From a cub to a lion

Last year, Nate took Ryan to his very first Penn State game. They drove up and back (over 6 hours round trip) in one day and made it through half a game. That might sound like madness to some, but it was completely normal and natural for Nate. State College was his home for many years. And though he hates admitting he's an alumni now, he proudly talks of the many antics he got into when he was still labeled a student.

It will be many years before Ryan hears even a portion of those stories. In the meantime, though, he'll experience the magic of Beaver Stadium. Which apparently is a little overwhelming when you're two.

That was the face he made the entire time they were there. I call it - stunned silence.

Fast forward a year and things are much different. They once again made they trek up and back in one day, but this time managed to stick out for three quarters. Ryan, who not only can bust out the WE ARE PENN STATE chant as good as the next guy, also knows how to spell Penn State, knows exactly who JoePa is and was ready to get his game on without hesitation.

It was hot that day. People-passing-out-from-heat-exhaustion hot. But our little lion clapped, cheered and chanted, which made his daddy proud and the exhausting trip worth every mile.