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.
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 
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!
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. :)
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.
You wouldn't believe the music legends who have stood on this stage and performed at Red Rocks. All the way from the Beatles to Willie Nelson. It's pretty cool to be standing where they have stood. Here are Myra and Tim taking it all in after Tim sang "Sharped Dressed Man". As you can see, the crowd loved it. :)
We left Denver (after a quick stop at Brandon Pub's to watch some of the Auburn/ Arkansas game--thank you friends!) and headed south to the Springs. Myra wanted to see as much scenery as possible, so we decided to drive them to Helen Hunt Falls. We hiked just above the falls, and here they are along the trail. 
Pikes Peak is a must if you visit Colorado Springs. The weather had been perfect while they were here...until Monday...the day they were heading to the top of the peak. The weather at the top is about 35-40 degrees colder than down in the Springs. Considering it was about 50 degrees that day...guess what the peak was like? Can you say, "North Pole"?
Zero visibility...snow...wind...freezing temps...and an experience to remember. I'm hoping the doughnuts at the top and the fudge at the bottom made it all worth it. Right Tim?
After their blustery visit to Pikes Peak, we ate Taco Soup and lit the fire pit for some s'mores. It was a great way to end our visit...just hanging out and enjoying each other's company. Did you know that s'mores are known to cure any "blues" of friends leaving after a great visit? Well...they help...but I'm pretty sure they are not medicinal. :)
It means so much to have friends come and visit us. Having a little piece of "home" around for a couple of days is good for the soul. I'm thankful for these friends. They took care of me before I became a "Mrs.", and I will always consider them family. 
