On Thursday, we packed up the kids and drove 8 hours to Manhattan, Kansas…home of Kansas State University.
Most of you know this but for those of you who don’t…that’s where Andrew and Sean played college football and went to school. You see…11 years ago, I loaded up in the car with my mom and dad to drive the 8 hours to Sean’s first college football game. I remember being about 6 hours into this road trip when I told my parents that the odds of me going back for any of Sean’s other games were slim to none.
And then, I bumped into Andrew Shull after the game.
And it was love at first second sight (I had briefly met him once before).
And I went to every.single.game K-State played for the next 2 years. Yes. Every weekend.
I drove the 8 hours to home games, I flew to crazy places like Iowa and Nebraska, went to San Diego, went to Phoenix…went to every.single.game.
I was an official K-Stater myself.
Now this might surprise you…but I was not the fun sorority girl in college (I should have been but I wasn’t). I was serious. I took no less than 18 hours each semester, worked two jobs and studied, studied, studied. I had absolutely no “college” experience myself. But then that fall of my junior year, this whole K-State thing happened and all of a sudden, I got this college experience…except not with my own school :). This is what happens when you fall in love with the captain of the football team…you become this super fan.
One of Andrew’s last games was the Big XII Championship against OU (the unbeaten, “mini-NFL team”…a direct quote from Brent Musburger). We were such the underdog that game that it was pathetic. We were actually pitied for having to play them. And then we won. We didn’t just win, we kicked their butts! And it was glorious. My mother still says that was the best day of her life (over giving birth to her children, her wedding, her grandkids…that was it for Sherry Lowe!).
Well, this year was the 10 year anniversary of that game and so, Andrew was invited to come back to be recognized with his other teammates during this weekend’s K-State/OU game. At first, we weren’t going to go…but things opened up for us and we decided to make the trip. And I am so glad we did! This was our kiddos’ first time to visit Manhattan and we had a BLAST!
On our way up, we stopped at Cracker Barrel for some yummy food! Nothing makes the Shull girls smile like a big plate of pancakes at lunchtime!
Smith was super intrigued in the table game at Cracker Barrel…such a funny kid.
We made it into Manhattan around 6:30 and headed straight to dinner at Cox Bros. BBQ. Oh how I have missed this wonderful BBQ!
The next day, we bundled up and headed out to show the kids Manhattan! It was cooooold! I think the high was like 28. Yikes!
Brrrr! We needed coffee and eggs to warm us up!
After breakfast, we headed to Varney’s to buy K-State gear show the kids Aggieville :).
They totally dug Aggieville!
My girl and me 🙂
We stopped by the mall for a walk down memory lane and Andrew totally lost his “cool card”. I love how serious Smith looks in this picture!
My love.
At lunch, we realized that this was my kids’ first time to eat Jello. Does this make me a bad mom? Or a good mom? They were both perplexed and confused at the consistency. It cracked me up!
We left lunch and headed to the football complex. This was my favorite part of the trip! We showed the kids the weight room, training rooms, walked them down the halls and pointed out pictures, and while I was taking this picture of Coach Snyder’s office, he came out and gave me the biggest hug! It was so good to see him!
If you don’t know who Bill Snyder is, ask your husband or boyfriend. He’s legendary. Seriously. Look him up. He’s been referred to as the best college football coach of all time. Smith said, “it’s nice to meet you Coach Snyder” in the sweetest little voice ever. It was such a special moment for us Shulls to reunite with Coach Snyder.
While we were in the weight room, Andrew was proud to see that he has one record still standing 11 years later. And the list on the left…this is the reason my husband is so fabulous and so difficult at the same time! Coach Snyder makes all of the players memorize these 16 goals and then put them each into action…and my husband still does that to this day. Andrew Shull is super intense. About everything. And I completely blame (and thank) Coach Snyder for that!
We walked down one hallway that has a photo up of every Wildcat that has ever played in the NFL. Super proud of this guy!
And then, we went out on to the field…so fun!
11 years later and look at us!
Later that night, we were eating dinner at a local sports bar/restaurant when part of the band and cheerleaders came in to play the K-State fight song and Wabash Cannonball. It was so fun!!
On Saturday morning, we got up and got our game faces on!
Then, we headed to Bob’s diner for a pre-game breakfast!
I love this. Seriously, look the man up.
It was 21 degrees and windy at game time but thankfully, K-State had provided an awesome space for us to view the game with free food and drinks all day. There was floor to ceiling glass, dozens of big screens and comfy chairs. We were in toasty-warm heaven!
So glad we’re not outside in our “real” seats!
Ohhhhh…but then these two started complaining about how they wanted to sit in our “real seats”. We explained over and over again about how cold it was but they were relentless…so, we took them out there.
And after about 2 minutes, they were crying to go back inside…
And they happily ate and watched from inside the rest of the day. Lesson learned.
This was the look on Smith’s face when I told him Sheaffer went to OU. I’m not sure if they can still be friends???
“Oh my goodness! It’s so much better inside than out!”
The 2003 team being recognized on the field :).
It was such a special trip! Both of my kids have declared they will be Wildcats too…and we would be so proud.
Now, I know what you are about to email me? Where did I get this? Where did I get that? Where is Kensington’s coat from? And on and on (I know you girls!). Here we go…
Fringe Scarf here.
Striped tee here.
Red coat here (hello, Christmas!).
Red Plaid scarf here (perfect for Christmas!!)
Hunter Wellies here.
Kensington’s red coat here.
Kensington’s boots here.
Pink plaid scarf here.
If you missed my emergency, I’m flipping out, special Sunday post yesterday…make sure you click here! Based on the feedback I received, you ladies were flipping out too!
And today, is a special Thanksgiving Week Edition of Meal Planning Monday…
Happy Monday everyone!
Cathy and Marshall says
That's so fun sharing college traditions with your kiddos! My father-in-law (and much of his side of the family) went to K-State. He showed us the campus a few summers ago while we were there for a family wedding. Looks like you had a really special time!
Anonymous says
Where did you get your cozy red plaid scarf?? LOVE IT!
Aaron and Shannon says
I graduated from K-State and was there when your husband and Sean played! It was such an amazing time and I love and cherish all my memories there! Looks like it was a if weekend! Does your husband know Ted Sims or Russ Vanover? They were younger than me but I went to high school with them! Go Cats!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Link in post! They might be sold out in red right now but they have a great green one too!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
OH MY GOODNESS I LOVED THIS POST! Soooooo fun! And your red coat? I die. It's so funny, I remember that game 10 years ago so well. We had friends over to watch the game at our house, and after we got SPANKED, our friend Travis jumped in our pool. And it was FREEZING cold. There may or may not have been alcohol involved. 🙂
Blue-Eyed Bride says
Oh my gosh I love everything about this post. Love the backstory! I love taking our kids back to places we went together before they were even a little thought in our minds. Looks like a great weekend!
Erin and Josh says
My husband went to KState and worked for a campus ministry there for years. Lots of our dates happened in aggieville when I would come visit. Thanks for all the fun pics- love that place!
Blue-Eyed Bride says
I love everything about this post! So fun to go back to places we loved before there were kids…and bring our kids there, too 🙂
Michelle says
I found your blog through Every Day Cheer and just love it! I was so tickled to see the KState post. My nephew is a freshman at K State and I went to visit him for the first time on homecoming weekend. I went to Mizzou and currently live in NC.
Lisa says
Great Manhattan/KSU experience although it was a cold game. I am not ashamed to admit I warmed up in the bathroom at halftime. Love Manhattan, Snyder, KSU, and the games. Now I realize why Andrew's name sounded familiar at halftime. Our family bleeds purple!
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
Looks like such a fun weekend! I'm such an emotional sap that I would have been tearing up seeing my hubby's picture and record on the wall. But, you are probably a lot more normal than me- ha! 🙂
Team Harries says
Fun trip Shay! My husband is a Kstate alumni too, so we are always watching the games! Sad they lost on Saturday!
Daily Express says
What a fun memory & trip. The photo of you and your daughter in matching red coats is TOO CUTE. She is like your perfect little mini-me. 🙂
Laci Murray says
Just ordered the red coat for my daughter! I love it! My son plays football and it's so much fun to watch them play!
Elaine says
Love it! So fun to go down memory lane. We need to see a pic of you & Andrew when y'all were dating back then! Fun to see it right next to the one of y'all 11 years later! Your family is precious!
Mandy Rose says
So fun! I always love your adventures and how COOL to take them back to where it all begin!
Amy Flemister says
I loved this!!!! So fun to see where it all began. I know this is a trip you and your family will always remember!
Lyndsey Harms says
I'm sure when you say crazy places like "Nebraska" its code for "awesome" : )
Michael Buble did open up our new arena in September!
Love your blog.
-Lyndsey Lincoln, NE
Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says
What a special weekend and experience to have with your kids! Your love story is such a sweet one. We also love taking our kids back to the places we went to while dating. Of course, they're older now and think we're corny. 🙂
Tracy says
Oh my goodness, this post just warmed my heart in an unbelievable way. My husband and I are K-State grads (and die hard Wildcats) and we lived in Manhattan for 7 years after graduating, and just moved to India this past July. Seeing all these pics and memories of Manhattan just brought so many smiles to my heart – Cox Brothers, Early Edition, Aggieville, K-State football…I'm so happy right now!
And the Big 12 championship game against OU was my sophomore year and I was at the game – unforgettable! Favorite sports game experience of all time. Nothing beats that win!!
Thanks for this post!!!
Elaine Welte says
Loved Kennsington's boots!!! Looks like y'all had a fabulous time!
Kitty says
You totally just made me take a little trip down memory lane! My husband played football for CU from 2002-2006. So many fun experiences at home games, road games, big xii championships and bowls! In fact, I went to Manhattan to watch a game once!
Jen {Whimsy at Heart} says
That photo of you & Kensington in matching coats is precious! What a fun weekend where you made memories to last forever! We're planning on taking our kids to Aggieland, where we also met, next fall. 🙂
Christy says
What a fun post, Shay! I grew up in Manhattan. I am a 4th generation K-Stater and remember that game well! I have lived in DFW for 10 years now and I enjoy reading your blog and hearing your whole family's pride for K-State shine through. Love that you were able to get more of the college "experience" when you started dating Andrew. Sounds like you had a great trip despite the weather and game outcome, and how fun to get a big hug from Coach Snyder!
Jenni says
Loved this post!! Fellow alumni that was there this weekend too. Funny story, we were going to eat at Kite's Friday night and one of my daughters was complaining about the smell. I asked what it smelled like and she said "like someone peed" lol! Welcome to Aggieville!! Glad your kids had fun there this weekend!
Jaren says
What a fun trip!!! Such sweet memories for y'all!
Tab & Erika says
Is it just me or are your iphone pics REALLY good?? Why are mine so yuck compared to your clear ones?? We need Narci or Lori to solve this!! ha! LOVED seeing all these bright clear pictures from your weekend. I also love all your cozy warm coats/boots/mittens!! I'm hoping Smith chooses somewhere closer. Nixon thinks they're going to college together and K-State is FAR away!!
The Cantelmo Family says
It looks like you had a blast. I didn't have a real college experience either – so I hope my kids do!
That's awesome they had that fun room for you guys!!
Heaven's Roses says
I love reading your blog and seeing all the pictures of your beautiful family. And of course I love all the fashion trends that you introduce to us. Awesome! and thank you!
Thanks!
Heaven's Roses says
I love reading your blog and seeing all the pictures of your beautiful family. And of course I love all the fashion trends that you introduce to us. Awesome! and thank you!
Thanks!
Liz says
Love this! So much fun to take your kids to the place that your husband went to school and you guys fell in love and it looks like they loved it! Random question…how do you make your photo collages? Is it an app?
One Crazy Blessed Mama/Boozer Bunch says
What a fun trip!
Anonymous says
Ahh, EMAW and Manhappiness 🙂 Please tell me you stopped for Varsity Donuts while in the Ville? The K-Stater is my kids' favorite treat from there. No trip is complete without at least 1 donut!
Mary Woods says
So much fun! What color is your lip gloss/lip stick? Not the pink one. I love your blog:)
hillary says
Boomer Sooner Shaeffer!! (Sorry Smith)
Nicole says
My husband and I both went to kstate and after living 10 years in Kansas City we are back in Manhattan and I absolutely love it here! I have followed your blog for a year and would have died to run into you guys here!!! I'm glad you had a great time. If you didn't try Varsity Donuts (in aggieville across from Varney's) you have to go there next time. Best donuts in the world and a super cute, fun place to take kiddos. I was actually in KC over the weekend but my husband went to the game–wish you would have gotten a Wildcat win 🙂
Heather says
Where is little Smiths jacket from?
Amber Glaser says
Love this post! Such fun memories….maybe B and K will be there together someday. 🙂 What a cute little family. XOXO
Marie-Eve Fast says
This is a such a great blog Shay, so amazing to walk back to memory lane with the people we love the most!!! You guys looks still so much in love, keep up putting each other first lovies! Wooohoo. Question tho, how did you afford all that traveling while in college??? WOW, that's dedication 🙂
mel @ the larson lingo says
I LOVE this post!!!! Brings back SO many memories of me playing college soccer at Colorado. I can't wait to take our kids to Boulder & show them all around the campus, football stadium, Atheletic center, soccer field, etc. Kevin and I have gone back several times, but not with the kids. So glad you guys made it to Manhattan for the 10 year anniversary!
Big Pitt Stop says
Um have we talked about how the rep I work with at one of our tshirt vendors is from Webb City and totally idolized Andrew growing up. He had a wildcat trinket on the shelf in his office and we started shooting the breeze about my kstate connections and 30 minutes later we were having a Shull family love fest