The most wonderful time of the year

I think the excitement that goes along with the start of football season ranks up there with that of the greatest holiday seasons.  This past week or so I have frequently found myself daydreaming about game days and all that goes along with them. 

Many of my greatest days and favorite memories center around game days in the Swamp.  Not many things can top a full day of orange and blue wearing, bags tossing, hot dog grilling, solo cup drinking tailgating spent with the best of friends. 

I can never forget the Saturday's we've spent screaming until our voices were gone in the student section while attending UF (and a few times since).  I absolutely love the craziness of the fans- refusing to sit for just one down and all breaking out in a simultaneous "GATOR BAIT" after some random guy makes the opening noise. 

I love the deafening noise when the other team has the ball on 4th and 1 and the feeling that your yell makes all the difference. 

we look SO young

I love the "aaahh-ooo" we shout for kickoffs, the many variations of the chomp (baby gator, anyone?), and the battle of orange versus blue.  

I love the singing of "we are the boys" when you wrap your arms around the people next to you regardless of the fact that the 100 degree temperatures and 100% humidity have left you completely soaked and disgusting. 

I love that as everyone funnels out of the stadium after the game, we are all still cheering "It's great... to be... a Florida Gator!"

I love being a Gator.