It had been quite a while since I had tailgated for a game at my alma mater, The University of Georgia, in good ‘ol Athens GA with my girlfriends from college. Not only are we spread out into 4 different states, but we all lead busy lives full of jobs that require travel, kids and well, you know how it goes. When they all planned to fly in and meet up for the Georgia/Alabama game, I figured I couldn’t make it because of childcare. It’s one thing to ask grandparents to visit, but it turns me into a guilt-filled nervous Nelly to actually ask to just drop the kids and take off.

I’m fortunate that both mine and David’s parents love the girls so much, but it’s still a lot to ask, as newly 4 years old and 16 months are busy, consuming ages. Plus, Nana, Papa John, Mema and Grandpa all full lives filled with their own numerous commitments. Still, after several group text conversations with my friends, nostalgia won out and I bit the bullet and asked my mom. Like I knew her generous heart would, she immediately replied with yes.

I could probably ramble on about the topic of guilt and asking for help with the kids, but in interest of moving on, today I wanted to show you how to host a health-focused tailgate!

Just kidding.

Our tailgate included the staples- Chick-fil-a nugget tray, cowboy caviar and beer all piled into the back of a SUV. When we planned the day, the weather forecast said 70 and sunny, but things change.

Still, the steady rain and 60’s temperatures might have hampered our tailgate set up, but it did not put a damper on our fun.

Like any good tailgate, we chatted each others’ ears off, rocked out to some tunes, snacked on food and took on our neighboring tailgaters in a riveting game of flip cup. 21 years old we are not, but we still held our own impressively with the game. Embarrassed or proud? I’ll go with proud.

I can’t tell you how much fun it is to just have a day to hang with my best friends. Though we missed having one of our bests with us, spending time with these 3 made me feel like a college kid again, despite blowing out candles to celebrate our 32nd/31st birthdays.

For the game, we suited up, quite literally, and headed to watch it downtown, which was understandably packed.

I don’t need to go into the game, as any Georgia fan knows it wasn’t our finest football showing, but we still had an amazing time letting loose and being together.

Despite the cold and rain, the day was a breath of fresh air and a rare chance to cut loose. I loved seeing my friends and hope I said thank you enough to my mom (who doesn’t just care take but PLAYS all day with the girls), dad and Grandma Betty.

We arrived home pretty exhausted yesterday afternoon so today means grocery shopping, laundry and the rest of the daily grind. I hope your Monday is off to a great start!

Are you a college football fan?

Who is your team?

What is your favorite tailgate staple?