Reno....Nevada

Jesse, Zac and Emily

Zac, Emily, Sherry and Jesse before the pep rally.

Jesse and Sherry infront of "the bus."

Infront of "the bus." All bundled up...it was a crisp and chilly night.

Zac, Jesse and I playing some slot machines. We were hoping to win enough to pay off our trip, but I don't think anyone even won enough to pay for a single drink!

Above are a few pictures from our Reno experience!

I'll just be honest....despite it being almost a week since the heart wrenching, gut twisting loss, I am still not over it and I'm not ready to do a full blog post about it. Maybe at some point, I will add in pictures and talk more about the trip altogether, but for now this will be short or not and sweet or maybe it's more sour. Whichever, here goes.

I have three things to say about the game......FIRST.....the officiating was absolutely terrible!!!!!! I have no doubt in my mind the officials gave that game to Nevada to keep BSU out of a major BCS bowl game and to alleviate all of the turmoil and politics that goes along with non automatic qualifying teams reaching a BCS bowl, as BSU has done now twice and should be three times in the last five years. When we're talking about millions of dollars on the line....paying out refs is a drop in the hat. Nevada did not win that game....BSU was robbed of a spot in a BCS bowl game.

SECOND....the Nevada fans were belligerently rude, ruthless and classless!

And THIRD...Bronco Nation still loves Kyle Brotzman.....there is no i in team. Had the officials not called Kapernick's touchdown good (because it wasn't good), called the muffed punt "destructing the receiver" and put BSU back on their own 2o yard line instead of Nevada's 6 yard line, called face masking against Nevada in the 3rd quarter when Titus missed the touchdown reception because his face was on the ground, or any of the various passing interferences or 3rd down conversions....well then the game would not have come down to a field goal and the pressure would have never been on Brotzman.


This loss affected everyone among Bronco Nation....from the die hards, to Bronco Nation supporters to first graders in Mrs. Broadie's classroom. I was ready to get over the game and see my students come Monday and instead I was greeted with the horrible news in class. It was dead silent and one little student whispered to another....."Did you hear the Broncos lost?" Another child piped in "Do you think Mrs. Broadie knows?" And yet another student said...."Let's not tell her because she will be really sad." The last students says, "Duh....Mrs. Broadie knows....she went to the game in Reno!"

I am okay losing fair and square.....but the only fair things to say about the game is Nevada was handed this win on a silver platter and those refs are still probably loosing sleep over how wrong their calls were....unless that is, the money they were paid out outweighs their conscience.

This whole situation is a complete shame and won't be forgotten any time soon. However, true character will be discovered among Bronco Nation, the players and coaches in this week's game against the Utah State Aggies. Here we go Broncos....and Bronco Nation let's show the country what we're all about!

McCall in November

A few weeks ago Zac and I headed up to McCall to spend the weekend with Mom and Cam. It was a great weekend. I took a personal half day to ensure we were up to McCall and at the Shore Lodge in time for kickoff between BSU and Idaho. We put on our flags and drove north into Vandal country. We enjoyed watching the game at the Shore Lodge and had a good time...maybe too good of a time! Of course, BSU showed up and walloped on the Vandals for what was the last time they will meet in the near future.

Saturday Mom and I cooked a yummy breakfast while Zac studied and Cam messed around in the garage, on the snow blower and who knows what else. He always keeps himself busy up in McCall. Saturday afternoon we decided to drive up to Brundage for an early Christmas present from the parents....ski passes. I'm so excited to go skiing (yes skiing, not boarding) up at Brundage. Zac is even going to give skiing a shot. Who knows maybe he'll switch too!

Then we took the dogs for a walk to Brundage Reservoir. The snow was falling, the trees were all snow covered and it was a beautiful walk.

Sunday we packed up and headed out. It was a great weekend and I can't wait to go back up....hopefully next time we'll be able to hit the slopes.

Remmy playing in the snow.

Zac and Em

Even with the couch and beds being put into the game room, Bry's house still managed to stick around and she even got a door mat.

Looking out at a pretty snowy morning.

How cute are those faces!!!!!



Since we had the flags up we couldn't roll down the back windows, which we didn't think would be a problem since the temperature outside was in the teens. But of course, Rio needed some air. So we opened up the sun roof and he was able to stick his head out and get some air.

Rio always makes us laugh!

Bry and Z's beds and the new couch in the game room. Now it just needs some game tables!

BSU vs Hawaii

It's been a while since my last post. Zac's been busying studying and I've been busy with report cards, conferences and lesson planning. There's never a wasted moment in our crazy lives right now.

This weekend we had Zac's family down for a long over due visit. Luckily, we were able to get two guest tickets for the Hawaii game, so we were all able to go cheer on the Broncos and be apart of the blue tidal wave crashing down on the Hawaiian Warriors. They didn't know what a wave was until they came to Bronco Nation. We got to the stadium close to 11:00am. We waited in line for about an hour to ensure good seats in the student section. Zac and I had our cow bells and Zac, Jesse and Kyle all had a blow horn. So between all of us, we made some pretty good noise.

Going into this game, I was a little nervous of the outcome. Hawaii was on a 6 game winning streak, they just crushed Nevada and came in with the number one offense in the nation. However, BSU deteriorated their impressive stats and shot down their hopes of jumping into the top 25 in the polls or even a WAC championship. In fact, BSU's defense held the Warriors offense to a measly 196 total yards! We held them to only 11 first downs, three of those first downs coming in the fourth quarter against our second-string and the Warriors didn't score until the fourth quarter on our second and third string defense. We also sacked their quarterback 7 times! And our offense behind Kellen "the computer" Moore broke three school records. Austin Petis surpassed the school record of catches by a receiver. Kellen broke the school's record of passing yards and altogether the offense broke the record of total yards in a single game....737! It was impressive.

On top of the nearly perfect win, a boy suffering from leukemia was honored during the game, walking out with the Broncos and being on the sideline with Coach Pete. It was definitely heartwarming. In addition, veterans past and present from all branches of the military were honored and two warthogs flew over the stadium after the national anthem.

Altogether, it was a perfect Saturday afternoon at Bronco Stadium.

The weekend was enjoyable, relaxing and fun filled. Next weekend BSU travels up to Vandal country to take on Idaho for what may be the last time. At least it's the last time in the foreseen future. Say goodbye to the ridiculous and pathetic rivalry.



Of course I had to take a picture of our season tickets, as this week's game ticket featured quarterback Kellen Moore!

It's upside down, but the marching band played all of the different military branch's theme songs and formed the initials....this picture is of course of USMC. So proud of all those who have served, especially Zac!

Zac and Em

Jesse, Zac and Emily

Sherry and Kyle

Chelsea, Sherry and Kyle....Chelsea and Kyle went all out with their blue and orange wigs.

Getting so excited for Reno! Sounds like we'll be watching the last rivalry between BSU and Idaho up in McCall, which is Vandal country. Then back here for the Fresno game. Up to Hailey for an early Thanksgiving and then off to Reno for the BSU vs Nevada game. I can hardly wait!!!!!

Just an Update

This is a no picture update....I realize pictures are more fun to look at than words to read....so, I'll make this short and simple...or at least try.



Zac continues to study like crazy and finds most of his free time consumed with chemistry. All I can say is I'm glad I never had to take any chemistry or biology classes. My school year is off to a great start. I love my class. They keep me on my toes and nearly every student owns blue and orange of some sort to wear on "Funday, Fanday, Friday." I love it! I love seeing the jerseys, cheerleading outfits and sea of blue and orange in Mrs. Broadie's first grade classroom.

Last night we went over to Mom and Cam's for dinner with the family. Monica, Rob, Jonathan, Anna and the kids all made it over for homemade spaghetti and sausage with salad, bread and red wine. I learned that Monica got pulled over not once, but twice in a 4 day span up in McCall. Someone has a lead foot. Cam trumps her story with getting pulled over twice in the same day...and getting out of both tickets. I guess it pays to have connections. Anna played with Brylee and found most of her night was spent under the table playing in Bry's "house." Oh yeah, at one point she was Bry's pet alligator and crawled around the kitchen island upon Bry's request. Bry had way too much with Nana all day making ghosts and Halloween sugar cookies and topped off her night with Aunt Anna that she didn't want to leave....so she decided that she, Anna and Zayden should hide in the bathroom....Bry: "We need to hide." Anna: "Why?" Bry: "Because if my mom and dad don't know where we are than we won't have to leave." She's a smart little cookie.

After Monica, Rob and the kids left....Zac and I stayed to play a round of the stupid train game with Mom, Cam, Jonathan and Anna. Anna didn't play and I still lost.....terribly bad!!!!! Let's just say I got blocked more than once and had it not been for Mom's motherly sympathy I would have started the scoring session with 33 in the hole, instead of 13 in the hole. I still lost by a landslide. I guess I should state that Jonathan beat Zac with the longest train by one little car and as a result I think he won the game. I do know I was a sore looser....I'm competitive and I hate loosing! There was no way we were sticking around for round two. We all had a good time. Thanks for the invite Mom and Cam. We need to get together more often like that!

Today, we're off to another BSU game. Of course we're super excited!!!!!! It will be a good time! We're playing Toledo (which is in Ohio....in case you didn't know) and it's Homecoming. I'm definitely looking forward to sitting in our season ticket seats.....and even more so excited to watch the poodle/pointer dog retrieve the tee after kick-offs.

GO ORANGE...GO BIG BLUE....FIGHT! FIGHT!....BSU

BSU beats down the Beavs

BSU vs OSU

This past Saturday was a big day for Bronco Nation and the whole state of Idaho. Saturday was a long day! It started off before the sun came up and didn't end til long after the sun set. ESPN's Game Day show came to Boise and broadcasted their show from inside the stadium on the infamous blue turf. This was Game Day's first appearance on the blue and according to Coach Pete "it's about time." Bronco fans started lining up just after midnight to ensure their spot on the field and behind the set. Those who waited until the morning crowded into the stadium and competed with the Nebraska record of 15,000 fans strong. The guest on the show was Picabo Street, who did a great job with her "picks." She ended by saying she may drink the "red Bama juice" (currently living in Alabama), but being from Idaho she still "bleeds blue." The show wrapped up with Lee Corso pulling off the bag on his head to showcase his blue and orange hair and put on Buster Bronco suggesting his prediction BSU win of the game.

Zac and I watched the highlights from home and listened to the show on the radio (living on one income doesn't allow for our budget to include cable tv....so we make do with what he have....but we do feel privileged to own season tickets ensuring our seats to every Bronco home game.) By noon we were chomping at the bit to get down to the stadium and to get in on all of the action. So we did just that! Around 1:00 we headed downtown.

Luckily we got an extra ticket so Mom and Cam were able to get in on the action as well. Jonathan had a skybox ticket. Zac and I waited in line for 3 hours, but it was worth it. After sitting in the sun for about 15 minutes I texted Cam suggesting he stop at the store and get ice, cups and margarita mix for some "tailgaiting in line." They did and it was delicious! We snacked on cheese and crackers and hot tamales before heading in. We used our student id's and got in with student tickets, while Mom and Cam used our season tickets to get in. They waited outside for our text before coming in, making sure I was able to get in with my "valid student id." Everything worked out and we had seats on the 40 yard line about 7 rows up in the upper deck. Not quite our season ticket seats from last year on the 50 yard line about 7 rows up on the lower deck....but we were in the student section so that meant we could use our cow bells, be loud, get crazy and fit right in! Cam's parents and sister went to Oregon State and are Beavers at heart, so I'm glad he was able to come with us to the game and watch our BSU boys beat up on the PAC-10 Beavers.

New to this year, Zamzows has sponsored a dog trainer to train his dog...a wire haired pointer and poodle mix to run out onto the field after BSU kicks off to retrieve the tee. The dog was perfect and provided an added touch as BSU debuted their home opener on national television.




The color scheme of alternating blue, orange and white sections looked pretty good. The aerial view was even better, which was shown on the megatron.



Before the game started...it was a cooker, but beautiful weather!




Mom and I

Finally, the sun went down....it was still hot but at least it cooled off a little.

Mom and Cam in their blue...looking good, parents!

An hour before kick off...just taking it all in!

Pre-game!

It was a blast. Mom and Cam...glad you were able to make it with us. You were good sports....standing the entire game...cheering loudly....putting up the student section.....the random student chants that might not be appropriate in the family section and not complaining about our cow bells. Next year we think you guys should buy season tickets! Just think every other Saturday could be filled with blue turf, pigskin, Boise....State chants and victories. Doesn't get much better than that. But in season ticket seats, there's more sitting, less standing and no cow bells. Any time we get to sit in the student section we have to bring our noise makers.

GO BRONCOS! Already looking forward to our next home game in a couple of weeks.

Cabin Time

Last weekend I headed up to McCall to spend some time at the cabin with Mom and Cam. Unfortunately, Zac stayed in Boise to make sure he got some quality time in for studying for various tests and quizzes. And it paid off...he got an A on his first Biology test! Way to go, Zac. (Hopefully we can find a weekend this fall to make it up to McCall between all of Zac's tests, quizzes, reports and case studies.) It was so peaceful and relaxing. The cabin is really coming along and looks great. The dining table is in, which can comfortably seat 10 adults, so I'm excited for our first family dinner up there. The living room downstairs is all put together and the decor is great.

Upstairs, both bedrooms have beds set up. The bathrooms are both good to go.. The game/kids room is coming along with bunk beds and a card table. Now it just needs a pool table, Foosball table, darts and/or ping pong and it is ready to go! The den is set up with a couch, chair, lamp and TV table. It all looks great upstairs.

Downstairs is also coming along room by room. The master bedroom looks amazing with the bed and furniture. The kitchen is fully stocked. The laundry room has a washer and dryer. The garage is slowly emptying out of furniture and boxes that have been put away in the house. The entry is adorned with a little bench and sun to remind us all of home...Sun Valley. Decorations on the wall are looking good. The house looks great! It's super comfy, very cabinish and will be put to good family use!

Last but not least, and maybe most important...the sewer is officially hooked up and not temporarily....so no more sewer blockage, backups or overflows.

Friday night Mom hosted a yummy spaghetti dinner with delicious meatballs, salad, bread and wine. Joan Brundage, and the Harjongs joined us for dinner, along with Jonathan and Anna. Saturday night, we headed over to the Harjongs for some bbq chicken. Anna and I walked up to Kaili and visited with her. It was great to see her! Perseo's joined us for dinner and then came over to the cabin for wine after dinner. It was a great night.

As much as it sounds like all play....we did some work as well. Cam drilled and hung vents on the roof to keep the bats out, Mom and I put a clear coat on all of the doors, Jonathan did some painting and we all helped with moving furniture out of the garage and into the house.

It was definitely a fun and productive weekend. The weather was beautiful. The shining sun and bright blue skies helped us all feel right at home! We definitely look forward to our next visit up there. Hopefully we'll be able to make it up for Jonathan's birthday weekend with a little house warming party.




Front entry way with bench and sun.




Living room downstairs...it's a little dark, but oh well!




Rockee, Cam, Mom and I in front of the fire.




Cam and Mom...thanks for such a great weekend!

GO BRONCOS!

Bronco season is finally here! We've been waiting since last January (after the Fiesta Bowl win) to see the Broncos back in action! Monday night we headed over to Jonathan's to watch the highly anticipated first game between two top ten teams....BSU and VA Tech. It was a thriller! It was intense for all of us watching. By the end we couldn't even sit down and screams of joy erupted when Kellen completed the game winning touchdown pass to Austin Petis.

BSU started the first quarter walloping on the Hokies, but before long the Hokies battled back and were right back in the game. In the 3rd quarter the Hokies took the lead, but BSU quickly regained it. In the 4th quarter a missed field goal by the Hokies put the momentum of the game back to BSU....until a penalty was called against BSU for roughing the kicker. Instead of rekicking the field goal, VA Tech went for it and not only got a first down, but they made it into the end zone for a touchdown. With only a minute and a half remaining, BSU down by 4 points, a touchdown was a must. Kellen "the computer" Moore, who received a high quality compliment from the commentator, stating with a minute and a half left, trailing...which quarterback's hands do I want the football in? Kellen Moore. And Kellen did what he does best....stayed calm, collected and in control....so much so, he led the boys down the field for the game winning touchdown pass to Petis. The final score of the game BSU-33----VA Tech 30.

After the season opener, BSU moved up in the coaches poll to #3....the highest any non-BCS team has ever been in the regular season and our dreams stay alive. Wyoming Cowboys....we'll see you in two weeks. Uncle Bruce what sort of bet do we have going for this game?



Zac and I ready for the big game....GO BRONCOS!

On a side note....we received our season tickets in the mail today. We're so excited and are looking forward to tailgating, pregames, fall football weather, cinnamon covered nuts and even an away football game to Nevada over Thanksgiving!

Davis Wedding

Congratulations Nick and Kelly! What a beautiful day...beautiful wedding....beautiful couple. The weather couldn't have been better.....bluebird sky day and 95 degrees. Ok, maybe a little cooler, but the heat sure beats rain, snow or cold. The dancing was a blast, the toasts were funny and the photo box was beyond fun! Unfortunately, I forgot our camera so I'm dependent on other camers and of course our fun photo booth pictures. Once I get some pictures I will post them. Zac and I both had a great time! Thanks for inviting us to be a part of your special day!

Cam's 6th Decade Surprise Birthday Bash

The cake says it all!

Right before the birthday toast....before all of the guests arrived....my favorite picture with Cam!

Mom and I being silly taking pictures of each other.

Monica, Bry, Z and Rob--birthday toast--pre-party.

Since the beginning of the year we have been planning a SURPRISE birthday bash to celebrate Cam's 6th decade in the making...that's right a surprise for his 60th. For those of you who know Cam, know that everyone knows him and he knows everyone....that's just how it goes when you live in a small town for 30+ years, are the chief of police, on search and rescue and just about every other volunteer duty at some point or another. So keeping a surprise was a difficult task, but we pulled it off and pretty effectively. In the end we had around 75 guests, including the mayor and city administrator of Sun Valley, all of Cam's officers (minus 1...who I imagine will be taking some hard hits over missing his bosses 60th birthday party...what were you thinking....no names mentioned, but the picture below might give it away), multiple county officers, firemen, architects, friends, family and even a band! It was a good turn out. And a good party to remember!

Setting up Saturday....the weather was perfect. Not too cold, but not too hot!

Zac:)

Deane taking a break from the bbq to be silly...we all had a good time!

Cam with all of his officers...minus one! The picture states the obvious!

The band played from 7:00-9:00. They played 80's music and were a great addition to the party.

Deane pulled out his grille and bbqed New York strip, salmon, lamb chops, ribs, cornish game hens and even a few burgers for the kids. It was delicious. We asked the guest to bring some sort of side dish with the recipe to provide Cam with a book full 60th birthday recipes. The food was to die for! We had everything from crock pot smoked ghouda mac n cheese, fresh basil, mozzarella and tomatoes, homemade dips, shish-ka-bobs, chicken wings, pasta salads, fruit and random desserts. Amazingly, we had enough beer, wine, water and soda to last through the evening and now Mom and Cam will have it up in McCall for entertaining up there! Better to have enough than to run out. In fact, the only thing we ran out of were napkins...that's right, the food was that finger lickin good!

Gma and Gpa Broadie...what a great picture!

Cousin Seth rocking out with the microphone and Hannah having way too much fun!

It was a great turn out. The entire weekend was a joy! Friday night we had dinner with Mom, Cam, Jonathan, Anna and Brylee. We all called it an early night. Saturday we spent most of the day getting ready, but it was a calm day...everything just fell into place. By 3:30 Cam called a "family gathering" to take a shot of whiskey per his request to do a toast in honor of his birthday. Everyone including Mom and Monica joined in. My belly was warm before the guest even arrived. At 4:30 on the dot, everyone showed up! And the party began!

A little later in the evening...if you couldn't tell by both Cam and my facial expressions!

A couple of panoramic views by nightfall.

It was a night and a party to remember. It was even more special planning it for such a special guy! My life wouldn't be the same without Cam in it. I'm a lucky girl! Hope this 60th year brings Cam lots of good laughs, memories, smiles, journeys and love....he deserves it.

More pictures will be coming....once I go through all 345 pictures off of Mom's camera from the weekend. Don't worry, Jonathan and Anna I didn't forget about you!!!