Future Aggies Attend a Football Game

Andy Valadez Class of ‘93
The Marketing Evangelist
Marketing Dynamics

My wife, Tina and I love to plan weekend getaways and surprises for our kiddos.  They have come to love adventure and spontaneity.   This particular weekend, we were able to drive from Houston to stay at Casita de Cruzita and take our daughters, Kayla and Kenna to their first Aggie game at Kyle Field.  The girls couldn’t contain themselves, knowing that we were going to be staying at the home and spending the weekend in Aggieland.  We checked in late Saturday afternoon.  We turned up the water heater, turned on the AC, unpacked our bags (my wife put our clothes in the drawers) and loaded the refrigerator with food items we brought for the weekend.
I turned on the Big Screen HDTV to see what was in the news.  After we unpacked, the girls were hungry.  We walked over to Mi Cocina, an Authentic Mexican Restaurant across the street (a friend of the family owns the restaurant).  The Aggies were playing the Lafayette Cajuns at Kyle Field and we were anxious to eat dinner and get to the game.  The girls could see the crowded stadium from the restaurant, which added to their anticipation.  Mommy and daddy enjoyed a frozen margarita with salt with our meal. 

After dinner, we “hyped” up the game and asked the girls if they were ready for their “first Aggie game?“  They shouted “YES!”  So, we began our short trek across George Bush Drive.  We were admitted into the stadium and found our seat in section 144.

The girls were finally allowed to scream and couldn’t believe they weren’t going to get in trouble as the Aggies belted the historical “Aaaaaay!” as the kickoff yell was lead by the Aggie yell leader (dressed in white, with rolled up sleeves) in our section.  When the “Nationally Famous Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band” began to play, the girls really got excited.  We will remember this family memory forever  The Aggies in the stand were observing our “memory making time” and nodded in approval.  Gig’em!   

We walked to the house (what a relief, no parking or traffic issues). Kenna rode my shoulders and then wanted to be with her mother and now it was Kayla’s turn. Kayla told me she felt like a giant as we crossed over George Bush Drive and walked to the front porch of the house.  The girls were looking forward to watching movies tonight (I was tired and ready for bed), but fought to stay up and watch the “Sound of Music” which we watched for the first time.  What a great movie.  That night, we slept so well – the beds are really comfortable.  However, a couple of Aggies in the neighborhood were still celebrating the win over the Cajun’s.  Some of them were trying to sing, but that was hushed up by other party members.

 The next morning we ate a light breakfast at the house and planned for an excellent lunch.  My wife’s mother packed us our lunch meal which consist a great roast with mashed potatoes and fresh corn on the cob was prepared by my wife.  We were enjoying the lazy Sunday.  Kayla and Kenna decided they wanted to play a game of “Sorry”.  I hadn’t played that game in years and barely recalled the rules.  They didn’t really care about the rules and just wanted to move the pieces around the board. 

My Aunt Sally came over to see her nieces and spend time with us.  Everyone in our family loves Aunt Sally, she always remembers everyone’s birthday and anniversary like my grandfather, CP. When we need to know how to get a hold of a family member, she has their number and address handy.  Aunt Sally knows everyone in Bryan and College Station as well. We enjoyed being out on the side covered porch feeling the breeze from a ceiling fan, when I mentioned getting wet with the sprinkler. My little girl Kenna disappeared into the house and rushed out in her bathing suit.  She is an amazing 3-year old.  We turned on the sprinkler in the front yard and enjoyed seeing her having so much fun.  This refreshing water activity was introduced to her by her Nana, Victoria.  My cousins and I used to do the same thing in the front yard over 35 years ago.  In fact, I remember this “Crazy Sprinkler” that would bob all around and sliding on the “Slip and Slide” before they got banned (too many people were getting injured).

Later, I wanted to get my girls a gift from the local Aggie bookstore, so Kayla and I walked over to the Loupot’s Bookstore to see what they had for souvenirs.  My mother told me that she used to work for Mr. Loupot at his store on University when she was 18 years old.  She was the top saleslady during the Christmas holiday.  She had to quit because she was pregnant with me and was starting to show.  I got my wife a pair of cut-off shorts, a t-shirt for Kayla and an eraser for Kenna. I also picked up some Aggie bumper stickers and a copy of the “The 2005-2006 Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band” DVD, that I plan to leave at the house for other guests to see!

Aggie “T” on the Big Screen HDTV (great surround sound)

 Well, we didn’t want to leave Casita de Cruzita, but all good things must end someone once said.  I sure would like to kick the guy who said that.  I asked the girls to pose for one last photo on the back deck  We had a great weekend and thought we would share the fun time we had! 

The Valadez Girls give the Gig’em sign 
Gig’em!

The Crew

The Bryant's Memorable Weekend In Aggieland