This past Friday night, Cody’s team had the opportunity of a lifetime to play at halftime of the Titans vs. Raiders game. We arrived at the stadium and walked through the tunnel onto the field. His eyes were huge. The team found our place on the sidelines.

One of the kids needed to go to the restroom and so I took him off. The security guys pointed the way and we headed down a hallway off from the tunnel. We saw T-Rac’s room filled with all the mascot stuff. Around the corner, we saw huge banners for CBS, Fox Sports, and other outlets. We also saw the Titans cheerleaders grabbing a pregame snack. In the locker room, I directed the child to the toilets and I stayed back in the other room. I saw the American flag and all the Air Force guys gear. I also saw a guy getting ready for what I guessed was television. I recognized him from somewhere, but couldn’t put a finger on where. When he spoke to me, I recognized his voice immediately. It was Chris Myers of Fox Sports. As my mom says, you never know who’ll you’ll meet in the restroom.

After we grabbed a bite to eat, everybody got their gear on for the pregame introductions. The kids lined the sidelines as the Titans were introduced. Then, they came and stood behind all the pee-wee players for the National Anthem. Keith Bullock was about 3 guys down from me and he is one huge guy. I also got to shake hands with coach Jeff Fisher as we headed back to our spot on the sidelines.

During the first half, we mainly just sat and watched. You couldn’t see much past the 20 yard line because of the players and cheerleaders in front of us. What we couldn’t see, we watched on the big screens. During halftime, the kids ran on the field to a huge applause. They played great, but come on, it was just 8 plays. Four on offense and four on defense. After it was over, I looked at each of the kids and they had this huge look in their eyes. They didn’t have to say anything ’cause we all knew it. They lived out their dream for 8 minutes.

I could go on with details about it, but words can’t express how proud I was to be able to share in that moment with Cody. Alicia and Dalten were there in the stands and got to experience it too. We’ll remember this moment for the rest of our lives. Check out the pictures here.

Cody’s team will be playing during halftime of the Titans game. This is a once in a lifetime thing for these kids. They’re leaving Spring Hill at 4pm and riding the bus to LP Field. When they get there, they’ll take a tour of the facility and have something to eat. From the start to the finish they’ll be on the Titans sidelines enjoying the whole thing. Best of all, during halftime, they play an 8 minute scrimmage on the 10 yard line.

Of course, Alicia and I are going to be there and take lots of pictures. We might even bump into @DavidHFoster & @pwilson while we’re there. This is gonna be a night to remember.

Alicia took a few pictures of the Spring Hill kids in action on Saturday. You can check them out here.

Here’s one I really like:

We picked up the boys’ gear today and practice starts on Monday night. The boys are fired up & ready to play. I get a kick out of seeing them in their pads and showing them how to put them on and use them. For a few minutes, it was like I was back playing again. Ahhh nostalgia.

Spring Hill Raiders have really got a great program for the kids. I’ve already received many emails and been informed on most everything that’s coming up. I thought about coaching, but decided against it this year. Being their first year and all, I want them to have fun & learn without dad being there as a safety net.

Brianne will be cheering this year. She has a few friends on the team that live in our subdivision. They’ve already said that they would help her learn the cheers and dances.

It’s gonna be a great year at the Hopson household. Hopefully, we’ll get to see a Tennessee game or two this year.

I shot that pic at the golf course about ¼ mile from my house. Some of the best amateur golfers are playing and it looks to be a great turnout. Even as amateurs, they can still whip my tail all over the course.

Just the name, made me think of Anne’s post a couple months ago. I heard that Chris and Anne are moving to Nashville this weekend and need help moving in. If you can help out, visit flowerdust.net and let her know.

I think she has a great chance this year to win it this year. I’ll have DVR the pre-race ceremony so that I can hear “Back Home Again in Indiana.”

A few years back, my dad and I got tickets and had a complete blast. I’d love to go again soon!

“For men, every round of golf is sort of a journey to the darkest part of your soul.”

Do you agree?

Yesterday, Scotty Hopson from Hopkinsville, KY joined the Vols. He is rated the No. 5 overall player in the Class of ‘08 according to Rivals.com.

Oh yeah, you better believe that I’m gonna get a jersey soon. GO BIG ORANGE!!!!!

Cody had his first game today and tied 12-12. He went 2 for 3 with some very solid hits. One hit was a line drive that came back and almost hit me. He would’ve went 3 for 3 if my pitching would have been better.

Here’s some pics from the game today: