Homecoming

What does homecoming mean to you? Seeing people you haven’t seen in a while and enjoying some good conversations with good cold beverages, basically an awesome party! That is what our homecoming lived up to at Westgate Plaza near the University of Phoenix Stadium. We had friends and family and the Vet Tix team all enjoying themselves at the tailgate. Vet Tix pulled through and linked up with Westgate to provide an ideal parking spot for the RV. Plenty of exposure with people walking to the game and the Plaza. Nolan hooked up the grill and started working magic, perfecting the jalapano poppers and putting the finishing touches on my mom’s awesome shrimp poppers. Others enjoyed the cheese dip and my sister’s guacamole. It was a family affair til the end!

I think one of the more important factors of the tailgate was the fact that we made use of the inside of the RV playing water pong and preparing food. It was a first for the RV and it was still quite roomy with all the people and ping pong balls. It brought us more confidence for inclement weather plans. Besides the canopy, we could also have as much fun inside the RV with plenty of people.

Mike, from Vet Tix, Nolan, Aaron, and I left the tailgate early to get a closer look at the field. The Cardinals provided us four with pre-game field passes and it was great to see the incredible Cardinals up close. It was also a great pleasure to be in the stadium when the Cardinals honored the military with a great National Anthem sung by a Navy Petty Officer. I can’t help but to love the field, the stadium, and the Cardinals. Maybe I am biased, but they also had one of the best popcorn buckets in the league. Good company kept the first half from being completely disgusting. Luckily the Cardinals showed up in the second half and rode the shoulders of the defense to victory. A huge stop allowing only a field goal when the Seahawks were at the 1-yard line gave the Cardinals the momentum. And Beanie Wells had a huge day as well, ultimately scoring the go-ahead touchdown. Another great season is in store for the Cardinals, I can feel it. Go ahead and jump on the band wagon now, it’s still early enough.

On the way back to the RV, I felt inspired to buy my first NFL jersey. I purchased a white Cardinal #40, Pat Tillman jersey. I have to say that you can only wear a handful of jerseys at any stadium and a Cardinals #40 is probably the top one. Great men like Pat Tillman and Joe are why I am doing this trip. Thanks to those who have served along side me.

Getting back to the RV was harder than I thought. Everyone was leaving and I ran into some relatives and we headed to a nearby bar to see a cousin. A few shots later, I headed back to the RV. We hung out there for a little while until someone walked out of the RV with a red cup, and we were asked to leave. It is definitely hard to control that many people, especially when I was part of the problem. On the way out, somehow we picked up Green Man, and he made everyone feel uncomfortably awkward. Luckily no pictures have surfaced of Green Man invading the RV. Though he was spotted the next day hanging with his cousins, the Phoenix Pink People.

Phoenix was a blast and we got to see a lot of friends and family. Thanks to all who came out to lend their support. Unfortunately our time was short and we had to leave a day later to head across the country for the fifth time. Next stop…Charlotte, NC. See you there!