Canton Won't Be Forgotten!!

Trent is turning the BIG 40 this year so I thought I (along with the help of my dad) would surprise him with a trip to Canton, OH to go to the Football Hall of Fame enshrinement and game! As a life-long Dallas Cowboys fan, this was an extra special treat because Emmitt Smith was being inducted to the Hall and the Cowboys were playing in the game!! 

So Trent, Davis, and my dad set out on a road trip adventure that they won't soon forget!   

They left from our house on Tuesday, August 3rd and arrived in Canton, OH on Friday, August 6th.

On the way there they were able to enjoy their time as they played a little golf at Desert Palms.......

............saw many rolling hills and farms

.............enjoyed the many beautiful sunrises and sunsets along with the arch in St. Louis.

After many long hours of driving......they finally arrived!!!

They decided to go in the Hall of Fame store on Friday night to try to beat the rush of people that would be in there the following two days. Trent's text to me says it all, "I just spent a bunch of money on some really cool stuff!"

My brother Nate was able to drive over from Philadelphia to join in the fun which made the trip that much more special. He was able to visit and stay with them until Sunday.

The festivities began early Saturday morning with the Parade where there were many bands, groups, many hall of famers, and most importantly this year's enshrinement group. Of course the highlight for my guys was Emmitt Smith and Jerry Jones.

There were also many crazy fans that were dressed to fullest!!

After the parade, they spent some time in the Hall of Fame looking at all of the history of football and some of the greatest people that were part of the game.
Tom Landry's hat and picture was one highlight along with Troy Aikman's memorabilia.
After a few hours in the hall, they proceeded to the pre-enshrinement party where they were able to play Cornhole and eat all the food they wanted.

Bob Lilly was there signing autographs which was very exciting especially because they brought his football card in case he was going to be there and would sign an autograph.



As they proceeded to the enshrinement they happen to be in the right place at the right time because they started roping off the area right where they were to allow the Dallas Cowboys players and coaches to walk in. They were able to see everyone up close and personal which was extremely fun for them!!

Tony Romo

Leonard Davis, Keith Brooking, and others

Terrance Newman, Tashard Choice, and others

After this fun time of getting to see all of their favorite players they went in to enjoy the ceremony. The atmosphere was great with all of the excitement and great players that were there but it was really fun for  Trent and Davis because there were so many Dallas Cowboys fans there because Emmitt was being inducted and the Cowboys were playing.

While many of the players enjoyed their moment in the spotlight and gave their speech, Emmitt Smith stole the show!! He has such a wonderful way of speaking and he was so sincere and speaking from the heart that he didn't even use any notes. He gave great emphasis that his success was due to God, his family, and the other players that surrounded him. His speech was so moving that many people were in tears by the end of his time with the crowd going wild!

Emmitt giving props to Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin

After the enshrinement they headed back to their hotel with a stop (one of many) at Steak and Shake for another treat before heading to bed. The next morning they headed back to the Hall of Fame before going to the game day round table luncheon with the enshrinees.
The most exciting part of their trip came when they found out the enshrinees were walking right by the table where they were and Davis got to shake all of their hands. The best was obviously getting to shake Emmitt Smith's hand.........he will never forget it!!

Ricky Jackson

Floyd Little

John Randale

Jerry Rice

Russ Grimm

Dick Lebeau

The round table discussion was very entertaining and they enjoyed it a lot.........

Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith

After the luncheon and discussion they went to the tail gate party before the Hall of Fame game.

While they were there Rayfield Wright was signing autographs so they were able to get another great Dallas Cowboy legend's autograph.

They also spotted Jerry Jones' motor home that he stays in on the road and got a picture with it too......

Then it was time for the big game........Cowboys vs Bengals

Davis and Papa on the field

It was great to watch the warm ups before the game with all of the team.............

Tony Romo

Tony Romo

Stephen McGee

Miles Austin making a nice catch

Felix Jones

Marc Columbo

Jason Witten

Marion Barber

The Cowboys won the game 16-7 and even though the first string offense only played for the first series the atmosphere of the game was so much fun!!

On Monday they started the drive home. They stopped in Arkansas late Monday night and visited with Grandpa and Aunt Sue. Tuesday afternoon they left Ft. Smith at about 3:00 CST and drove straight through and arrived home on Wednesday afternoon at 12:30PST.

They were exhausted from all of the events of the weekend but said it was a fantastic time that they would never forget!!!