Earlier this month, Marc and I went to an Air Force game. Since we moved here, several people mentioned the fact that we HAD to go to at least one game. So, what better game to attend than a rivalry? Right? As soon as the Navy tickets went on sale, we were on the computer putting in our credit card number. We had great seats and were ready to see some football!
Note: I'm from the south. Born and raised. My dad played the Auburn fight song every fall Saturday morning on an old 45 record player. We'd sing "Ever to conquer, never to yield" over the scratching sound coming through the speaker of that square box...then go toss the Nerf football in the front yard while wearing our orange and blue. I was told when I was 18 that I could go to Auburn...or I could pay for it myself. I usually gain at least 5 pounds from tailgating, and I have gone hoarse from yelling with 87,451 fans. And yes, I have been known to even crouch behind furniture during a crucial play because I just can't stand to watch. I'm a college football fan...OK?
So, I think my expectations for this college football game may have been a little high due to the fact it is considered a rivalry. But before I go any further, let me say, I enjoyed it. I really did. There were some really cool moments, but... people, this is a rivalry! Air Force has been beaten the last 7 years by Navy. You would think there would be some hype, smack talking, one side would be wearing classy orange Polos with the little, blue horse...and other side mullets. But I didn't see any of that! How am I suppose to know that this is a rivalry?
With that being said, we tried to get our southern football fix here in the west, however... it just wasn't the same.
Disclaimer: My perspective is not meant to offend these men who love their country and will later serve it proudly. It just simply shows my obsession in a different light, and the fact that I'm spoiled rotten.
Here we are "tailgating"...yes...we stopped at Subway, but we did have candy corn and peanuts. Very lame compared to Funchess Hall.
The pre-game was impressive. Here, all the cadets take the field with their unit. They march in and then once dismissed, they simultaneously run to the stands to claim their seat for the game. It was fun to watch them go a little crazy after such a disciplined event.
Here comes the most awesome fly over I've ever seen! See "Fly Over" post for the video. It was by far my favorite part of the day!
The band taking the field playing "The Air Force Song" while the crowd sang (well...at least the lyrics they knew i.e. "wild blue yonder" and "nothing can stop the USAF". Just a pet peeve...learn your team's fight song. That goes for you too, Cam!
Here come the Falcons...through the inflatable helmet? Where was the smoke? And the video montage? Just asking...that's all.
The team sported new uniforms for this game. I heard a guy behind me say that in all his years of attending AF games, this was the first time he'd seen new uniforms. They were sharp looking and instead of having their last name on the back...they read either "Freedom" or "Service". A nice touch!
Like I said, Air Force had not beaten Navy in 7 years, but came out victorious this year! It was a good game to watch...and once the clock ticked down to :00...the cadets stormed the field...while the song "At Last" by Etta James played over the loud speaker. No...I am not kidding. A real "moment" crusher-- you just beat a HUGE rivalry for the first time in 7 years...you are not at your wedding reception having your first dance as husband and wife! C'mon AF...and may I speak to your stadium "music man"?
Final Score:
Air Force - 14
Navy- 6
A beautiful day to watch a football game...even if it wasn't quite what I thought it would be...to each his own...even if I am a bit (OK--a lot) over the top. War Eagle from Colorado Springs!
And this is why...
Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Ewell for a wonderful afternoon. We appreciate your heart for ministry and mission. Marc and I were blessed by your presence and encouraged by your words. May God continue to reveal His peace and joy to you during this holiday season!
We're booked on a Jan 9th plane out of Denver headed to Phoenix...then on to Glendale for the game. Just one issue...no tickets yet. Waiting. Asking. Hoping. I would be over. the. top. So...the countdown begins...35 days until the Fiesta Bowl to determine the BCS National Champions. I'll keep you posted.
F-l-o-r-i-d-a S-t-a-t-e! Florida State! Florida State! Florida State! Balloons!
Candles showcasing "34"! His comment to me, "Should we save these for February?" Sure honey, let's do that.
A few gifts...we've already returned/exchanged two of the four. But I'll still give myself an "A" for effort.
Since 1988, my family has tailgated on the front lawn of Funchess Hall. Through the years, there has been countless memories made on Saturdays in the fall. Many friends know where to find us and will come by to say "War Eagle". It's our little piece of Auburn, and we love it.
Here is Dad--around 6:30 am--which meant a 4:00 am wake-up (omg)--grilling sausage for breakfast. He's the patriarch of our "Auburn-ness"....a proud graduate who raised his children on Bo Jackson and Sani Freeze ice cream. Traditions that will always make me smile...and even tear-up now and then. Not even kidding--over.the.top. I know--but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Auburn graduating classes of 1996, 1999, 2023, 2026, and 2029! It's been awesome to raise these girls here as well. Who knows what their college future will be, but it would make GranDan one proud poppa to have the Auburn tradition continue on down the line!
Of course, the day wouldn't have been complete without my favorite Georgia Bulldogs. Tim and Myra came to tailgate with us and even had tickets to the game. It meant so much that they traveled over 4 hours (round trip) just to hang out with my family and me. I continue to miss Myra everyday, and it made my heart happy for her to be there.
The view from our seats. I'll just let the picture speak for itself. A-mazing! We've been spoiled rotten! with these season tickets.
Our tickets are so close to the sidelines, you can see the players and coaches throughout the game. And, Bo Jackson too! There he is, #34 on the sidelines, in the black jacket, watching the boys play. The 1985 Heisman Trophy winner was in 'da house celebrating 25 years since being voted the best college football player of the year. And yes---it has been 25 years since Auburn had a Heisman winner--think we're due? Just askin'.
It was a great game---and the Tigers stayed undefeated! 
Here's the most famous Auburn landmark all lit up...Samford Hall...beautiful.
Since I was a "surprise", AG kept asking what GranDan was going to do with our extra ticket. She happens to be a huge football fan, and LOVES going to the game. I think she was happy to see me, but NOT happy I was getting "her" ticket.
I love you AG! Thanks for letting me go to the game with Gran, GranDan, Mom and Dad. We had a blast...but missed you being there!
War Eagle from the Cooper and King Family! It was an absolute treat for me to come home and go to the game. I have missed not being there this fall--especially for this undefeated season. We still have two more games to play to determine our fate in the BCS. Win or Lose...it's great to be an Auburn Tiger!
Here comes the most awesome fly over I've ever seen! See "Fly Over" post for the video. It was by far my favorite part of the day!
The band taking the field playing "The Air Force Song" while the crowd sang (well...at least the lyrics they knew i.e. "wild blue yonder" and "nothing can stop the USAF". Just a pet peeve...learn your team's fight song. That goes for you too, Cam! 
Here come the Falcons...through the inflatable helmet? Where was the smoke? And the video montage? Just asking...that's all. 
Like I said, Air Force had not beaten Navy in 7 years, but came out victorious this year! It was a good game to watch...and once the clock ticked down to :00...the cadets stormed the field...while the song "At Last" by Etta James played over the loud speaker. No...I am not kidding. A real "moment" crusher-- you just beat a HUGE rivalry for the first time in 7 years...you are not at your wedding reception having your first dance as husband and wife! C'mon AF...and may I speak to your stadium "music man"?
Final Score:
We arrived late on Friday night, so our surroundings were not visible. However, as we pulled into the parking lot, a man pointed out an elk eating some bushes towards the corner of the building. We saw him from a distance, but look who was right outside our balcony the next morning. He was huge...and didn't seem to care we were there. Estes Park is actually known for having elk in the area. This was just one of many.
This was the view from our balcony. There was a creek that ran behind our lodge, and I loved cracking the door to listen to the water...even if it meant turning on the fire logs to warm up. Marc was thankful the lodge's pricing included the gas bill for the weekend. :)
On Saturday, we decided to hang out on main street. There were lots of cute shops and restaurants. Of course, we were desperate to find a TV for a particular game being played at 1:30. Thanks to the Nebraska game, we were not considered a "top priority" in a particular spot after walking 10 minutes to get there. We left hoping to find a "No Husker Zone" and came upon The Wapiti Restaurant and Pub...pulled up to the bar...and asked for, "CBS, please." Done...and we were in business. War Eagle from Estes Park!
Once inside the park, we drove to Bear Lake. As we climbed higher, the weather became snowy and just down right c-o-l-d. We were somewhat prepared for the elements, so we suited up and hiked to the lake. Beautiful...but my Florida boy didn't want to hang out too long.
As we left Bear Lake, and headed down the mountain, the weather improved and we made several stops along the way. We were able to explore a bit and take some fun pictures. I decided that I could spend an entire summer in this park, hiking and biking. I'm sure you'd see something new and breath-taking everyday. Here's my mountain man taking in the scenery...
This sign was hanging on a store front the day of our anniversary. And even though we'll both be 88 years old on our 57th, I can't wait to get there and celebrate with you. I love you Marc Smith...Happy Anniversary.
