Needless to say, the UCF vs. Rutgers bowl game in St. Petersburg gave UCF fans a great reason to travel two hours south from Orlando to party and cheer for our Knights.
Taco Night
On Friday night Ryan and I headed to St. Pete to my parents’ house to do some cookin’ and bakin’ to prepare for the pre-tailgating party we were hosting with my family the next day.
When we arrived, my mom had chicken tacos waiting for us for dinner.
I enjoyed two hard shell tacos and a plate full of taco toppings and chicken in the form of a big taco salad.
Party Prep
After dinner I began baking and making some goodies for Saturday’s party.
I made walnut brownies with white chocolate chips and ooey-gooey Rice Krispie treats.
Though I wrapped up the goodies to save for Saturday’s festivities, more than one of the sweet treats made it into my mouth before they were put away for the next day. 😀
Pre-Tailgate Party
Our pre-tailgate party was super fun!
My mom, sister and I worked hard to get all the food in order before everyone arrived while Ryan and our friend Ross (who arrived to our house on Friday night) left to pick up drinks for the party.
The spread featured Rice Krispie treats, walnut chocolate chip brownies, pumpkin spice cookies, puppy chow, chips, salsa, guacamole, crackers, milk and dark chocolate and M&Ms.
Thanks to my mom for buying all the black and gold plates, cups, and utensils. I loved the festive UCF colors!
Leslie wasn’t sportin’ UCF colors because she had to leave for a wedding, but she was able to stay and hang out for a little bit.
Ryan, our friend Ross and my dad enjoyed some beers while we watched Sadie and Ross’ adorable chocolate lab puppy Kona play and play and play.
Sadie is officially the craziest dog in the world, so it wasn’t too long before Kona needed to take a breather…
…followed by a nap.
How cute is this puppy!? Everyone threatened to kidnap her from Ross. She is so stinkin’ adorable!
When everyone arrived, we dug into the food and drinks!
We laughed a lot when we played a drinking game involving animal noises and motions. The picture below captures our animal roles. (I was an elephant.)
(Please notice the wild dogs who continued to cause a ruckus throughout the party.)
We also enjoyed several shots, instigated by… my father! What a guy! 😀
I loved eating, drinking and laughing with some of my favorite people in the world.
(Our group likes to take a knee when we drink… stability, you know?)
At around 3 p.m., we finally got around to eating some burgers, hot dogs, baked beans and pasta salad.
I forgot how good simple tailgate food can be!
The Game
After several hours of partying at my parents’ house, we headed out to tailgate with some other friends before heading in for the big game at 8 p.m.
Unfortunately UCF lost, but I had a great time with my family and friends and really didn’t care too much. 😉 Does that make me a bad fan?
All in all, yesterday was a great day full of good food, family and good friends! UCF should play in bowl games more often! 😀
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
Those brownies look delicious! 🙂
Mellissa says
Looks like you guys had a blast!
VeggieGirl says
Despite UCF losing, you guys DEFINITELY had a great time!! 🙂
Abby says
Looks like you had an awesome time hun, what a beautiful fam and group of friends you have! 🙂
Morgan says
I LOVE that your dad instigated the shots, too funny!
dianacheung says
too many good looking people in this post! must detox by going to perez hilton’s site. 🙂
Katie says
Wow looks like a lot of fun!
I love your sisters coral tank top!
Happy Snowed in Sunday,
Katie
http://katiechangesforkatie.blogspot.com/2009/12/slim-secrets-bars-giveaway-extended.html
Sara says
What a fun time! Kona is SO cute. I have a chocolate lab too.
Julie @savvyeats says
Looks like you had a great time! 🙂
homecookedem says
Looks like so much fun and your dad certainly seems like a very cool daddy!! 🙂 Love the pictures of him taking shots with you!! hehe! 🙂
lisaou11 says
Looks like sucha great time! And oh man Im jealous of the puppy chow. I need to make some of that this year!
Krystal says
Such a great day!!! I just introduced my mom and sister to your blog they love it and will be checking in frequently 🙂
respluntba68 says
Would you be focused on exchanging links?:1kD) reviews phen375 ;mL?~
heather says
i was going to comment on how ross and leslie had been around each other before. but, hmmm, i’m thinkin’ maybe ross was already paired up back then? took him and your sis a little while to make that loooove connection, huh.