Happy Birthday Brad

Standing on the South Side of the Stadium

"Happy birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Brad, Happy Birthday to you"

Happy 28th Birthday to Brad.  Today we had a great day in honor of him.  We stared off the day by doing a stadium tour at Mile High.  It was a great tour where you get to walk through the whole stadium and learn lots of fun facts about all sports in Colorado but most importantly the Denver Bronco's.  It was a chilly day with some snow flurry's but most of the tour was inside so we weren't too cold.  Before the tour started they had a museum where you could look around and they had a photo booth area where you could take picture with the different sports gear on.  It was fun to try everything on and feel like "players".

We learned lots of interesting facts about the Bronco's, Players, the owner and even Couch McDaniel's.  The first week that he was on the job he ordered for all of the Mike Shanahan's photos to come down immediately. Also the stadium sits on an old dump that later was the first baseball field for the minor league Colorado Baseball team.  If you look in one of the parking lots they left the original home base.  It was in the middle of a parking space and from the stadium looked like a piece of trash.  We also got to go into the Fox Sports press room and had a view of the stadium from there.  This is where they produce their show and all the big wigs sit to give all the stats that we hear back at home.  They still had the tape cues on the the floor for the sports caster from the last home game!!

Later in the tour we were able to go through the visiting teams locker room and enter out to the field just like the professionals.

We ended the tour by walking around the outside looking at the statue that Pat Bowlen had designed with his own money(2 million dollars) just for the stadium.  There are 7 Bronco's running with crystal clear water underneath.  The water is circulated by the same piping system that keeps the grass watered and green in the winter on the field.  The water is 67 degrees so in the cold weather you could see steam coming from the horses feet.  Another fun fact Pat Bowlen's lucky number is... you guessed it 7.  His owner suite number is 7, he sits in seat number 7, he only enters through the 7th gate and there are 7 horses in the statue.  Pretty interesting, he sounds like a neat guy that really has done a lot for Denver and the Denver Broncos.  We then went to the Bronco's team store to look at all the new Bronco's gear.  They had some great throwback items.  Brad got a hat and I got a shirt.  We have sooooo much Bronco gear I can't believe we bought more.  Brad also decided to model the new retro jacket and hat.  He looks like a model!!











On to the next activity, LUNCH. Out of all the places that Brad could go for his birthday he choose....  DRUM ROLL... CASA BONITA!!  Now for all of you who have grown up or know Colorado this is a natives child hood memory of being the best restaurant around. I must say it did not disappoint today and we had a blast.

The food was very good, and they even had great drinks.  The second I walked through the door an over whelming smell of remembrance hit me and took me back to the time I was a kid. It still looked the same as how I remembered it and had the charm.  We watched the divers show, walked through the scary cave (I screamed twice) and through the waterfall.  It was SO MUCH FUN!!!  The sopapillas were amazing and the we kept saying "more sopapillas please".

Side Note: For those of you South Park fans there is a great episode focused around Casa Bonita and the great sopapillas.  Click link to view the whole episode South Park-Casa Bonita

I am so thankful that 28 years ago, the day before Thanksgiving (just like this year) Bradley Warren Sill my wonderful husband entered into the world  at 1:53 am.  Happy birthday honey, I love you!!

The Boys of Fall

This week has been a busy one with lots of activities.  Last weekend was the second to last CU game at Folsom Field.  Brad had to work so my mom went and had a very good time.  CU won to top it off and they had an AMAZING flyover for Veterans Day. As I am sure all of you know this year has been one of controversy with the head coach Dan Hawkins.  Well after a large upset in Kansas there was no choice but to fire him.  It was a great decision as ever since he came into town 5 years ago he really never got the team or the fans into the game.  Not to mention the large conflict of interest of his son being the #1 quarterback with out earning the position.  Anyways all animosity aside he exited very graciously and was a class act. Coach Hawkins we wont miss you but we wish you the best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lik3BBIMwl0

 

Sunday we meet up with John and Maggie for a day at Bakers Street Bar and Pub.  This is our favorite place to be on Sunday's to watch the games.  Brad and Maggie had to play nice as Maggie is a Kansas City fan and Brad is the biggest Bronco's fan.  We all had a great time and the Bronco's won, not only did they win they dominated.  For those of you who haven't been to Baker's Street check out their link.  They have great food and good drink deals.  It is defiantly the place to be on Sundays for the games.  

http://bakerstreetpub.com/

After the game Brad and John decided to have a celebratory cigar.  Note this is the first time Brad has ever had a cigar and is not a smoker.  Needless to say it was quite funny.  They say they are "men" and this is a "man" thing.  Good thing the Bronco's don't win often, I think it will be a once a year thing!!!  

Monday night we went to a Pub in Boulder called Twisted Pine. They had a chili cook off where you could sample all of the entries.  There were three categories, Green, Red and Twisted.  It was a fun local activity and we had a good time.  Side note: The Monday night football game against the Eagles and Redskins was my deciding factor to winning the football pool I participate in for the second time this year.  Well it didn't end well as the Redskins got their butts kicked.  No extra Christmas money for Alisha :(.  

Friday night Brad and I decided to participate in a local Buff tradition, The Pearl Street Stampede.  All the CU Buffs players ride on a old fire engine down Pearl Street accompanied by the cheerleaders and the marching band.  It was really neat and got us all in the spirit for the last home game of the season.  Yesterday was a game to remember, and the Buffs did a great job.  We had a good time tailgating with my company before the game (weekly tradition) and then enjoying another amazing flyover and the great game.  The Buffs showed up as a unified time and kicked butt, it was great fun to see them go out with such a great win.  GO BUFFS!!!!

I am sad college football games at home are over, but looking forward to our season tickets next year with us being in the Pac12.  It should be a season to remember. 

To leave where it all started with "The Boys of Fall" Lyrics from the talented Kenny Chesney.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlXDo5WhQXI

"When I feel that chill, smell that fresh cut grass/
I'm back in my helmet, cleats and shoulder pads/
Standing in the huddle listening to the call/
Fans going crazy for the boys of fall/
They didn't let just anybody in that club/
Took every ounce of heart and sweat and blood/
To get to wear those game day jerseys down the hall/
Kings of the school man, we're the boys of fall/

(Chorus:) 
Well it's turn and face the Stars and Stripes/
It's fighting back them butterflies/
It's call it in the air, alright yes sir we want the ball/
And it's knocking heads and talking trash/
It's slinging mud and dirt and grass/
It's I got your number, I got your back when your back's against the wall/
You mess with one man you got us all/
The boys of fall/

In little towns like mine that's all they got/
Newspaper clippings fill the coffee shops/
The old men will always think they know it all/
Young girls will dream about the boys of fall/ "

Belle of the Ball Sill



I thought I would take the time out to introduce each one of our family members. Our dogs are treated like kids and are a huge part in Brad and I's life. I hope you all enjoy meeting the Sill family. Belle of the Ball Sill aka "Belle" came into our lives the winter of 2002.  I used to dog sit for her family when they were out of town.  When they told my family they were going to be moving to the Washington DC area we begged them to let her stay as she seemed to be at our house more then theirs since they traveled a lot.  They decided to take her and we were just heartbroken.  On a cold day in November there was a message on my mom's phone.  It was the Robertson's telling us they could no longer keep Belle due to their growing family and they wanted to know if we wanted her because they knew how much we loved her. 

I called Brad and my mom right away to tell them the news.  We flew her out from Washington DC on a Thursday to have her join our family.  My mom and I almost died when we first saw her, she had gained at least 10lbs from the last time we saw her. This is bad for pugs as they are prone to be over weight which can lead to breathing issues. Also much to are dismay she ran right to Brad..she didn't even know Brad.  Now we realize that she loves MEN, all men but especially Brad and my late Grandpa. 

Belle came home to meet her brother Frankie (Blog to come soon) and settle into the new family.  Belle is a girl through and through and loves to be dressed up and dotted on.  She LOVES kids and loves to be around people.  For those of you who are not familiar with the Pug bread they are very sweet and love to be around kids.  According to the AKC they are the only dogs the were breed just for companionship.  Belle is a delight to have in our family.  She just turned 10 this year and unfortunately is starting to show her age, but she is still HAPPY.  We call her our "princess".  She is very spoiled and will always get what she wants.  Fun facts that I love about our puggy, pug...


*Belle doesn't bark and LOVES to be around people and kids
* The special bond she shared with my Grandpa.  She always wanted to be around him and at his feet or getting a good pet from him in his chair
* She used to be my little girl but now she is sassy with me and defiantly prefers to be with Brad (Brat!!)
* She used to run in the Oatmeal race every year until she decided enough was enough
* She likes to dress and wear tee shirts, mainly this cuts down on her endless shedding
* Pugs Shed, who knew?  Not me until I have "Belle hairs" on everything that I own that is black or a dark color
* Belle doesn't like to walk or exercise her idea of a great day is laying on the couch and watching TV
* Pugs don't bark, she is so quite compared to the devil dachshunds
* Belle howl cries when she is in the car or doesn't get what she wants (What a brat!!)
* Belle's favorite toy, actually only toy is her pacifier.  She loves to play and suck on it
* Pugs toot A LOT, they are not a very clean breed
*Everybody loves pugs

Belle is adorned by many and will always have a special spot in Brad's and I's heart.  I love you Puggy!!! 



Mexico



Well better late then never right!!!  It has been a month since we returned from our trip to Puerto Vallarta but I still wanted to share about our amazing trip.  As many of you may know Brad and I go on 2 big vacations a year, 1 in May for our anniversary and one in October.  We like to travel these two times as it is the off season and we usually don't have to deal with lots of crowds.  We have been on a United States binge so thought we would venture out of the country for our October trip this year.  Brad and I both have been to Mexico on many different occasions and 2 together.  We never have been to Puerto Vallarta so thought we would try the Pacific side of Mexico.

We had an absolutely amazing time staying a the Barcelo Puerto Vallarta.  It was an all exclusive hotel meaning all things (drinks, food, room) were included.  The weather was amazing with no rain and the temperatures in the 90's.  We relaxed a lot by the pool, watched the waves and just had a great time.  Some our our highlights included:

 

City Tour and Tequila factory: This was a nice way to see the City and hear about the history.  The tequila factory was great and interesting to see where all my tequila comes from for my margaritas.  They had many different flavors that they infused.  My favorite by far was the almond.  By the end of the tasting all of us were having a great time (wink, wink)!!



Wild Tour: This was an action packed day with many activities. They started by picking us up at the marina where we proceeded to the jungle on a speed boat.  Once we reached the private beach we walked though an indigenous town to get on horses for a nice ride through the jungle.  The trail we took with the horses was pretty advanced and including going up steep terrain and through rivers.  Once we got the top there was a beautiful waterfall that we got to eat lunch at.  After lunch we were able to cliff dive off the water fall into the water. We then rode the horses back to the beach and got back on our speed boat.  We made a pit stop for some snorkeling.  There was not a lot to see but what we saw was very neat.  There were sea urchins, star fish, puffer fish and even an eel.  After this we went to a very private beach to have an amazing traditional Mexican feast.  We were able to walk the beach and enjoy the quite, I could have stayed there forever.  It was a busy day but each part was absolutely amazing.

Rhythms of the Night: We loaded a catamaran to go to the  private island.  Once there we watched an amazing show that depicted a mystical transformation in time.  It was a very touching great performance.  Afterwards we had a nice dinner before getting back on the boat and heading back to the marina.



Deep Sea Fishing: To be honest here only one of us had fun, the other one of us was sick the WHOLE 8 hours.  Brad had a blast, I would have been happy if I wasn't so sea sick.  We did have a good day though and caught 12 Mahi-Mahi total for the boat. We didn't see any Marlin even though it was Marlin season.

Turtle Release:  This was by far one of my all time favorite excursions that Brad and I have ever done.  We were very lucky that we were in Mexico when all of the baby turtles were hatching.  Brad and I along with a guide went to a private beach and released over 160 baby Olive sea turtles.  It brought me to tears seeing them go into the surf and swimming away.  It was AMAZING!!! We also were able to witness an absolutely gorgeous sun set as the turtles entered into the water.  I could have stayed and watched and released the turtles forever.  There were many special procedures we had to follow so the turtles knew the beach that we were freeing them from.  In 40 years from now the female turtles will return to the beach to lay their own eggs.  The issue that got me the most was that only 10 in a 100 babies will make it to adult hood.  That just broke my heart :(  I would highly recommend this excursion to everyone if you are there at the right time.



All in all the whole week was amazing and a great way to rejuvenate after a busy summer.  Brad and I both agreed the Caribbean and the Pacific side are very different but both are beautiful and have a lot to offer.  We will definitely be returning there in the future.  Please enjoy the photos!!!

A Little of this and A Little of that

This week was a very long week, I had a tough closing but it closed on Friday so the weekend was time to celebrate. On Saturday Brad finally talked his BF John into going fishing with him in the boat.  They had a great time and John caught his first bass EVER.  Brad caught two decent sized fish, so all in all it was a good time. See pictures below from the fishing outing.











 I decided to treat myself for my hard work and got a message, manicure and pedicure.  I have been looking every where for a cute pair of winter boots so I went to Nordstrom Rack to see what they had.  While there they were having a drawing for a $250 FREE shopping shoe spree.  I entered and five minutes later over the intercom they said..." the winner is ALISHA SILL" !!!  I was so excited.  The only catch was I had to pick out all the shoes right then and there.  This was a little hard since I was all by myself and had no one to help.  O'well I came out with 6 pairs of really nice shoes.  I got two pairs of boots, 1 pair of navy heals, 1 pair of flats and 2 pairs of my favorite designer Nine West.  It was so funny people kept coming up to me and were telling me how lucky I was and how jealous they were.  I was thrilled!!!!  If you know me you know since age 1 I have been addicted to shoes and clothes.  So this win to me was like heaven on earth :)

Saturday night Brad and I went to our new favorite restaurant Tahona on Pearl Street for drinks and dinner.  I even had Pumpkin Pie infused tequila, it was strong but good.  Brad and I enjoyed a low key Sunday shopping at the Loveland out door mall.  It was nice that the Bronco's had a bye-week and we didn't have to worry about them playing awful and being the laughing stock of the NFL.  We stopped by our favorite BBQ restaurant in Loveland called Serious Texas BBQ.  For those of you who know Texas it is a lot like Rudy's.  They have great food that is very inexpensive.  See the link and I would highly recommend it, they have even been featured in Sunset Magazine.  http://www.serioustexasbbq.com/

Now it is time to get the usual Sunday chores done before Monday.  This week is supposed to be very cold so I have to get my winter clothes officially out, BOO!!!  Have a great week.