We Don't Tailgate...We Boulevard!

 Back in Texas - this time on the east side of town - DALLAS! We arrived in town about midnight on Thursday night, and went to visit Derek, who was just putting the pork shoulder in the smoker for the BBQ the next day - a chip off the old block! He and his roommates had decided to purchase a smoker for their pre-game tailgates. It was quite impressive when we showed up at midnight and they had already had the pork seasoned/marinated and had specific instructions posted "WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER TOUCHING PORK!"....I was proud, and at that moment knew that Derek had paid attention at home!

We returned to Derek's house (he lives in a great house right on/off campus) at noon time to prepare a few favorite appetizers for the party. We literally could smell our way to his house - is was awesome! They had probably 50+ people show up to the BBQ (friends and families) and it was absolutely delicious - I must say that Derek & Barry could be in a smoke off and I couldn't tell you who would win. They cooked over 25 pounds of pork, and had nothing leftover!


Smokin' hot guys!!!

 

Tailgate in Derek's backyard



Derek & his roommates Dan & Tyler




















After the BBQ at Derek's it was off to the Boulevard for the official Tailgate. For those of you who have not been to SMU for a home game - they don't tailgate...they Boulevard! It is basically just tailgating on steroids! There are huge tents, many catered by local restaurants. Beer, wine, champagne, open bars, live bands....and they wonder why they can't get everyone into the game for kick-off! Derek & his friends had a tent right at the fountain at Dallas Hall. We were able to connect with some friends from KC and of course Ashley and her TCU friends who made the trip from Fort Worth for "The Battle of the Iron Skillet'"



A proud MOM on the boulevard! 


 

Ashley & her TCU Roommate (Erin) and Chi O
pledge sister Justine (BVW) @ SMU


 

BVW Grads - Justine (TCU), Alyssa (SMU), Ashley (TCU)




    

Ashley & her "Big Brothers"


After all of the tailgating it was time to head into Ford Stadium for the "Battle of the Iron Skillet." The game as televised on ESPN, so hopefully many of you watched - it was a great game. SMU came out strong and made it a great game, but the Horned Frogs came out on top!

Ashley stayed with us in Dallas for the night and accompanied me on a shopping trip to Nordstrom & Saks 5th Avenue on Saturday, while the guys watched football. I truly only went to Nordstrom to prevent them from having to make the call to be sure that all was ok since I had not charged there in a month! Being in the Dallas area made me realize that I am really going to miss shopping!

One last note on Derek - he has accepted a job with Citibank. He will be working in their Energy division (the same division he did his internship in this summer). He  will be starting in their London Office in July 2011 (unless there is an issue with the work visa situation, which is being negotiated at this time...if they cannot get him a visa, he will start in their New York office - energy division). We are so excited and proud - all of his hard work has definitely paid off!

We had a great time in Dallas - Derek was a great host! It was also lots of fun to have Ashley & her friends come over to SMU. Saying good-bye was not too bad again, as both Derek & Ashley will be coming "home" to Jackson Hole for their Fall Break next weekend.