My New Best Friend

This is me in true bliss.  After 3+ years in waiting for Verizon to finally get the iPhone my dream finally came true.  I LOVE my new iPhone and all that it does.  Today is day #2 with the phone and I can't believe all it does and how inefficient I was on the old phone.  In true Sill family fashion Brad and I got up at 5:00am got ready and headed to Boulder to be one of the first people in the line to get in the Mac store to get my new phone.  The doors opened at 7:00am and the workers made everyone standing out in the cold feel like a celebrity.  It was so much fun.  Brad is ubber jealous as he is not eligible for a new update until June.  Ha, Ha I get it all to my self.  So one more Mac to add to the family of 2 iPods (Black and Purple), 1 iTouch, 1 Macbook and 1 iMac, WOW you think we are addicted.

If any of you have any good iPhone tips please send them my way.

My Husband-The Questionnaire

I saw this idea on another blog that I follow and thought it was a cute way for everyone to get to know my husband.  He is very special to me and I thought it would be fun to answer some questions.  If you want to add anything about Brad please do.  Enjoy the Husband questionnaire... 

1. Who is your man? 

Bradley Warren Sill

Birthday: November 24th, 1982.  He was born the day before Thanksgiving but every 3-4 years depending on leap year his birthday is on Thanksgiving. 

2. How long have you been together? 

We have known each other since we were 12, dated off and on and then have officially been together for 9.5 years.


3. How long did you date? 

We "dated" in 6th grade for about 4 months and then starting dating again our senior year of high school.  Our first official grown up date was our senior prom.


4. How old is your man? 

He is 28.  He likes to joke that I am a younger woman, I think it is funny given I am 4 months younger.


5. Who eats more? 

Brad for sure can pack down the food and not gain a pound, NOT FAIR.  He once ate a WHOLE pan of lasagna all by himself.  He gets super cranky when he is hungry so you better make sure the boy eats if you want to have a happy husband.


6. Who said "I love you" first? 

Um... this is hard to remember.  I think we both said it at the same time.  Sorry it was a long time ago, my memory is failing.  


7. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? 

Brad does.  Whenever we go on vacation I always have to ask him "which side do I sleep on again".  He always laughs and says LEFT.



8. Who drives when you are together? 

Brad is my chauffeur.  He gets mad when I drive as he always comments, "I can't believe you took drivers ed and drive like you do."  For the record I am a very good driver but I think he likes to be in control in the car, he can choose which way he likes to go.  He is a very good, safe driver and calms me down in traffic and snow.   


9. Who kissed who first? 

He kissed me in 6th grade.  The funny thing is we were each others first kiss :)


10. Who asked who out? 

The first day of 6th grade I spotted him at the bus stop and said to my best friend Michelle, "who is that cutie?".  She was like oh that is just "Brad".  I made her go talk to him for me and we starting hanging out then.  Our first official date was at his house where we watched Mighty Ducks and ate popcorn.  In high school when we meet back up he was the one that asked me to the prom.  We are even 1 and 1.


11. Who proposed? 

Brad of coarse.  He carved "will you merry me" in a special tree that we used to meet at when we were dating in 6th grade.  He blind folded me and surprised me at the tree with the carving and a beautiful ring.  Our tree is still standing, it is behind Pioneer Elementary in Lafayette.  Go check it out!! 


12. Who has more siblings?

Brad does, he has a sister Tammy and two step brothers.  I am an only child.

13. He is sitting in front of the TV, what is he watching? 

Fishing, Fishing and FISHING.  Football, Baseball, ESPN  and Glee, it is his guilty pleasure.

14. You are out to eat, what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? 

Cesar or Italian.  He LOVES the salad at the Olive Garden and will eat it like it is his last meal. 

15. Whats one food he doesn’t like? 

He really likes most food.  The only thing he is picky about is any thing that is white and creamy, he gets grossed out.  Items include.. yogurt, mayo, milk, cottage cheese, sour cream etc.

16.You go out to a bar, what does he order? 

He really doesn't drink but I guess his favorite's are beer, margarita's and Redbull and vodka

17. If he were to collect anything, what would it be? 

If.. are you kidding he does collect fishing items.  He has tons of polls, rods and fishing tackle.  It is to the point we need to insure all of his stuff as it is all worth a lot of money.  Fishing is not a cheap sport.

18. What would he eat every day if he could? 

Mexican Food and BBQ.  This is all we eat all the time, good thing we both like it so much.  We plan vacations around our favorite restaurants that we have found in certain cities.  For example San Antonio and Austin have the best of both worlds while Missouri has amazing BBQ.  We know our stuff if you need recommendations let me know. 

19. What would he never wear? 

He is very picky when it comes to clothes.  Also he goes into what I like to call "tizzy fits" when we go shopping, he just can't handle the mall.  He will not wear corduroy pants and he HATES blue jeans.  He only will ware them when I bribe him with treats (he is like a big kid).  His bottom half will only consist of shorts or pants that are "khaki". 

20. What is his favorite sports team? 

He LOVES the Denver Bronco's, he self proclaims him self as having a "bro-mance" for Tim Tebow.  He also loves baseball and the Colorado Rockies.  We do to as many games as we can in the summer.  College football is a favorite for him as well and he likes the Montana Grizzley's (we went to our first year of college in Missoula), Arkansas Razorbacks, Oregon Ducks, and the South Carolina Gamecocks.  

21. How many states has he lived in? 

Two, Colorado and Montana.

22. What is his favorite state?

His favorite state is where the bass fishing is best.  But over all I would have to say Texas.  We both love to go there and usually will take at least 2+ Texas trips a year.  We enjoy the  people, the food and the scenery it is so great.  "Everything in Texas is bigger and better."

23. Who is his best friend? 

John, they have been friends for a long time and have a lot in common.  John was his best man at our wedding we both have known him and his family for years.  

24.What is his heritage? 

Hmm... I should know this right, we have only been married for almost 8 years.  I always forget but I believe he is English and Viking.  

25.You bake him a cake for his birthday, what kind of cake is it? 

He doesn't like cake or dessert for that matter.  Occasionally he will want a berry pie but usually he will forgo dessert all together.

26. What could he spend hours doing? 

He can eat, breath and sleep fishing.  OMG don't get him started because he wont stop, once you start asking about the different techniques he uses you will never hear the end.  

Old Video and B.A.S.S. Master Classic

Brad and I are gearing up to go to the B.A.S.S. Master Classic in New Orleans.  We are excited to explore a new City and State that we haven't been to.  For those of you that don't know the Classic is the super bowl of the fishing world.  We will be there for 5 days enjoying the fishing expo, boat launch and fish weigh in.  I am very excited to go as we have wanted to go for many years but it has been in different city's that are expensive to fly to from Denver.  If any of you have any recommendations for any thing in New Orleans please let me know.

The below video is from our first trip to Amistad.  Amistad lake is the #1 Bass fishing lake in the US comparing to the Pebble Beach of the golf world.  It is in Del Rio Texas right on the boarder between Texas and Mexico.  It is truly a beautiful lake that I love to visit any time we can.We were able to connect with an absolutely amazing pro named Keith Combs.  He has guided us on  2 trips and we always have such a great time going out with him.  One of the pictures in the video is Brad's "famous" photo as he has won different photo contests with it.  He spent a lot of time putting the video together, I forgot how cute it was.  Also a side note, I am actually holding some of the fish which is a rare thing for me!!!  We will get to see Keith in New Orleans as he qualified for the Classic so it will be fun to see him in action.  After the Classic Brad will be chomping at the bit to get out on the lake!!!

Fishing Video

Farewell 2010

We have had a very blessed year with many things to be thankful for.  Here is our year in a nut shell, I hope you enjoy seeing the year in our lives.

Brad: 
He has been at Fisher Honda now for 8 years!!  He deals with all of their Internet needs including design and Ebay.  He really likes the challenge with the Internet and has been excelling with the sales and fluidity of online parts.  It is nice that we both work in Boulder as we car poll each day and get to spend more time with one another.  One of his highlights of this year was in January when he won a boat at Bass Pro.  I have never seen him so excited.  He had a great fishing season beating his own personal record for bass and catching his first Tiger Musky and Wiper.  Most of the pictures I have of him this year are with fish. I am glad he has a hobby he enjoys and it is fun to see the excitement he gets from it.

Brad in a "secret" location with his biggest Bass

Alisha:
I have had a very busy year with work.  I have been a Four Star Realty now for almost 5 years and as busy as ever.  I got my real estate license 2 years ago and have been very busy with both property management and sales.  I am thankful to have the clients I have and the great work environment.  I really enjoyed traveling this year and getting to see some new destinations.

Enjoying a hike in Breckenridge

Dogs (Belle, Frankie and Lucy): 
Our "kids" are doing well and enjoyed the great weather we have had this year.  Belle is now 11 and completely deaf and blind.  She still loves life and is getting around just fine.  Frankie is 9 and as honoree as ever.  As long as he has a tennis ball he is all set in life.  Lucy is 6 and still acts like a puppy.  Her and Frankie are best friends and it is nice that all the dogs get along so well.  They will always be my "babies".

We are still in Erie and absolutely love our little (growing) town.  We live in a great community and have a beautiful house on the golf coarse with great views of the mountains.  We really like our neighbors and the pools, bike paths, etc that we have access to.  We are a very close commute to Boulder, Denver, Longmont, and DIA which is nice to be so central.  We are so blessed to be in our house, we do have a great guest bedroom and would love some visitors!!!  Here is our year broken down in months...

January
We brought in 2010 in San Antonio.  They had an amazing New Years celebration on the River walk, by far my most memorable New Years to date. Upon returning to Colorado The weather was absolutely horrible so our month consisted of many trips to Bass Pro.  On a high note we did get to enjoy a great Nuggets game with some of our best friends.  It was fun to enjoy a sport in doors!!

At Amistad in Del Rio, TX

New Years Eve on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX

February
More cold weather came our way.  Our weekends consisted of Bingo and friends, just a relaxing month.

Brad won

March
My absolute favorite month of the year!!!  This is my birthday month but also it is the time when winter is dying down and Spring is here.  I had a great birthday celebration with family and friends participating in a Murder Mystery at the Hotel Boulderado.  It was a fun night even though we didn't win and couldn't solve the mystery, I highly recommend participating in one.

Birthday tapas with some great girls

April
Brad finally was able to start fishing.  He goes into the winter blues but April is his time to shine.  We made lots of trips to the Rocky Mountain arsenal where there are big Pike.  The arsenal is a catch and release fishery and in order to catch the big fish you have to have waders.  It gives me the creeps going into the water but I have no choice I do it for love!!!  We did catch a lot of great fish and have lots of good memories.  Another highlight for April was that the Bronco's drafted Tim Tebow. Both of us were screaming and high-fiving everyone in the restaurant while watching the draft, we have high hopes for his future with the Bronco's.

Decent sized Bass

Musky at RMA

May
A special month to both of us as we celebrated our 7 year anniversary on May 24th. We always take a vacation for our anniversary so this year we decided on South Dakota.  I had never been to Mt. Rushmore so we decided to make a week out of it and do a road trip. We had a great time and saw all of the attractions.  It was cold the whole time we were there, which actually had many advantages.  We didn't have to pay for some of the activities and had unlimited passes to all the attractions since it was before the busy season.  We saw lots of animals and did some geocaching along the way as well.  It was a very relaxing, beautiful trip.

June
We spent most of June at the Rockies game with Brad's best friend John and Maggie.  We had a blast seeing the games and watching the Rockies win.  Nothing is better then enjoying the beautiful weather on a Summer day/night at the baseball diamond.  It brings back memories of my Grandpa who loved the Rockies and was their biggest fan, the memories put a smile on my face. Most games we would pick a fun breakfast place and then go from there to the game.  Lots of fun times, can't wait to have more next year.

July
We booked a last minute trip to Dallas.  We stayed in a great town we read about in a magazine, Rockwell, TX.  There was a nice lake that we were able to sail on and enjoy the great summer Texas weather.  We have now almost been to all the major cities in Texas with only Huston left.  We love Texas and love the people there and always can't wait to return.  One of our highlights of the trip was visiting the new Dallas stadium.  It was amazing we got to see all aspects of the stadium including the locker rooms, 50 yard line, and the Miller Light club.  It was amazing how large every thing was, it really is true "everything is bigger in Texas".

August
For the last two years we have purchased season tickets for football at CU.  I love football and since I graduated from CU it is so fun going as an alum. We have a great group of people that we tailgate with before and after the games.  The majority of the games we had absolutely fabulous fall weather.  CU even pulled it together and beat Georgia.  It was a huge game with many Georgia fans that went home sad, we loved it!!!  Overall CU had a decent record and finally after two years of bad coaching fired Dan Hawkins.  One of my favorite parts is when Ralphy the buffalo runs around the field before the game and a half time, she is so fast and really gets the crowd into the game.We are looking forward to the new coach next year and our new conference we joined that will include Oregon here next year.  I just love football season!!

September
We went on a long weekend trip to the Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs.  We enjoyed a "Cowboy dinner" at the Flying W Ranch, A trip up the cog rail road to the top of Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and a bike ride through Garden of the gods.  We stayed a a charming Bed and Breakfast in the middle of Manitou Springs so we could walk around and shop in town.  It is my favorite get-a-way town in Colorado, I always love spending time there.

October
Brad and I enjoyed a wonderful trip to Puerto Villarta Mexico.  We stayed at a great all inclusive resort and went on lots of great excursions.  We were happy to see a different part of Mexico and had so much fun.  It was great to relax in the infinity pool and enjoy the beautiful beaches.  We also were lucky enough to be there during sea turtle season and we took a special excursion where we were able to release over 150 baby turtles into the ocean.  It was absolutely amazing.

November
This is Brad's favorite month as it is his birthday.  He celebrated his big day for a whole week and we did lots of fun actives including a tour at Invesco field, Casa Bonita, tour of Coors, dinner with family and a great weekend trip to Black Hawk.  Also since the beginning of the football season we have meet with our good friends at Bakers Street Pub to enjoy the games, good food and great drink specials.  We have many great memories even though the Bronco's have had a bad season.

December
We had a very busy month filled with lots of fun, different Christmas activities.  It was fun to hang out with family and friends.

We wish all of you a very happy, healthy, successful 2011!!

Brad and Alisha

Christmas Activities

This Christmas season was filled with so many activities and thus the lack of blogging on my part.  This year we decided not to exchange gifts with each other and instead participate in lots of fun Christmas activities.  I hope you all have enjoyed your Christmas season as Brad and I have.  Here is what we have been up too...

Holiday Christmas Party
Every year my work puts on a lavish Christmas Party.  This year it was on the roof top of West End Tavern in Boulder.  It is always nice to hang out with everyone in a fun setting and celebrate the last year of our business.  This year Four Star will be celebrating 25 years of business so they surprised everyone with nice fleece jackets with a 25 year logo.  Brad and I enjoyed hanging out with every one and the best part is always the dancing.

Cookie Making with My Mom
Every year my mom and I used to bake for the holidays.  We haven't continued this tradition for the last couple of years but this year we decided to bring it back.  We deliberated for many of hours before coming up with our 4 cookie recipes for the season.   DRUM ROLL... Peppermint mini patties, Cooking Lights Cinnamon Spice cookies, Anise Sugar cookies and Peanut butter balls.  We started the cooking festivities at 9am and cooked through out the day.  It was fun to try new recipes and give them out as gifts.  I am looking forward to next year.

Nutcracker Ballet in Denver
This was a new tradition we started this year and to be honest it was one of my favorites for the holiday.  Last year was the first time I saw the Nutcracker and I thought it was great, it was a small performance in Boulder but I really enjoyed it.  This year was a new level of excitement as I was absolutely mesmerized by the Denver ballet's Nutcracker.  We went with Brad's sister Tammy, and had a great night full of fun, laughter and a crazy cab driver (long story). We meet them for a nice dinner and then headed over to the ballet.  The scene where the dancers are in the snowy forest was just amazing.  I absolutely loved the ballet and can't wait to make this a tradition that we do every year.  Brad tolerates the show but I know deep down it puts him in the holiday season as well, wink, wink!!

Celestial Seasons Tour
Any of you that know me well, know that I absolutely LOVE going on factory tours.  Any time Brad and I are on vacation I drag him to all of the factory tours and we go time and time again to the tours here in Colorado.  One of my favorites is Celestial Seasonings.  I try to go at least once a year but usually end up there 2 or 3 times.  My mom loves the tour as well so she is always game to go with me.  The tour starts off with as many free samples of tea as you please.  It is nice to try some different flavors and especially the holiday teas.  Then you watch a short show before the main attraction of walking through and watching how the make the tea.  My favorite is the Peppermint room.  The second you walk in your eyes and nose water from the extremely strong peppermint smell.  I LOVE it, after a couple of minutes you start to taste the peppermint as well.  Many people have to leave the room as the tour guide is giving their speech but I just stand in the peppermint glory.  Unfortunately the day we went was a non factory day meaning we didn't get to see much but honestly all I care about is the peppermint room anyways so I got exactly what I wanted.  Afterwards we shopped in the store and was able to pick up some great Christmas Gifts.  I also was able to pick up some art work which I was so excited about.  I love the art and am excited to show case it in our house.  If you haven't done the tour it is FREE and FUN, it is in Gunbarrel and open M-F, here is the link. http://www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us/

One of my favorite pictures

My second favorite I love the detail

Gingerbread Tea at the St. Julian
We meet up with my Aunt Sherry and cousin Wendy to enjoy a two year holiday tea tradition.  They serve a high tea with all the tea party fixings including petite fours, salmon, and yummy cookies.  It was nice to catch up with the two of them and enjoy some yummy holiday tea.  The St. Julian was decorated beautifully and put everyone in the Christmas spirit.  I can't wait to go back next year.

In front of the beautiful lobby tree

Transsiberian Orchestra
Every year at Christmas time I beg Brad to buy tickets to the show.  Every year it seems we can't go due to other commitments or one of us being worried that the weather will be bad and we wont get to Denver.  Well this year I put my foot down and bought tickets.  I was so excited as I have heard really good reviews about the show.  I hate to say/write this but the show was AWFUL.  I actually fell asleep for the first whole section.  The music that you hear on the radio is defiantly their hits and the rest of it all sounds the same.  The first have was a Christmas story with music, this is where I took a nap.  Brad who was awake the whole time didn't get the story and was also confused as to what was going on.  The second half was lots of different kinds of music but sounded mostly the same.  The concert lasted for 3.5 hours it was long and honestly boring.  So I can no officially say I have seen them but don't think I will see them again.  If you have been I would love to hear your comments about what you thought, I just didn't get  the performance and was expecting something different.

Christmas 
We celebrate with Brad's mom and step dad on Christmas Eve.  This year we drew names and had a great Christmas.  We started the night going to our Christmas Eve service at church.  It was beautiful with candles and we even got to sing carols while holding candles.  It was a great way to start off the festivities of Christmas.  We went back and had dinner and opened gifts.  I was thrilled to get a new camera, and specifically asked for one so I could take more pictures for the blog.  Brad got a jacket he has been wanting and all of us got special stocking stuffers.  Christmas morning we headed to Brad's dad and step moms to celebrate.  We had a wonderful breakfast and enjoyed each other company.  It was nice to see and catch up with everyone.  Later my mom came over and we had a ham dinner and played games all night it was super relaxing and fun.  Later in the week we went up to Black Hawk with my mom to have some fun.  It was her first time up and she had a blast.  She is now officially addicted to the Wizard of Oz machines and won $140 when she just played with $5.  It was a great day and we all had a lot of fun.

A collage of our Christmas Eve

Please watch for more post this weekend including Brad and I's Christmas letter and Bronco's fun.  Thank you all for reading, I hope you all had a great Christmas.

Tis' the Season

Happy Holiday Season to Everyone.  Brad and I have been booked with lots of fun and exciting holiday activities and thus the long length between blogs.  We left off last with Brad's Birthday.  From there we had a nice Thanksgiving with family, Black Friday shopping and a weekend in Black Hawk.  Here is what we have been up to over the last 10 days, many of which have geared us toward the holiday season.

Holiday Home Tours
Growing up my mom and I would go on the holiday home tours.  It has been years since I have been to one but was excited to go on two so far this year.  We went to the Colfax home tour which consisted of 3 Bed and Breakfast's, 1 Church and 2 Private homes.  Our favorite house looked like a castle and they had carolers out side singing.  On the inside they had a neat presentation on light over the decades show casing bubble lights (my personal favorite), I think they are so nostalgic.  Most of the homes were beautifully decorated with trees, lights, Santa's, angles, stars, etc.

Yesterday my mom and I headed to the second holiday home tour in Longmont.  (Brad couldn't quite justify another one, he can only tolerate so much :) ) The tour in Longmont was AMAZING with 3 houses featured.  My mom and I were amazed by one of the families miniature ornament collections.  For those of you who don't know my mom and I both collect miniatures and have always had a miniature tree every Christmas so we were in miniature HEAVEN.  It was lots of fun.  We even saw a black squirl when we were walking from house to house it was very neat.  We finished the tour with baked goodies and hot cider, it was so much fun.

Coors Tour
Before heading up to Black Hawk last weekend we decided to stop and do the Coors tour.  Given we are natives we have always wanted to go on this tour but never stopped by.  I am a complete factory nut and insist we visit factories where ever we are on vacation so this was a real treat for me. We had to wait over an hour to even get bused over to Coors but once there it was a pretty neat tour that was very informative.  It is all self guided where you listen to the history and info through a phone like audio system.  They have different tasting areas along the way with the grand finally being a tasting room at the end.  They have two new beers that Brad and I enjoyed, "Colorado Native" and "Batch 19".  I really am not that into beer but found the Batch 19 to be very light and enjoyable.  I would definitely recommend the tour if you are in town as it was very interesting.












Black Hawk/ Central City
Brad decided he wanted to spend the night up in Black Hawk with our good friends John and Maggie.  Our room was amazing as we were on the 31st floor out of 34 floors.  The views from the room was amazing.  We stayed at Ameristar which is a hotel much like the ones in Vegas.  It has a Colorado Lodge theme with 4 restaurants, 1 buffet, coffee shops, bars, a spa and a SWEET roof top pool and hot tub.  Brad and I are not big gamblers but found all the new machine's with the different themes very fun to play.  My personal favorite was the Wizard of Oz machine and Brad's favorite was Sex in the City.  We both one a combined amount of $200.  We ate dinner at the buffet which has amazing food, I personally enjoy all the salad choices and the crab legs, YUM.  It is sure a treat with lots to choose from.  After dinner we decided to go up to the roof top hot tub and enjoy the brisk cold air while sitting in the hot tub, it was great.  There was so much steam but the views were phenomenal.  We played the night away and woke up the next morning and did a repeat.  It was SO much fun and we can't wait to go back up again.  Thank you John and Maggie for a great weekend, we had a blast.  Sorry we only have one picture for some reason this is the only one I got.

View of Black Hawk from our room on the 31st Floor

Holiday Festival at Macky Auditorium

This was a new tradition that we thought we would try this year.  CU Music puts on a great holiday show that features a choir, Orchestra, Band and solo singers.  The auditorium looked beautiful with all of the Christmas decorations and it was a real holiday treat.  The music and performances was great.  We definitely will go back next year to enjoy this new tradition.

Sunday Bronco Tradition

I have mentioned this before but our FAVORITE place to be on Sunday's is Bakers Street Pub.  We look forward to the football season all year as this is our second year in partaking in the Baker Street tradition.  We meet up with friends and enjoy the great food and drink specials while watching the Bronco's.  Now granted we have had some BAD games this year with the Bronco's awful record, BUT at least we are having fun on the game days.  Today was the big rematch between the Bronco's and the Chief's this week it was in Kansas City.  For those of you who don't follow football the Bronco's won the last match up that was hosted at Invesco.  They actually KILLED the Chief's so much that their coach wouldn't shake Josh McDanials

Before the Competition began

Ready, set, GO

You can do it you are so close

They are DONE!!!

As you can see we have been BUSY, BUSY.  Hoping all of you are enjoying this time of year as much are we are!!