I saw on FB this week that GT and UGA were playing Saturday night so I mentioned it to Chris. He thought I was kidding at first but was excited to learn I thought we really should attend. The rink has places to watch that are heated but we have a carseat cover that is made to trap in heat, the rink is super close to the house (just behind the Belk shopping center), and if we left after his 8pm feeding we would be able to watch the first period- maybe even the second.
Chris was super excited. Monty had to wear red. We found something in the "he's too small for it" section that kind of fit. He had some sport mittens and his red hat with red socks. Daddy was pleased. Mommy wrapped a blanket around him in the carseat and added the thick cover over top. He was asleep in the seat by the time we arrived!
What we didn't know was how POPULAR this game would be. Last game of the season, senior night, and the rink is close to both teams. When we pulled into the parking lot at 8:45 (to start at 9) there was clearly no place to park. All illegal parking was taken. There was a huge bus that brought in fans that was double parked. Chris dropped me and Monty off and parked at a lot across the street. It was slammed inside.
We walked directly to the ice section. found a corner we could sit at. I'm not sure it was designed for fans to sit on but seating was sparse. It was absolutely packed before the game started. They had problems with the ice (had to cut it twice) so they started at 9:30. GT clearly had the upper hand but UGA scored first. After a whole GT matched them. Monty slept through it all.
When I say all I mean the loudest room EVER. The boys stretched and took practice shots when they first came out. It sounded like a firing range as pucks slammed against the backboards, missing the net. They rang he huge "BEEP" machine that indicates the time on the clock has expired, the fans (especially the GT fans) were rowdy. Cheers, banging in the glass, and noise makers were a plenty. I checked many times. No waking. Out cold.
We enjoyed hot chocolate, skittles, and freedom from the house for 20 minutes of hockey.
When we left we picked up some Taco Bell. Last score check the dawgs posted online was GT had the lead at the end of the second period 4-1. We saw the only UGA goal.
Of course Monty had a difficult time staying asleep after his 11pm feeding. We were whispering and his eyes still fluttered awake. I had to rock him twice and we opted not to watch TV in bed because we didn't want to wake him again.
It was a good Saturday. We gained some confidence going out together and we also had some fun :) now for the Super Bowl and our weekend will be complete!
