A Victory Celebration

Everyone knows we are big Clemson fans. Callen has been to several games already, with his first tailgate at only 4 weeks old. I am pretty sure Callen has more orange and Clemson outfits in his wardrobe than I do. So, we were pretty pumped about Clemson making it to the Orange Bowl! Because the BCS games don't come on until after 8:00pm, poor Callen wasn't even able to make it to see the Tigers run onto the field with his 7:30pm bedtime. But, the little guy was dressed in his tiger PJs with tiger feet and a tiger on the bootie. Even if he couldn't be awake to watch the game, he was going to 'dress for success!' Needless to say, we were super excited for a Clemson win!!!

The football team was scheduled to return to Clemson between 2:30 and 3:00pm the next day. Doug and I met the team in Clemson several years ago after they won the ACC Championship game in Charlotte. We had such a good time taking pictures with the players, and seeing the excitement of Dabo and all the staff, we decided to do the same this year. We got ourselves all bundled up (and were going to go hiking, but were unable because of time conflicts), and headed to Clemson. We met my dad, brother, and sister at the West End Zone. Before long, the buses were arriving, and the crowd of about 1000 or so fans started cheering and welcoming home the Tigers. The players unloaded from the bus and were immediately attacked by fans wanting autographs and pictures.We were some of those fans!!

Waiting for the Tigers!

Trying to stay warm. Callen is a little heater!

Getting a better look at the buses driving in

They're here!

I would take Callen and push through the masses of people...and then place him in the arms of the players for pictures. The guys were so good with Callen, and had big smiles on their faces while holding him. Callen just hung out in their arms and allowed us to take pictures of him. It was pretty cool for Doug and me, but I am sure Callen will appreciate the pictures in the years to come. We were able to take pictures with some of the big name guys, many of whom will probably be playing on Sundays in the future.

Corey Crawford (#93)

Stephone Anthony (#42)

Shaq Lawson (#90)

Roderick McDowell (#25)

Vic Beasley (#3)

Chandler Catanzaro (#39)

There were also several news stations there reporting live. A group in front of us was being interviewed by WYFF News 4. Kim held up Callen so he would be in the background. He made it on the video! (I can't find a link to this newscast...Boo!)

Fox 21 was also there and had several of us start a cheer. Callen made it on this newscast as well. We have a popular little fellow!
Fans welcome Clemson players home

Dabo, Tahj Boyd, and Sammy Watkins all stayed back in Florida. We were kind of bummed they weren't there, but it was still a great time. I hope we have more chances to do more of this type activity in the years to come...that will mean we are playing some great football!