Air Force Falcons With Relatives

Let Me Start With  - WoW - Like Really, WoW - The Air Force Academy is Beautiful And What A Majestic Location While Commanding Respect

My Uncle, the Grandfather to #22, jumped aboard Amtrak in Sac-Ah-Tomatoes CA and rode the rails out here to the Grand Valley.

These Malt Drinks Are Everywhere In Thailand 

Then, the road trip began!! AJ, The Dude, Jenn, Uncle, And Myself at the helm headed for Colorado Springs. Next stop, the base of Pikes ( 14,115 / 4,302m one of the many 14r's that The Boy Dog and I concord ) Peak. Well, technically, we were headed to the Air Force Academy for my cousins football game vs Fresno State Bulldogs. Its my cousins senior year and they only have a few more home game. Fingers Crossed, Will Make The Trip To New Mexico To Attend Another College Stadium And Watch Him Dominate. Phuc Yeah

The Continental Divide had just received a fresh blanket of snow that show cased the color changing Aspen Trees. Uncle snapped photos the whole way while the backseat drivers told tales and reminisced about the late 60's and early 70's. I-70 East was congestion free but I-25 South was a different story. One key to shifting perception is learning how to improve your attitude. Damn, Colorado Springs Is Beautiful

After checking in, down the road to the Korean Market to stock up on goodies that we lack here in GJ. Call me crazy but I really dig these ethnic stores. Of course, a happy hour watering hole was located.

Saturday was the day of the game and one of the biggest tailgate parties that I have ever been to. My cousin Andrea and Bob, parents of #22, flew in the night before and then escorted us to the North Gate of the Academy. Lot #4 became home base for the afternoon.

Here is a photo of my cousin Andrea playing Ladder/Goalie/Pass Rusher with one of the little tikes. Drea was absolutely stellar all day and night long. She is a few years older than me but acts a few years younger then ALL of us. Her humor seeds were planted in all of our inner gardens.

Wings of Blue - The Parachute Team descending towards the stadium  

After nibbling on a bitchin potluck lunch/dinner with almost 70 in the group, side note here, a random gal, so I thought, forced us together for a group photo, she was one of the official Air Force Photographers, snapped away. Bob later told me who she was and that we would most likely end up in the program at a later date. Cool

The Falcon's Stadium was impressive!! The Sky Divers, the announcers shared the number of jumps per diver, one guy was OVER 1,000 jumps, flew into the stadium with ease. They make it look so effortless. Groups of cadets marched onto the field, this was the ONLY disappointing moment of the whole weekend. The cadets used to line up, quick introduction, and then SPRINT towards their seats. Apparently, a couple of games ago, only takes a couple, ruined it for everyone and we fans get punished as well by not seeing this tradition. BUMMER

The 1st quarter was exciting as all get out with a score of 21-14 Bulldogs. We are talking NO defense for ether team. During the second quarter, the game slowed down a bit, I took a stroll around the stadium. Again, the place is beautiful.

During the entire game, I noticed that Andrea NEVER missed a minute. Each time the Falcones moved the ball over the chains, " First Down!!" she screamed along with the home turf fans. She didn't miss a one!! We all would be chatting along and out of the side of her mouth," First Down!!" The Falcons were running away with it at this point but she didn't miss a beat. Very Impressive, Very Inspiring, And Very Proud

The photo above, our group sat directly under the R of the Force, closest row to the field of course. I was obviously on the east side of the stadium for this shot. Just After Another Air Force Score

We were even treated to a day early full moon raising. This weekend displayed everything!! The Falcons prevailed victorious over The Bulldogs 42-24. Outstanding

Here is Garrett ( click the link and read about his brother Kyle's stoke and their viral story that was first shared by the Washington Post ) singing with his left hand. On the THIRD play of the game, he shattered his right thumb. AND played the whole first half with this broken thumb. They threw a cast on it at the half and he played the rest of the game. He even LEAD the team in tackles WITH that busted up thumb. CRAZY!!!

L - R Garrett's high school buddy that drove up from AU, Bob, Me, Andrea, Garrett, The Dude, Uncle, Jenn, And AJ

Before we boogied out of the Springs, we hit Trader Joes for a few more necessities. I took this photo because of the cow licking the butter. I don't know why, maybe sleep deprived, couldn't stop giggling inside. This Mural Filled That Tiny Little Hole In My Heart With Pure Joy

One last photo and story here. These photos loaded out of order but whatever. Before the night game on Saturday, a few of us went out to the Garden of the Gods and then up the short drive to Manitou. Both places are gorgeous for sure but Manitou was completely decked out in my favorite Holiday. Every window shop, I mean every one, dressed their window display in Halloween decor. I Was Stoked

Bone Dry Doggie Nose In The Ear Hole 

GOALS:

1. Successful Cyclocross Season
2. Super Sets at the Gym
3. Finish Reading my Book - Walking In Light 
4. Solidify My Outline For Tim & Amanda's Wedding 
5. Weigh In, Am I In The 170 Club?? 
6. Smile & Say Hello To Strangers 

Cheers