Penn State vs. Illinois Game

I think it seems fitting that my one hundredth post comes after one of the greatest experiences of my life. Last night was the Penn State-Illinois football game that was the reason for our trip back East. As with the rest of my posts this last week, there are a lot of pictures and not much writing. Enjoy the show...

This first picture comes more to prove to my cousin and brother that I really am doing this... This is my Game Crush. Lol I don't know his name, how old he is, or anything. I just know that he was funny at the game, is cute, and went to an extension campus of Penn State. So if you know this guy that sat in section NJU at last night's game, give him my number. If not, ignore this picture and go on to the next one :)

Kristine and me after seeing the players arrive. It's crazy how two girls raised on opposite sides of the country and only reunited a year and a half ago can have so much in common. It was so nice to see her again.

JoePa coming off of the team bus and walking into Beaver Stadium.

A blocked view of The Man, Daryll Clark

Keep in mind that this picture is taken from a zoomed camera just 16 rows from the top of Beaver Stadium. I think that fact that you can still tell it's Paterno and Zook meeting in the middle of the field is pretty impressive.

The last score of the game put Penn State up 38-24. That score helped move PSU comfortably into the number 6 spot nationally.

These videos aren't spectacular, but I wanted to try and give you a chance to experience some of the atmosphere inside Beaver Stadium during a legendary White Out. It was indescribable. The amount of white, the crowd participation in cheers and songs, the caliber of football played, the company of extended family...it all made for one amazing trip.

Rally in the Valley

*Pictures: Kristine and me on the drive to State College, Dad and Uncle Mike waiting for the Rally to start, Beat Illinois sign, The Lion, Old man who thought it was too loud, the general splendor :) *


Last night I got to experience the Rally in the Valley, which is the pep rally held the night before home games at Penn State. I can't explain it much beyond "awesome" and that's why I've included so many pictures and videos. That way you can see it for yourself :) Oh, and sorry about the sideways video, especially because that one is my favorite.

So far, SOOO Good!

For those of you who know my family as being Penn State fans, I just wanted to show you that it's basically genetic. This is my uncle's bookcase in his family room, full of Penn State memorabilia. I love it!

For my dad's birthday last night we tried to find somewhere good for dinner. I remembered this place with amazing chicken parm that we had been to last summer when I was here. So that's where we went. The Phoenix is in the middle of this residential area that you don't realize is there until you're in the parking lot. I went for a prime rib sandwich last night--not a bad choice.

After dinner, my dad got the treat of penuche cake made by Carol. For those of you who have never had penuche (which is probably most of you), it's a very sweet, caramel-type frosting. My dad grew up with the treat traditionally on birthdays. Carol was kind enough to perfect the dessert, and my dad thought it looked great.
Apparently he thought it smelled great too...
To make things better, lunch today was from the famous Texas Hot Dogs. Perfection.
As could be predicted, the trip has been a blast so far. My cousin, Kristine, just got in from school and my Uncle Mike just arrived from Kentucky. Let's get this party started!

Never Too Old

I just wanted to wish my dad a Happy Birthday! It doesn't matter how old he gets or how old I get, he's still my daddy and I love him so much. So enjoy your time in PA on this special 55th Birthday!