November 13 13

When my brother messaged me on Facebook, I actually almost missed it. I rarely use FB messenger; it’s probably my least-used communication method. But I clicked over and it said this: Eagles vs Packers game in Green Bay November 10th. And I didn’t even read the rest. All signs pointed to this being not-the-wisest decision—Green Bay is kind of far, the weather in November is temperamental at best, the kids in our mostly broken car for 24 hours of driving in one weekend, work and school. So yes. All signs pointed to no.

Except.

I had the chance to take my three children to their very first Packers game at Lambeau Field.

It’s the stuff of bucket lists.

The answer was yes.

YES.

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Logistics came second. My friends at Honda Canada were lifesavers, quite literally. My minivan is older than Isabella, and has seen better days. Way better. So, when Honda asked if we wanted to test out the new Odyssey—it has a drink cooler AND a built-in vaccuum, you guys—this lady whose kids are mostly grown and who no longer has to do carpool was ready to throw in the towel on the whole minivan situation was all “Bring it on, Honda!

We piled our worldly belongings into the giant trunk and made the way to Green Bay, stopping only to caffeinate, to have lunch with this lady, to hit as many Targets as we could along the way (answer: 5), and to pick up the rest of the family members, the food, drinks, and the important tailgating accoutrements.

Even the Honda Odyssey is a Packers fan.

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“Can we keep this car forever and ever?” was basically all the response I was looking for in a child’s review. They liked the roominess in the back, the cupholders, the automatic doors, the ability to control their own temperature (they are fans of what I’d call “indoor sauna,” and don’t get me started on the widescreen television on which I introduced my children to the wonder that is Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. I was a fan of the usb plug, the drink cooler, the various indicators telling me when giant trucks are too close to me, and don’t get *me* started on this vacuum business.

My son said it best, I think: “I’m not going to lie. Having a vacuum in the van really feels like a challenge.” Newsflash: Kids are messy, messy creatures. Newsflash, squared: Kids on roadtrips are doubly messy. Newsflash, tripled: Kids at an all-day tailgating, foodfest?

They require the use of an in-car vacuum. Everyone in Green Bay was fairly impressed.

As was I. With them.

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And of course, the best outfit of the day gets awarded to my awesome brother. OF COURSE.

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It’s almost impossible to put into words what A Green Bay Packers Experience feels like.

I spend my Sundays, typically, yelling at my television. I get nervous and angry and emotional and sad and happy. And sometimes I shout expletives. And sometimes I text her the expletives. But for the most part, it’s kind of a solo-ish experience. Being at Lambeau Field on a Sunday? There’s nothing solo about it.

I mean, it’s BANANAS.

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Bananas. In the very best way possible.

There were many tears that day. I simply was unable to keep my emotions in check. I had a very RUDY-like moment when I walked out and saw the field for the first time.

You know exactly what I’m talking about.

“RUDY! RUDY! RUDY!”

It was all very Kristen Bell and the sloth.

“Mama. ARE YOU CRYING?”

I even cried when the very intoxicated man beside me offered me some of his gummi bears, that appeared to be floating in some sort of vodka liquid inside of the plastic baggy that he had pulled out from his pocket.

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“Come on, no? You don’t want just one? Try one! You can even have one of the white ones…those are the best.”

“No thank you. I’m just going to sit over here and have my emotional breakdown.”

“Okay, cool. Go Packers!”

We certainly did. Go Packers.

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Some more pics on Flickr, here.

(Note: This post is not sponsored. Honda did provide the awesome loaner wheels for this occasion and I assure you—as always—my opinions are all my own. And my amazing Uncle David did make it possible for us to have access to his season tickets. And my brother arranged the entire day and even got me some veggie ribs and hot dogs and burgers even though it felt wrong to him on every single level.)

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  1. I don’t get the striped overalls thing that Wisconsiners seem to love. We saw a ton of those when we went to a Wisconsin game in Madison a few years back.

    Lambeau is an amazing place. I’m a Bears fan and it still ranks as one of the most awesome places I’ve ever been.

    I’m so glad you got to take them all to witness it!

    Comment by Kristabella on November 13, 2013
  2. I don’t get them either…but they were everywhere. And made me giggle.

    Maybe they are warm and offer extra places to keep snacks. 🙂

    Comment by ali on November 13, 2013
  3. I’ll just be over here weeping. Next year Martell. Next year is the year.

    Comment by Jen on November 13, 2013
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