I love late summer and early fall! And even though it can be pretty hectic with the start of school and all the activities that go with it, I have to admit that I really look forward to the arrival of the new season! I think what I like most is that you get a taste of the best of both seasons…warm, sunny days that morph into slightly crisp nights still filled with the sounds of summer. Warm enough to be perfectly comfortable and yet a soft sweater can tag along like a welcomed friend. So about a week ago, my family got to attend a fun event that combined the seasons…an outdoor movie viewing right in the middle of a football field! The University of Toledo held a family movie night…celebrating the last days of summertime activities AND the beginning of much anticipated fall sports! Families were invited to bring their own blankets, munchies, beverages, even footballs…and pick a spot on the field to enjoy the show! And on top of that–they had games & activities for kids of all ages…and the football & volleyball teams were there too! Did I mention it was free!? I have to say that I was pretty impressed to be out on the field…a fun perspective of what the players experience. But the best part of the evening was spending time with family and friends…enjoying some of the last moments of summer together!
another evening under the stars…
this fun-filled night just happened to fall on my husband’s birthday…and though i know he had a great time, i’m also pretty certain that watching a Disney film in the middle of a football field might not have been his first pick of birthday activities! but he’s a good sport and since we could bring our own goodies–including adult beverages–i packed up a special picnic basket in honor of him! a quick trip to the market to gather some of his favorite goodies…
since it was a family fun night AND a birthday celebration…i thought he might appreciate a nice bottle of wine! i love these stackable (and easily portable) glasses! (by Martha Stewart at Macys)
a little olive bruschetta and crisp, bread rounds make a lovely accompaniment…
and champagne grapes are so delicious…and cute!
we hitched a ride with some friends who all contributed to the mix of munchies & sips for kids and adults alike, and headed off to the field to pick a perfect spot!
there were tons of activities for the kids including corn hole, face painting, obstacle courses, a bounce house, and a meet-and-greet with the fall sports teams…which gave us adults a chance to relax, visit, and enjoy our picnic!
and as the daylight began to fade…we all settled in for the show!
how cool is a movie projected from the field video board!?
so lucky are we to have the University right around the corner…and that they provided this wonderful opportunity for families to spend an evening together…
for a movie under the stars!
check out the link to UT Rockets for more information about upcoming games and activities!