The First Family Football Weekend

I had pretty high hopes for our trip to ND for the Navy game…but I wasn’t entirely sure how it would go, either. Would Laura be bored? Danny disappointed? Would the weather be too cold to do anything? Would it be awkward to see my Walsh girls and try to mingle with their kids?

Suffice to say the answer was a resounding “no!” to each of those fears! We were blessed with gorgeous fall weather, great spirits all around, and instant friendships.

We flew into Chicago late Friday morning, and caught up with Clare after her last class later that afternoon. After showing Danny and Laura around Farley, she took us to her most-visited spots on campus. We often heard a “Hi, Clare!” as we walked, underscoring what her roommate Abby told us later: “Clare knows everyone!” Clearly her efforts to get involved and meet a variety of people have paid off, and I am so proud!

That night we, with the gracious assistance of Cat and her car, took Clare, Abby and three other Farley girls to dinner. They were VERY excited to eat off campus, a sentiment I well remember. 

We kicked off game day with a tailgate, thanks to Tim securing us a great spot in the Joyce Center lot. When Laura and Quinn showed up wearing the same sweatshirt, I felt pretty good about how things would between them. Within 15 minutes they were busy playing games and coloring in the back seat of the car, needing no interference from the rest of us.

Meanwhile, Danny and Deaglan quickly took to tossing the pigskin and mingling with us. Clare arrived with a couple of friends, and we enjoyed a beautiful fall day - and food, of course. 

We eventually closed up shop to go enjoy campus activities before game time - including our iconic Walsh photo and lots of football passes.

The game itself was phenomenal! Not long into the first quarter, Clare summoned Danny and Deaglan to the student section, where they had a blast! 

Meanwhile, the girls stayed VERY busy coloring “Go Irish” pictures for anyone and everyone - including the ushers and cheerleaders! They even made “Go Navy!” signs for the two Navy men sitting in front of us, which really touched them. (They also enjoyed some stadium hot cocoa!)

We wrapped up the weekend with bagels at the bookstore and then noon mass at the Basilica, which was lovely. It was nothing short of a magical weekend, and in a month devoted to thanksgiving, I am VERY grateful.