The Next Chapter

Friday, September 24, 2010

Denver

Last weekend we journeyed with Colette and Kelly to Denver for the Bronocos/Seahawks game. We left Colette and Kellys bright and early Saturday morning and headed out. With only a few stops we arrived in Denver by 5:00. After a little freshening up we headed through scary Denver for lunch at Casa Bonita, which I liken to a mexican Chuck-E Cheese. They have cliff divers that perform these tricks and stunts and five into a little pool. Then some other performers will come on and do a little skit, and there's a mariachi band that makes their way around. And to top it all off-- fried ice cream!

Sunday morning, Tim and I ventured over to the Bass Pro Shop. We could have easily spent hours in there. But we had to get back to the hotel to catch a cab to the stadium. We arrived at the stadium about 2 hours before game time. So we walked around and took it all in. Tim and I went to find out seats because it was getting pretty hot out. The stadium was mostly empty so it was fun watching all the preparations. Of course if was getting towards lunch time so we invested in a $6 Thunder Dog.

Today's game was in honor of the military. As such, they had the sky-divers come in, but the last to make the jump was a retired Golden Knight and Purple Heart recipient. His parachute was adorned with the Purple Heart symbol, and he nailed the landing with two prosthetic legs. Quite a touching sight. The Star Spangled Banner showcased a gigantic American flag that took up most of the field, fireworks, and of course the flyover form the F-16 Fighting Falcons from Buckley Air Force Base. The halftime show was the Silent Drill Platoon, which exhibits the Marine Corps discipline and skill.

I don't think I really watched much of the game. There was just too much to see. Tim and I aren't huge football fans but it was a great experience. The stadium is really neat. There were about 75,000 fans that day. Close to capacity.

After the game, we cabbed it back to the hotel, had a great meal there and then lounged out for the rest of the night. Got up early Monday morning and made the trek back home. It's such a long drive but we made it without any incidences!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Labor Day Weekend at Ackley Lake

Camping trip #5 was another success. We met mom and dad over at Ackley Lake for a fun weekend of fishing and camping. Who knew there would still be this much water in September? Or that fishing would be this good!? We spent alot of time out on the lake, between storms that is. There were a few rain and wind storms that went through but it didn't really phase us. There was plenty of time to get out in the boat. Saturday afternoon, we did have to take a break to listen to the Griz game on the radio. Although when the game got delayed due to a storm in Missoula, Tim and I decided to take the opportunity to do some fishing. We did find that we could get the game on the radio.
It was a great weekend and fishing was awesome! It was a great summer closer.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Mauws Family Get-Together (Camping Round 4)

A few weeks ago we headed over to Placid Lake for our annual Mauws Family round-up. Tim and I went over on Wednesday to secure some spots. Thursday morning we drove to Missoula to pick up Ted from the airport. Carol and Colette and Kelley joined us early afternoon, and Marvin and Cindy made it up later. Carol brought the boat up so we spent a lot of time cruising the lake. Friday just about everyone else showed up. We had quite a crew, about 25-30 people. As always wonderful food, and great entertainment when everyone gets together!
Saturday night me and Tim, Ted, Bob and Carol, and Colette and Kelley headed to Missoula for the Creedence Clearwater Revisted Concert. Opening act was Chance McKinney and Crosswire, who are a Missoula band. The concert was held in a open field at the fairgrounds. We started off in the "sitting" section, but when CCR came on, we made a dash for the "standing" side. As the concert progressed, we made our way closer and closer to the stage, until we were right at the stage for the encores. It was an amazing concert. We were a little skeptical how it was going to be considering there were only 2 original members, but they really rocked! It was an awesome time.
Always fun to get together, especially when the Mitchells can join us, since we only see them about once a year. We will see everyone at Placid next year!