I needed a break from Christmas photos and I figured you did too.
So instead, we're going back to November. November 24th, 2012 to be exact; the Civil War between the Oregon State Beavers and the University of Oregon Ducks. (Someone asked me recently if it was possible to support both the Beavers and the Ducks since they're both from Oregon and the answer is no.)
We typically get season tickets to all of the Beavers games, but we only get three tickets (Two adults and one child.) and we get them in the family section where there's no covered seating (and it rains a lot here in Oregon) because they're cheap. So that means only one kid gets to go to the Civil War each year and this year (which is now technically last year due to my untimely post) that kid was Cole.
And I've got my fingers crossed that the photos will speak for themselves because I've got a mountain of work to tackle this morning...
Ok, this next photo can't speak for itself, so I'll have to interject.
At one point during the game, a college-aged girl walked up to Josh and I (Coley was in the restroom.) and said, "Hey, do you two want to participate in a competition on the field during the next time-out?"
My initial thought was "Hell no." because:
- Regardless my competitive nature, I have no desire to compete in anything that includes 47,000 spectators.
- I had broken my leg just six weeks prior and though I had no idea what sort of 'competition' she was speaking of, I was quite sure that the footboot I was wearing would dull my competitive edge.
- My 12 year-old son was in the restroom and might be concerned when he returned to his seat only to find his parents were missing.
But despite all that, I immediately looked at my eager, OSU Beaver-loving husband and said, "Yes."
Then I handed my camera over to some drunk college-aged boys that were sitting in front of us, asked them to watch my son when he returned from the restroom and walked out into the OSU football field in front of 47,000 people while wearing a footboot, to participate in some competition that I still knew nothing about.
Turns out it was the Shane Company (a local jeweler) Ring Run and all I had to do was wait at the endzone with a giant, plastic wedding ring (in front of 47,000 people while wearing a footboot) while Josh Downs ran towards me carrying his own giant, plastic wedding ring. Then I had to help him put his giant, plastic wedding ring on me (in front of 47,000 people while wearing a footboot) and then put my own giant, plastic wedding ring on him (in front of 47,000 people while wearing a footboot) and race down to the 50 yard line while holding my husband's hand and a giant, plastic wedding ring (in front of 47,000 people while wearing a footboot.)
And thankfully, Coley arrived back from the restroom and recovered my camera from the drunk college-aged boys that were now babysitting him, just in time to grab this shot...
And to (literally) add insult to injury, we lost.
But apparently, no one goes home a looser in the Shane Company Ring Run and therefore, Josh Downs and I are now the proud ownders of a Shane Company water bottle and a Shane Company pen.
Final Score: OSU Beavs 24, U0fO Ducks 48.
yikes! I bet that score hurt! You are such a good sport! It's a great memory! Thanks for posting!
Posted by: Shan | January 22, 2013 at 09:05 AM
Love this series of photos! How fun!
Posted by: Shauna | January 22, 2013 at 09:28 AM
okay, the second to last shot cracks me up. josh is the only one standing and you can tell by everyone's faces what the game was like. lol. sorry josh!
Posted by: mandy friend | January 22, 2013 at 09:46 AM
I knew it was only a matter of time before you were performing in front of massive crowds. Gurl, you is big time! (Sorry about the game...)
Posted by: nancy boothe | January 22, 2013 at 09:53 AM
Is it weird that I was in a thrift shop in Portland on Nov 24 and the game was on and I thought of you and Josh Downs??:) I'm not a football fan - but ppl keep loudly asking others in the store what the score was now. Was kinda funny. Been waiting for you to post about this day ever since. hee
Posted by: Janna | January 22, 2013 at 10:16 AM
so the big question: did the winners win a big diamond? i was waiting for you to say you won a ring!
Posted by: amanda | January 22, 2013 at 10:37 AM
you're def right. you're either a beaver fan or a duck fan...not possible to be both. my sister goes to OSU :) we watched the game on TV.
Posted by: kristin | January 22, 2013 at 10:44 AM
Your son has the most intense facial expressions. Looks like a good time was had by all :}
Posted by: Linda | January 22, 2013 at 12:02 PM
I give you SO much credit for getting out there in front of all those people!! Way to go!
Posted by: Lyndsey G | January 22, 2013 at 01:01 PM
You guys always seem to have the best times!
Posted by: Kathy R | January 22, 2013 at 01:18 PM
I love it when you post pictures from game day. My husband and I were at that game too, although we left early because I was very upset about the status of the game. Happy you mentioned that you can only be a Beaver or a Duck, not both because it's SO true!!
Posted by: Courtney | January 22, 2013 at 02:02 PM
Love the photos and stories and I love the passion of the fans and I love that everyone is in black and orange Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
Posted by: Kathy | January 22, 2013 at 02:56 PM
I love how you catch the story with your photos, and especially the joy on your son's face. While I have always enjoyed your Oregon State/Beavers posts, they have more meaning for me now, as my daughter was recently accepted by the OSU College of Forestry. She still hasn't pinned down her final choice, but she's "80%" sure she'll be a Beaver in the fall. Thanks for the glimpses of the stadium that I hope to be sitting in frequently later this year (making the flight/drive from Southern California). :)
Posted by: Stacy | January 22, 2013 at 03:17 PM
I don't know why but the photos of Josh standing and looking at you, while the crowd looks elsewhere made me tear up!
Posted by: Kelli | January 22, 2013 at 03:44 PM
I thought of you and your family when our K-State Wildcats played in the Fiesta Bowl and I am sorry we did not beat those stupid Ducks for you :(
Posted by: Robyn :) | January 22, 2013 at 07:28 PM
My good, good friends are in a mixed marriage (Him-U of O, Her-OSU). P is usually good about supporting the Beavs, his wife's alma mater. Their two girls are totally orange/black all the way. One year, on the Friday before the Civil War, P decided he just had to be true to his school and came down to breakfast in his green and gold before heading to work. Youngest daughter (3rd grade at the time) hollered, "Daddy is ruining the family." He was worried how the teachers at school would interpret a statement like that if she shared it at school. After that trauma, "Daddy" has mostly gotten in line with his Beav gear.
That last photo of Cole is a heartbreaker. Poor little guy.
Posted by: Julie | January 22, 2013 at 08:43 PM
You are the BEST story teller out there! Thank you so much!!! And better luck next time!
Posted by: Stacey | January 23, 2013 at 06:31 AM
GO BEAVS!!! There is always next year...:) thank you Karen for sharing; true Beaver Believers feel their pain :(
Posted by: CarolM | January 23, 2013 at 12:00 PM
Love your story and your photos and that you said YES!! you are so awesome and continue to look amazing! Hugs from Conroe, TX
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | January 23, 2013 at 02:13 PM
Love the half time games (and love Shane Co)! My wedding ring is from Shane Co...if not for the fact that I have webbed feet I would have loved to cheer ya on!
Posted by: Brittany | January 23, 2013 at 05:13 PM
lots of fun pics and Cole is just too adorable for words. LOVE the father/son shots and the one of the three of you!
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | January 24, 2013 at 09:04 AM
I love these stories.
I love when you interject into Christmas.
I love Christmas.
I don't love foot boots.
I don't ever want to wear green/yellow or orange in Oregon.
I love the ridiculous ring running thing because it means a million things, mostly love.
Posted by: Ada | January 24, 2013 at 09:44 PM