the rest of the crowd but sitting there with her and two new friends is what this trip is all about. I explained the rules as best I could and Kelly listened as politely as she ever has.
The best part of the day though was right at the end. With barely a minute remaining, the Redskins down by only 3 and in possession of the ball Kelly tapped me on the leg so that I could move to allow her to get to the bathroom. “What?.....NOW?” I exclaimed. She said “Yeah”. I said something like “There’s less than a minute to go, the Redskins have the ball, if the score they win and you want to go NOW?” “Yes” She said again, oh so nonchalantly. With my face scrunched like a ball of paper I replied “REALLY? And this time she replied “uh-hu” and I smiled. “Spoken like a true non football fan” I said as she walked away at the most crucial of times.
I had a blast today. There is no mistaking that Kelly is my favourite girl in the entire world and Mike and Mary Beth were terrific hosts. I am so glad they were able to share in Kelly’s first game with us. On a side note, if you or anyone you know is into collecting coins, head down and see Mike at his gallery – 2221 S.Webster. I don’t normally throw business details in my updates but Mike and Mary Beth were so lovely I’m certain they’d welcome anyone into their store with open arms.
We didn’t stay too long after the game this week. I tend to hang around for a while and soak up the atmosphere but with Kelly, the rain and our 2 little boys waiting for their chauffers we made it out quite quickly. This last pic was a couple we meet on the way out, Steve and Mabel from Kiln Mississippi. They own a pub down there called the Broke Spoke. We are hoping to get to Kiln after the Dallas game if only for a few pics in front of the “Home of Brett Favre” signs. I know we’ve got alot on our plates as it is but what sort of a trip would be complete if “The Once in a Lifetime Fan” couldn’t at least get to Brett’s hometown?
Bye week next week. We’ll either lay low and take it easy or head to Madison for the Badgers game vs Northern Illinois. Will keep you posted.
