It'sTebow Time

Fall/Winter weekends in the Sill household is filled with lots of football. We LOVE some college and Pro football. It all started Saturday with the CU vs. Oregon game. Brad has been waiting for the day since they announced we would be in the PAC 12. Honestly I was excited to see Oregons uniforms. We met some friends before the game and then headed up to the stadium to tailgate. CU just got knocked around and beat up. By the half they were behind by 38 points. I think ralphie was even pissed off as she looked to be running slower! We tailgated at the half and slowley made our way back into the stadium. It was hard to stay until the end but we saw the Ducks crush the Buffalo. All in all it was fun to be there and get a glimpse of what a winning team looks like.

Ralphie Running on the field

Some fun fall photos before the Game

Sunday was TEBOW time for the Bronco nation.  It was his first game to start this year in Miami.  We have all been gearing up for this game all season.  Although I will admit that most of the game was down right ugly TEBOW found a way to come from 15-0 with 3 minutes to play to pull out an 18-15 overtime victory.  It was so fun to see the WIN, Brad and I were jumping around screaming an high fiveing each other, it was AWESOME for Bronco's fans.  Hopefully in the coming weeks Tebow will get better and not pay attention to all the talk on the radio and news about him and his abilities.  All I can say is the Sill's are behind him 110% and I personally love me some Timmy!!!

All I can say is Hot and Determined

Sunday was 80 degrees out so after the big win Brad and I threw a football around for an hour and basked in the glory of a BRONCO WIN.

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Patch in Boulder

Pumpkins, Corn Mazes, cornucopia's, hay Rides, and Farm Animals oh my, IT IS FALL!!! One of my all time favorite times of the whole year. This weekend we did our famous trip to the pumpkin patch to get our fall outdoor goods and to take our annual pumpkin patch family pictures.  Belle couldn't make the trip as she is getting too old and hates to be out in the heat or in the car for too long.  This year we also hit up a new pumpkin patch that was great.  They had lots of cute farm animals, a corn maze, tractors and much more.  In true Sill family pumpkin picking fashion Frankie tried eating pumpkins, Lucy took a big bathroom break and Brad and I were yelling at each other to keep the dogs calm.  All fun when you take 4 legged furry friends with TONS of real kids around.  They did do very well though and out of the 50+ pictures my mom took we were able to get some good shots.  The weather also couldn't have been any better, it was about 75 degrees.  I have just been enjoying as much out side time can as I can as the colors on the trees with the mountains as a back drop have been just beautiful.

The dogs picked out the pumpkins

We are excited to get all of our outside fall decorations set out for Halloween.  It is our tradition that we make yummy flavored pumpkin seeds from the carving of the pumpkins.  Frankie is obsessed with the pumpkin taste and loves when we carve them as he gets a little bit.  Now the hard thing is to decide how I want to flavor the seeds this year.  Hopefully this year we will have lots of trick-o-treaters as we have a TON of little kids in the neighborhood.  Yeah for fall I just love this time of year!!

Out front of the corn maze

Fall time in the Rockies

Brad and I got away last weekend to my favorite city in Colorado, Manitou Springs.  It is right out side of Colorado Springs and only about 1.5 hours from our house.  We always go in the fall as the colors there are just gorgeous.  There is so many fun activities to do through out the weekend or you can just hang out and leisurely shop in the town. The first night Brad and I were able to enjoy our favorite Texas BBQ joint, Rudy's.  However I must admit that even though the food is darn good it isn't quite the same as being in Texas and enjoying Big Red and Lone Star beer with the BBQ.  O'well it will do for Colorado and it is still some of the best BBQ around.

Brad with all the BBQ and he 'fix ins

Brad and I took it more easy this trip minus a really LONG, scary horse back ride in the Garden of the Gods.  Literally there were some spot's where I just closed my eyes and held on for dear life as the drop was SCARY.  There was even a point where Brad's horse didn't want to go because it was a steep step down, the wrangler literally had to cohearse Brad's horse.  Other then that the views were absolutely amazing.

At the stable

Twin Sisters

View from the Trail

After our ride we decided to head up to the Cog Railroad to see if the train was running to the top of Pikes Peak.  Due to the cooler fall weather the train was only going half way up.  We decided instead to walk around and take some pictures with all the great fall colors.  There were some beautiful orange, yellow and red trees that made it a fall wonderland.

The Cog is coming down from Pikes Peak

In front of the Cog

Pike's Peak Cog

Hiking in the forest

Brad and his truck (Can't forget the truck :) )

Fall Colors

Later we went the The Flying W Ranch which is an absolute must if you are in the area.  It is a dude ranch that has Chuck Wagon Dinner and shows.  Since it was cooler we were inside for the show and dinner.  The show was great and the food was to die for (forgot to take pictures, we scarfed the yummy rolls and steak too fast).  After a great show we headed back to our favorite Bed and Breakfast to enjoy the starry night sky in the hot tub.

Avenue Bed and Breakfast
Sunday we just relaxed and enjoyed some shopping and walking around the town.  Brad also treated me to an amazing massage in the morning which was much needed after the horse back riding.  It was sad to leave and head home but we know we will be back soon.  If you have never been here, and live in Colorado make sure you go as it will come you favorite weekend spot too!!

My Babies

I thought it was time to write a post about my fur babies. I am doing a blog link up to Kelly's Korner all about pets. Brad and I have 3 fur babies as we like to call them. Belle our Pug who is 11 years old, Frankie our Dachshund that is 7 years old and Lucy our Dachshund that is 5 years old. We adopted all 3 of the dogs at different walks in their and our lives. I have already done a blog about Belle the Princess that you can see by clicking here. I will focus on my other loves here.

Christmas seems to be the only time we get a pic with all of us

Another Christmas shot of them waiting for a treat

Frankie getting all of his treats our of his stocking

Lucy and and Frankie are true hounds and do not disappoint the Dachshund breed. Frankie came to us at the young age of 6 months, the first time we meet him he peed all over Brad! For me it was love at first sight and for Brad not so much but o'well. Frankie lived with Brad the first year before we got married and they became best buddies. Frankie has turned now into a mommas boy and loves for me to give him extra attention. I want to always remember by first fur baby so here is the Frankie list....
Things I love:
*He is the best snuggler and always keeps me warm
*He is so sweet and sensitive
*He loves to play ball at all times and loves to go on walks
*He takes good care of Belle and helps her get around the house
*He has a special bond with Brad
*He is super smart almost to a fault
*He knows lots of human words and understands them
*He LOVES to camp and even will put himself to bed in the tent
*He has the cleanest,shiniest Pearly white teeth around
*He has a blanket that we call his "mommy" that he suckles him self to sleep with

The only picture of Frankie being still

Things that I don't love:
*He barks ALL of the time, some times we have to give him calming medicine, which then in turn makes him stink
*He is obsessive compulsive about EVERYTHING!
*He destroys all of his toys in less then 10 minutes including ripping tennis balls and golf balls up(casing and all)
*He hates thunderstorms and freaks out
*The second he eats anything he has to poop 5 minutes later, he has an extremely sensivite stomach
*He hates car rides and makes them down right miserable for everyone
*He HATES water and is down right terrified by it
*It is imposable to get a picture of Frankie where he is not barking or moving out of the shot

Running in the Oatmeal Festival

Trying to get a family shot before they ate all the pumpkins

Now onto Lucy or as we call her frequently, "Lucifer" or "She Devil". Lucy is defiantly my dog, she is the dog that we all wish for that will be super loyal and do everything with you. She loves to be my shadow and be down right spoiled rotten. We bought her in an apartment sale only a few months after being married, she was 1 year old. The first second I layed eyes on her, she was mine much to Brad's shock. Brad and her are like siblings, some days they love each other and some days they hate each other, they know how to push each other buttons. Lucy is defiantly the most spoiled and can get by with a lot. She has the cutest eyes and fat paws that just make me melt.
Things I love about Lucy:
*She is my best baby ever and loves to get pets and snuggles
*She is a perfect looking longhair dachshund and loves to be told she is pretty
*She loves me most
*She loves to ride in the car and she loves water
*She goes and does anything you want her to, and for the most part adapts well
*She doesn't bark much when Frankie isn't around

Her with a new toy

Here at the pool for Dog Days

Things that drive us(mostly Brad crazy)
*She is strong willed and determined to only do what she wants, she is so stubborn
*She loves to steal food from the other dogs, lets just say she is slightly over weight
*She bits Frankie's neck to boss him around
*She loves to bug Brad and she knows just what to do
*She is always under my feet EVERYWHERE I go, including when I am cooking
*She doesn't listen
*She MUST sleep between Brad and I in Bed or no one will get good sleep
*She is a social brat and will turn her head at people if she is not in the mood to be doted on
*She relapses in potty training frequently and wares custom diapers when we are gone to be assured she doesn't have an accident.

As all of you can see our dogs are definitely our kids, all three of them are spoiled, rotten brats that we love. They are our family and we wouldn't change that. If any of you have things to add about there personalities that I forgot please comment (especially mom). Thanks furry friends for being our loyal friends, we love you.

Day 7:A day at the Beach

Where we stayed: Sleep Inn, Baltimore's Inner Harbor
Weather: Lots of sun, a little rain and a beautiful evening
Miles Walked: around 5, I forgot to wear my padomiter today, oops.
Where we went: Beach, Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Sea Dog Speedboat, and Little Italy.
Highlights: Today was so much fun relaxing and hanging out on the beach. The Virginia coastline is very pretty and reminded me a lot of the Carolina's beaches. Brad and I took a long walk on the beach enjoyed the waves and beautiful weather. In true beach fashion we collected some cool shells and Brad even found a full conch shell. We then headed to Baltimore for our stay in the Inner Harbor. Baltimore is not the cleanest City but it did have some nice points. The Inner Harbor is very neat with lots of big ships, activities, shopping and good restaurants. We walked around and people watched before going on a speed boat cruise. It was a history/thrill ride that we learned about Baltimore and had a great time. We decided to head to Little Italy for dinner, and went to Amiccies. It was INCREDABLE, the best Italian food ever. We had homemade sangria (only sold by the pitcher :) ), garlic bread, house salad with a spicy homemade vinegarette dressing, lisangia (Brad), and prochuto/pea cheese tortelline (Alisha). The whole meal was awesome and Brad and I practically licked our plates. Afterwards we went to Vellcaro which is famous for homemade Italian desserts. After waiting in the long 40 minute line we enjoyed a variety of delishous cookies. I would say this was a great day for the girl, the beach, harbor and good food with my great husband, Bliss!

Day 4:So much to see so little time

Where we stayed:Last night at the Intown Uptown Inn
Weather: mid 70's, off and on clouds, sun and rain
Miles Walked: 3.704
Places we Visited: National Archives, Newseum day 2, Ford's Theater where President Lincoln was shot, Arlington Cemetery, Pentagon and Georgetown.
Highlights: Today was jammed packed and our last full day in DC. We both thought the tour and the National Archives was amazing. It was awesome seeing the Declaration of Independence, American Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and made it an unforgettable experience. Truly a place to not be missed. Unfortunately we didn't get to see the balcony the Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theater but they did have a great museum where we learned a lot. We then took the trek out to Arlington Cemetery which was well worth it. What an amazing place with gorgeous views, and history that gave you goosebumps. We saw Kennidy's grave and the Tumb of the unknown soilders. We saw the changing of the guard which was very neat, they are so respectful, patriotic and précis in there movements. We then headed over to Georgetown to get some yummy cupcakes(full story to come tomorrow) and grab dinner. We were walking around trying to figure our where to eat and who do we see... Maria Shriver (Aja Arnold's ex) and her daughter. It was funny beacause when she saw I recognized her she put her sunglasses on and it was 8pm. It was funny to actually see a star in real life I got a kick out of it. It was a fun way to end a busy day.
Fact: Most of National Treasure the movie was filmed at the Archives.

Day 5:Bye,Bye Washington DC Hello Virginia Beach

Where we stated: The Channel Bass Inn. Great Bed and Breakfast right on the water. They even had a write up in Southern Living.
Weather: Some sunshine, some rain. Here you never know the weather seems to change hourly.
Miles Walked: 2.119 not to many today. Drove about 160 miles.
Places we Visited: We spent the whole morning in Georgetown shopping around and Eating cupcakes. We drove from there to Chincoteague Island. Upon arriving we enjoyed a sunset cruise.
Highlights: It was nice to rake the morning and relax and shop. We got to head back to Georgetown Cupcakes. OMG they are amazing and the shop us so cute. For those of you that don't know they owners have a show in TLC. I watched them make the decorations for 30 minutes, it looked like so much fun. We then went to Dean and Diluca for some yummy take out lunch. Georgetown has cute cobblestone walkways and great shopping. We then started the drive to the beach. We went over many bridges and enjoyed the scenery as we drove. After arriving we quickly dropped our luggage off and hurried to catch our sunset exploration of the Island tour. We were lucky enough to see a large pod of dolphins, a large bald head eagle and wild ponies. The ponies are the main feature of the island as the are wild living on the beach and Island. The weather got a little cold and rainy but overall the cruise was great. We finished off the night enjoying a great sea food dinner.