New Years Eve

It was a long day for us at the Cotton Bowl pre-game festivities. We had our morning buffet breakfast in the hotel lobby and then split into groups to drive to the Fort Worth Stockyards. That is a definite "must see and do" if you ever visit this area. It is an attraction that is world class and a place where you could easily spend a whole day and lots of money. The pictures below will attest to the great time we had. There were many photos taken and I couldn't post most of them, but these are representative of the great time had by all.

Starting with our arrival at around 10 AM when we walked a short distance from our parking area to the end of the street where it all begins:

It is an area that is about 5 square blocks of old western stores, restaurants, rides and you name it. We took some shots of the family, including these on the bulls and just standing around with some of the cowboys that keep things moving:

 :

and, speaking of moving - the herding of the bulls which occurs on the main street twice a day:

We even got a group shot of all of the folks, here for the game - that came on this visit from our hotel:

and another shot of the group while eating Bar B Q at the Risky's Barbecue:

We also have this shot of us while at the Barbecue:

All of these people are family of other players on the team that became really close friends through the Tail-Gating parties before each of the games. It was a terrific time!

Last evening we drove to the Gaylord Texan where Austin and the WMU football team is staying. You talk about class! This is a place that almost defies description. The amenities, beauty and overall facilities are among the best in the country. The entire WMU team gets to share the reward for their outstanding accomplishments this year. Of course, it was also Austin's birthday celebration after we ate dinner at the Sports Bar within the hotel. We spent a fantastic evening with Austin over dinner and after dinner, meeting many of his other teammates. These photos are among the best we took throughout the evening. Starting with Austin - the guest of honor:

and a picture of his cake that we brought for the occasion:

It will definitely be a night to remember.

Oh, and here are a few shots of the inside of this place and of the grounds at the outside entrance:

Josie and I (and the boys) took a cab back to our hotel after Austin had to check back into his room, while Patty and Mark stayed to bring in the new year. We brought in the new year in our room and went to bed shortly thereafter. What a tremendous day!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR everybody !!!