Last weekend, Ryan and I took our final flight (for the fall) back to the "Holy Land" as my husband so lovingly refers to it.  The ND v. BC weekend was Ryan's MBA class reunion and since he was the only one that could claim the tickets, it would've been a waste not to go!

We flew into Chicago Midway and even before we got to baggage claim, we were greeted by our friend Jason Brown.  He was in Ryan's MBA '02 class and was in from Houston for the weekend as well.  We were then picked up by the caravan of Ryan's sisters, Megan and Erin, and Erin's fiance, Ryan.  We proceeded on to Bremen, waking my parents up from their nightime naps.  Saturday morning brought the arrival of my cousin Emily and her fiance Tim (who is a BC grad...that we still love...) who were in to see the game.  We headed up to Notre Dame and followed all our pre-game traditions.

As most of you know, the game was not exactly the best part of the weekend.  We thought we would have some luck with Megan, who was at her 2nd ND game and had a 1-0 record coming into the weekend.  But just like the whole season has been, there were a few moments of hope and joy, partnered with many moments of despair.  Nevertheless we had a great time visiting with both our families and it's always good to be "home."


Trevor Laws and other players walking from mass in the Basilica to the Stadium.



Ryan with two big Irish fans, his sisters Megan and Erin.


In the stadium, with touchdown Jesus looking over them, Ryan and Megan.