In my mind....

.....In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina

Can't you see the sunshine

Can't you just feel the moonshine

Ain't it just like a friend of mine

It hit me from behind

Yes I'm gone to Carolina in my mind

Oh yes, some of my MOST favorite days are spent right in Carolina - both in reference to North Carolina the state and in Chapel Hill, home of the Carolina Tar Heels.  We have made it a point to travel to Raleigh/Chapel Hill for the weekend of the UNC vs Duke game each year since we have lived in SC.  This year, we played Duke on a Wednesday night.  This gave us a very extended weekend to spend with some of those we love the most.  One of those we love the most is certainly Brady...another cute little Tar Heel!  Two years from now, we will be in trouble with these 3 boys together....for now, we still look at him with those sweet baby eyes and smile.  Even Payton just had to smile!

Payton and Brady (and Brady's brave Mom who let Payton "hold" Brady)

We all know the outcome of the UNC vs Duke game - we lost and it was painful.  When you are a devoted Carolina fan, a loss to DOOK hurts...a deep down, tears-in-your-eyes hurt.  This year was perhaps the worst - last second shot - several poorly called fouls - it was just shocking that the Heels actually lost the game.  Payton went to the game with us.  Owen was with Grandma and Grandpa.  Payton was so good at the game and cheered louder than many of the Tar Heel faithful.  When that last shot went in, the Dean Dome fell silent - so very, very quiet.  Payton asked what had happened.  I briefly lied to him at the end of the game - he could not accept that the Heels had lost - and to prevent a complete meltdown (yes, he was on the verge of one) I lied...briefly.  He is perceptive and once he saw the reaction of those around us, he realized we had lost.  He was sad, we were all sad.  He kept saying he was "so disappointed."  He doesn't even know what disappointed means....but, yes buddy, we were all disappointed.  Revenge comes on March 3rd....we hope!

So, after such a heartbreaking loss, its hard to pick up the pieces and walk out the door the next day....but, we were in Chapel Hill and we had planned to go visit Eric at the Smith Center and let the kids play around on the court and visit the museum.  We did this on Friday - the sadness was still in the air - but we had a great time with Eric, Amy and Brady in the Smith Center and at lunch.  

I've said it a thousand times before, but I'm so lucky to have married in to the Carolina family - Chad may have been just a manager, but that carries a certain sense of pride and tradition.  We are also very fortunate to be best friends with a member of the UNC staff.  Without that connection, we wouldn't be able to get these cute pictures of our kids and we wouldn't be able to spend a morning playing on the Smith Center court.  I completely realize how fortunate we are with these opportunities.  I hope that Payton and Owen realize this as well.  Right now, Payton seems to expect this as a routine.  Then again, he is Harrison Barnes, so this is his locker room.

My boys getting a glimpse of the locker room

Can we just go shoot ball?

In front of his locker

 On to the court for a little practice...

The ball is as big as Owen...but all he wanted to do was shoot, shoot, shoot!

Payton working of free throws

Owen looking to pass....

In the midst of my kids playing, I am again reminded that this is not something most people get to do...let alone repeatedly....and then, you look up and are reminded of the many great athletes who played right on this court for this University.  It is greatness.  It is an awesome tradition.  It is Carolina basketball....and to me, nothing compares.  My sweet kids playing on the court just below all of these jerseys in the rafters...AMAZING!

Slam dunk for my little Owen

Eric teaching Payton a few skills....

...and then showing off a few of his own.

Blurry shot but this is proof of Chad taking a half court shot - he missed the first but the second was nothing but net.  Why is he never picked for the chance to do this during sporting events....we could be rich....or at least win a years worth of Chick Fil A....something.  He needs to put these skills to use!

He might be little...but he is determined!

Owen, Brady, Payton

Disclaimer: Brady's mom did dress him in this Nike outfit that may appear to be Duke blue when seated between Carolina blue....it was not Duke blue.  In fact, his parents don't own anything Duke blue and she would never do anything to promote Eric's anger management issues that may arise at the slightest mention of that other team.  It was royal blue...and he looked super cute in it....royal blue isn't the same as Duke blue.  

Even though we may be separated by a state line and a few hours, I feel certain these boys will one day be best buds...it is in their blood!

Owen - 19 months; Brady - 9 months; Payton 3 1/2 years

I told you he was cute! 

"It takes a village to raise a child"

Payton and Owen loved their time in the Smith Center again...and again, we appreciate Eric letting us share this with them.  It is one of my favorite days of the year and it will never get old.  I know there are lots of UNC fans in this world - Chad and I both grew up a Tar Heels and Payton and Owen are definitely following in our footsteps.  Payton is an extreme UNC fan.  It is so fun to help his imagination run wild in this environment.  Maybe one day he will be a "real" Tar Heel; maybe not.  At least for now we can help him dream!