We didn't make a trip west for Christmas so we planned to spend some time in Oakland with the girls before heading south for the game.
Highlights of the trip:
Jameis wins the Heisman!
Santa found our stockings and left tickets for the BCS Championship!
View from our hotel in Oakland
Checking out Jack London Square and a little tavern he spent time at many years ago.
The inside of the tavern.
Frank is one happy dad with Andrea and Allison!
Wouldn't be a visit to California without a stop at Trader Joe's!
Squirrels in the park were HUGE!
A bonsai garden
A hotel for displaced bees.
The "Ghostbuster" building
Yummy grilled octopus at a Greek restaurant.
A view over the city from the highest point in Oakland
A pre-birthday interview with Jameis.
Allison graciously hosted a cookout in her backyard and both girls invited friends over.
(The weather was fabulous and surprisingly warm!)
Picked up our rental car in Burbank
The 'traveling flag' hanging in our hotel window.
A totally retro kind of drive in/walk-up place.
World's best pastrami sandwich
Outside the Rose Bowl stadium
Picture with CHiPs!
"The" house where we were going to tailgate!
Pre-dinner beverages (and yes, we brought our own napkins.) :)
Steven's Steakhouse
Always a fun time with the Blackwells!
Gameday! No confusion who we are cheering for!
View of the stadium from the tailgate house
Awesome tailgate spot Frank arranged! (Thank you!)
The tailgate group!
View from inside the Rose Bowl stadium.
Frank, Leann and Andrea are ready to cheer on the Noles.
Renegade and Chief Osceola made it to Pasadena!
Victory! FSU 34 Auburn 31
Frank, Andrea, Bonnie and Ray = very Happy NOLES!
Florida State Seminoles are the 2013 National Champions!!
