LIFE IS THE OCCASION...

Catch UP!!!

2010-10-27T13:10:00.000-06:00

I have a few minutes to update. More for my record than your interest....
Sorry no pics right now. There are only so many hours in a day.
Summer started with a bang!
June found me with my two awesome kids and a bunch of family and friends backpacking into the Grand Canyon. Havasupai to be exact. 11 miles in. Cascading bliss for several days. So many beautiful things to see. Hiking out. My kids were amazing on their first backpacking adventure.
We spent the summer working hard. We survived girls camp, scout camp, 4th of July fun, and more working.
Updates:
Kassidy completed the requirements for her Young Woman's Personal Progress Recognition. She is truly the best teenage daughter there ever was. She likes 9th grade and has 2 Honors classes plus a College Prep Literature class. She recently came home from her first quarter of "high school" with a 4.0 GPA. She also just got her braces off and we love her beautiful smile!!!!
Mitchell hates that there are no kids in our neighborhood. Loves school and sports still. He spent a week up north with cousins during summer and wants to go live with his cool aunts now. He plays tight end and cornerback on his football team. HE LOVES IT!!!!! He is in 6th grade at the intermediate school and brought home a 4.0 GPA for the first quarter. He is wearing contacts and growing out of all his clothes.
Bethany - ME
working at an oral surgery practice here in town. Serving the young women at church. Helping Brandon get his business off and running. Playing co-ed softball, mountain biking, and hiking when possible. I have new scars to prove it.
Brandon
LOVES his new career! Working very hard! He mentioned the other day how much he loves his new job and wishes he had started it sooner. It is a great fit for him and he is so happy here. He is doing so well that he is moving out of the district office and opening his own new office in about 2 weeks. It is awesome!!!! Still biking when possible. Playing softball with his awesome wife. And scoutmastering weekly.
Maybe one day soon I'll have time to post photos.

Movin' On Up

2010-05-25T17:09:00.003-06:00

Kindie Graduation age 6

sweet toothless smile

Elementary Graduation Age 11

mature wise smirk
Still to come in years ahead...
High School and College Graduations
He is very sad that this is the last week of his life he will ever have recess.

Par for the course

2010-05-24T20:50:00.003-06:00

My work puts on an annual golf tournament for a memorial scholarship fund. So one day instead of surgery, I "worked" here. Brandon was one of the tournament sponsors. Here is a shot of his sign at the 2nd hole. Not a bad day's work. For either of us.

Feet Food

2010-05-15T14:54:00.004-06:00

Mitchell was complaining that he hadn't had enough to eat today. I listed all the things he had truly eaten.

Mitch: That's feet food mom

Me: Feet food?

Mitch: Yes, I need belly food.

Me: ???
Mitch: Feet Food goes straight to your feet and you don't feel full. Belly food feeds your belly.
My boy is growing.

Just another day

2010-05-13T16:02:00.004-06:00

One of our training hikes turned into this adventure... He loves an audience!

A quick question for our friends in the Denver area...

Is it still snowing?

Training Day

2010-05-04T20:00:00.003-06:00

I am taking my kids backpacking into Havasupai this summer.

One of our small training hikes included this day trip. Below is the always included jumping shot.

My kids are totally excited for the chance to hike

into the Grand Canyon. I am excited to take them.

YAY!!!!!!

Mitchell climbed up the big rock in the lower left of this photo.

click to enlarge if you can't see him.

So fun.

Creamy Goodness

2010-05-03T19:06:00.003-06:00

Best. Ranch. Dressing. Ever.
Thanks to friends for introducing us to a Utah made, local favorite.

The reason for the season

2010-04-15T19:42:00.003-06:00

I feel compelled to update since I just posted about Mitch's team yesterday. He had game 3 last night. So here is the rundown...
Mitchell's team is inexperienced and young. Mitch has been playing since he was 5, loves the game and understands the game. They played a more experienced team with a real coach last night. :)
At the end of the game, Mitchell's team was down 16 to 0. You wouldn't have known it by watching him. He played catcher through 4 pitchers, over 100 pitches thrown. Everytime the ball is pitched, Mitch squats down, then up, and unless it is hit, Mitch makes a throw back to the mound. Every wild pitch, he is chasing a ball to hustle before bases are stolen. My kid was tired and losing, but you wouldn't have known it. He never once slowed down or looked discouraged, he was still calling out where the play would be to his team, diving for the tag at home, and playing his heart out. He became the final out of the game as he tried to steal home on a wild pitch and was tagged out. The final batter on his team would have struck out, so he was trying really hard to get one run on the board for his team. I was more proud of him at this losing game than I have ever been when his team has won. He showed heart, courage, determination, strength and good sportsmanship. This game was not about being competitive, it was about being your best. I blinked away tears watching him.
This is why we play. This is why we hike. This is why we participate in legal child abuse. :)
This is why we try hard things. Because it's awesome to watch your kid not give up mentally or physically.
Plus playing ball is just plain fun.
The coaches and parents of our team have nicknamed him now.
Mad Man Mitch

Tis the season

2010-04-14T17:52:00.002-06:00

If you know us at all, you know what time of year it is around here. A new season has begun. Mitchell is sticking with his position of the last 3 years and playing catcher again. He really likes this position. With the move we ended up in a new league with a team that is fairly inexperienced. Poor Mitchell asked one thing of his parents before game 2. "Please don't try to coach the team," he begged. That lasted about 3 1/2 minutes till Brandon was hitting grounders warming them up in the field and I was giving base running advice. Sad, but true.

Brandon's uncle said it best... "I'd hate to coach a team with you as parents."

But give it up for this season's Indians, they are now 2-0. And they have a really cute catcher.

Secret Get Away

2010-03-18T19:46:00.005-06:00

We took a day off when my sis and her cute family were here. They showed us a fabulous place that is soooo close to our home. We had no idea. Now if any of you visit we know where to take you. Just a short half mile hike to this magical slot canyon.

Family tradition means that someone jumps off something. Since Brandon's ankle injury the jumping has become the kids responsibility. Mitch is too brave for me. Let the magic begin... can you see the people? (click on photos to see them enlarged)
Mitch crossing the river

Kassidy surveying the scene

The cute girls - my daughter, sister and niece

The Wild kids playing in red dirt and water

Kassidy took a moment of peace

Mitch found out how cold a river fresh from the snowmelt can be

Here is the reason-
Sunshine, red dirt stained socks, kids first rapel in a slot canyon, happy children

Now this is why we moved here. You bet we are livin' the dream baby.

Everyone needs sunshine sometimes

2010-03-11T17:34:00.002-07:00

I spread a blanket out on my front lawn this afternoon. Stretched out, with my jeans rolled up. Closed my eyes for just a minute while basking in the sunshine.
Next thing I know, my alarm clock is waking me.
Beep Beep Beep.... Beep Beep Beep
Realizing I don't have an alarm clock outside, in the afternoon, I sit up, shield my eyes from the sun, and look around. My neighbor Ken was out on his driveway enjoying the sunshine too. You see, Ken is a WWII vet, which means he is a little older than I am, and he is in a motorized wheelchair. As he backed down his driveway in to the sun, that is when I heard...
Beep Beep Beep. I like my mobility. It is quiet. But now I know my old neighbor likes sunshine too.

Battle in the Backyard

2010-02-25T10:14:00.006-07:00

First came basic training.

Safety Rules. Safety Gear. Then they took to the woods to secure their team base and position.

Eagle Eye and Thunder stand ready.

Sniper was lying in wait...

Rocket ran after the enemy.
Thunder thought he had an opening...

He runs toward the base...
Only to be pegged by none other than Phantom.

Phantom not only hidden in the brush,

but pulled grass and twigs over his legs in an effort to be even more concealed.
Can you see him?

You just gotta love these boys!

From Peaks to Prom

2010-02-14T06:46:00.003-07:00

My cute friend Hailey is a super star. I have hiked up Mt Elbert with her and her mom. Hailey, her sister Ashley, and I have been on top of Mt Yale together. We have rafted the Upper Arkansas River. And now, she asked me to help with her hair for her PROM. Isn't she adorable?

Today she is an angel

2010-02-11T17:19:00.008-07:00

We came home to a message on our answering machine from Kassidy's English teacher. "Hello, this is Mrs. J----- from D----- Middle School. I'd just like to tell you as parents your daughter is a diligent student. It's just a pleasure and honor to have her in my class. I told her today that a student that is that diligent will surely be successful. I just want to let you know it doesn't go unnoticed what a diligent and very obedient child you have and it is going to pay her great dividends in the end. I just enjoy having her in my class."

So she uses this face at school...

And saves this for home...

Chest Pains

2010-02-07T14:12:00.003-07:00

Warning: this post is rated PG13 for partial nudity

Parental discretion is advised

Please shield your children from this unsightly chest hair.

This shows what a mountain bike handle bar can do to your sternum area.

The Zen trail wasn't so zen-like.

Curly Is In

2010-01-30T21:59:00.003-07:00

We had a great visit from Mom, Dad, WB and kiddos. They came down south to pick up their new horse. My mom's new horse is a beautiful buckskin that is preggers with what genetically may be a curly horse. We took the kids to the see the curly horses. They are supposed to be hypo-allergenic. My kids and hubby are soooo allergic to horses.

My kids had a nice visit with these 3 curly youngsters. Mitchell totally rubbed his face into the horse. And guess what...

No allergic reaction. Welcome back to 1982. Perms rule.

Schooled

2010-01-26T11:02:00.004-07:00

So my new friend Crystal let me tag along with her today on the fabulous trails right by our home. We hit the trail on our mountain bikes at 7:30 this morning. Going up the first hill Krystal left me in her dust and then continued to ride circles around me... literally.
It was a beautiful ride. Great terrain. Gorgeous scenery. Close to home.
And Crystal kicked my arse.
But the best part...
having red dirt caked on my tires and splattering in my face while watching the sunrise over the red cliffs. I didn't take a photo. My hands were on my grips. THE WHOLE TIME.

Much Needed Vitamin D Boost

2010-01-17T19:18:00.003-07:00

My sweet daughter wanted to go hiking for her 14th birthday. Yesterday we hit the trail. We took a nice little stroll up to the top of an extinct volcano. The kids ran all the way around the rim and then slid right down into the middle.

This is me and my hot hubby standing on the rim. Amazing view.

The scenery wasn't too bad either. We were so happy to have some cousins visit and hike with us. Love those kiddos.

And Mitchell knows how to hang with all these girls.
It was nice to be outside, enjoying the canyon, feeling some sunshine.
Thanks for making the trek down to visit us DB.
Thanks for the trail suggestion and company Manda and fam.
PS This is 12 minutes from our home. Does that entice more visitors?

Lunch break today

2010-01-06T17:19:00.002-07:00

Menagerie

2009-12-30T20:35:00.002-07:00

When you move during the week of Christmas, you have to move pretty fast to get a tree put up and decorated. We got our small tree up with lights pretty quickly. I decided it would have to do. My children, however, decided our tree needed some ornamentation. Here is a list of the "ornaments" I found on our tree Christmas morning.
A caribiner
a Grand Canyon key chain
2 seashell necklaces
an 8 inch long yellow feather
an 8 inch long white feather
Leopard print fuzzy dice - yes, the large, hang in your rear view mirror kind
and a tin angel bell adorning the top
It looked pretty darn good.

Brandon's new little buddy

2009-12-13T08:53:00.003-07:00

Who needs caffeine in the morning when you open your eyes and see this little guy over your head.

We are gonna love livin' in the desert.

Currently in Denver...

2009-12-09T06:21:00.003-07:00

the temperature isOh wait! They changed it.

ST. George, here we come!

The MAGIC of the Season

2009-12-06T20:38:00.003-07:00

Conversation tonight with my 10 yr old (almost 11 yr old) son

Mitch: I don't need any gifts for Christmas this year
Mom: really?
Mitch: I'd be ok with it, as long as we did something fun
Mom: like what? ( I'm thinking stinking Disneyland type fun)
Mitch: Like have a nice family dinner and play together all day- just as long as I wasn't bored, I'd be ok with no gifts

Oh be still my heart. My boy might understand the real meaning.
As long as he's not bored.

The Next Generation

2009-11-30T08:22:00.003-07:00

Our Thanksgiving day Turkey Bowl was well attended. We had approximately 40 - 50 friends from the neighborhood, church, school, etc. The highlight for this mom was the rookie league. We had 2 teams of the young guys playing each other. All of them around Mitchell's age.

Here is Mitch going for the long pass.

If you can dodge a wrench...

2009-11-28T13:28:00.002-07:00

Laughing, yelling, dodging, throwing,

falling, laughing, doing the "crazy eye",

and loving every minute of it.

And not even too sore the day after.

How do you rehab a pinky?

2009-11-18T12:00:00.006-07:00

Consider yourself fairly warned before looking at the contents of this post. These are not for the weak or weary.

But, I think it's cool.

photo of pin in Brandon's finger...

Video of the doc removing above pin from Brandon's finger - no numbing

Let the rehab begin...

again.

They're not babies anymore

2009-11-15T09:56:00.002-07:00

Not much can compare to the spectacular views from Angel's Landing. But I mostly watched my kids' feet. I remember racing up and down this trail in my younger years. But with my own children with me, I concentrated a lot more. When the trail got down to 3 feet wide, with 1500 foot drop offs on both sides, I only watched the kids.They were great on the trail. Respectful and calm. They LOVED IT!!!
Above - siblings hiking hand in hand
Below - the chains begin

Sweet success! Ahhhhhh.

Thanks for playing

2009-11-12T20:52:00.003-07:00

Cowboy Bob has 5 points.
Jordan has 5 points.
Kiffon has 5 points.
But Kristy wins with 6 points. Yes it's the Mulberry tree used to feed the silkworms brought in to produce silk, of course. Thanks for playing. Miss you Kristy.

Bonus Points - the real last one

2009-11-11T16:55:00.002-07:00

This kind of tree was planted in the early settlement of St George to feed what? 3 points for naming the tree

3 points for naming it's purpose

Last one, then we'll declare a winner

2009-11-10T19:52:00.003-07:00

Jordan, you scored, thanks to Kassidy.

5 points if you can tell me from what material are the walls of this temple made.

Another 5 points

2009-11-07T18:58:00.002-07:00

OK, so Cowboy Bob gets the points, but I think you all cheated by clicking to enlarge.

So here is the next question...

Below is pictured Brigham Young's Winter Home.

5 points to anyone who can tell me why he used green paint. It was a beautiful home.

Fall Break Game

2009-11-06T17:58:00.003-07:00

Photo above taken by Mitch

5 points to the first one to name this historical site. (By someone not in this photo)

My Wild Things

2009-10-20T05:41:00.003-06:00

I took the kids to see "Where The Wild Things Are". I'd been counting down the days for this one. As I have heard from many others, it is one of my favorite childhood books. It is only 11 sentences long. This short tale contains many human emotions; sadness, joy, hope, fear, love and a sense of adventure. Max promises as King of the Wild Things he won't let in any sadness or loneliness. When he realizes he can't do that, that those are part of the full range of emotions and experiences, he tells the wild things, "I wish you had a mother."

So with a big sigh, here are my wild things... I can't shield them from hurt, sadness or fear. I can only hope to teach them to live in a way to avoid as much hurt as possible and then learn how to cope with it when it comes their way.

A bird in the hand is worth...

2009-10-13T17:35:00.003-06:00

taking a photo of. This is a wild bird in my backyard, on my hand.

It flew into our home for a morning.

(We like our doors wide open for fresh air. Our neighbors are always stopping by to make sure we are home and we didn't just leave doors open. We have nice neighbors. )

So this little thing flitted about until it flew SMACK into our big picture window, then as it lay stunned, I picked it up and moved it outside. It recovered and flew away shortly.

This one is for all his football buddies

2009-10-04T07:20:00.003-06:00

Pre-op photo op They flapped open the pinky skin, stitched the tendon back down to hold in the shattered bone fragments, then screwed a rod from the tip all the way down the length of his pinky. The rod is currently still sticking out the end of the pinky. It will be removed in 4-6 weeks.
I couldn't make this stuff up.

Just gotta play ball

2009-09-22T20:25:00.004-06:00

10 days ago during flag football Brandon bent his left pinky out of place. He "popped" it back into place and carried on. It seemed to not get better during the last 10 days, which included 3 of our co-ed softball games. (He is left handed) In fact, it seemed worse, so he had the doc check it out today. His finger is broken near the top joint and he has another fracture down in the hand. He sees the orthopedic doc next week. Is anyone surprised? His New Year's resolution this year was to not break anything. yep. Maybe next year.

Like father like son...

when it snows in September, this is what happens in our home.

I have an addiction... or two

2009-09-16T16:40:00.005-06:00

So I decided to go thru all my purses in my closet and clean them out. I found a few trends. I found $18.34 in change. Score! I recovered 47 hair clips, ties, bobby pins. I hate having my hair in my face and pull it back whenever it bugs.

I also gathered this... Chapstick heaven.

I can't leave the house without chapstick ready and available. Brandon is the same way. He has stated that when he is buried he wants two things with him - his baseball glove and chapstick. He is sure that there will be baseball in heaven and when he is resurrected his lips are gonna be pretty dry after all that time 6 feet under and he's gonna want some chapstick.

So I thought I'd show you his stash in his nightstand drawer.

This is an unstaged nightstand drawer photo. I promise.

Seriously. There are benefits to being married to this kind of man.

It means he will do this without being asked or prodded...

Weet woo.
Don't be jealous ladies. Maybe your guy is still trainable.

Should you choose to accept it

2009-09-07T17:24:00.007-06:00

First, we hopped on these... then we rode from our house to get here and see this...

and then we did this...
Mission Complete.

The Deer Whisperer

2009-09-02T19:08:00.001-06:00

Doe and two fawns with Mitchell just inches awaywith only a cell phone to capture the moment... again

Matchmaker Matchmaker

2009-08-29T20:14:00.003-06:00

In January of 2007 Brandon and I arranged their first blind date. Today we fulfilled our duties as Best Man and Matron of Honor in this gorgeous red rock and greenhill setting. Congrats Robert and Kimberly!

Photos of Brandon wearing pink to follow soon.

Legal Child Abuse

2009-08-24T10:03:00.004-06:00

On the last day of school in June, I asked Kassidy what she wanted to accomplish this summer. She quickly replied she wanted to summit a 14er. (mountain over 14,000 ft) I told her we would find a day and provide the time but she would have to do the actual work. And it would be hard. She agreed. So on the last Friday before she started school, we pulled Mitch out of his school and hit the trail. We started hiking around 6:30am at about 10,000 ft.

This sign says MT. ELBERT with an arrow pointing up the trail. And the trail does go UP!!! It warmed up quickly when the sun came up. Kassidy only puked once on the trail and dry heaved near the top. The altitude gets to her and to me. Mitchell and Brandon don't have that problem. Mitchell was a little mountain goat and kept a good pace all the way to the top. Kass and I went a little slower eating our crackers the whole way to fight the nausea.

Priceless shot of my kiddos hiking hand in hand.
I am very proud of my kids. Even though the altitude was causing so much nausea that Kassidy was doubled over every 50 yards near the top, she never once spoke of quitting or giving up. She powered thru and achieved her summer goal of summitting a 14er.

Family on top of the world.

The following day when we were all a little sore and tired, I asked Kass if she felt like she lost a fight. (due to sore muscles tired, etc.)
She replied, "I feel like I won the fight!"
Indeed you did, little girl.
Way to go Mitch and Kassidy!!!

So as school begins I am generally lamenting the close of the summer freedom and children being one year older. This year I am so proud of them that there is no need to lament. When the kids were toddlers they couldn't do this awesome stuff. They are growing into strong, competent, intelligent, happy humans. No more lamenting. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Hidden Treasure

2009-08-10T16:38:00.005-06:00

On the top floor, thru a dim hallway, hiding in the back corner of the highly air conditioned museum, there is treasure.

We found it.

The museum of nature and science has a library.

So this is where we had to drag them away from today. (cell phone photo)But if you ever want to read a book about deep space, mysterious places, or shamanic wisdom keepers, they may have the resource for you.

Criminintly Trigger!

2009-08-09T06:14:00.004-06:00

It was Kassidy's request to take an archery class.

So they signed up.

The class is taught by a young woman who is a world champion in her specific event. She is also on 3 Outdoor Channel hunting shows. There were children and adults in the class.

My kids LOVED it! They spent 3 tiring hours shooting.

Love this shot of Mitch's arrow just leaving his bow.

(Kass just shot and is trash talking to him in the background)Below is Mitchell with one of his many bullseyes.

When the teams were divided into boys vs. girls he led his team to victory by outscoring EVERYONE.

Twice.

Kassidy was good and consistent and loved shooting. She was also pretty good at some fun trash talking when she and Mitch were shooting against each other. The class got a kick out of them. I think she wants to do it again.
Fun Saturday.

Reunited and it feels so good

2009-08-05T17:25:00.003-06:00

We had a fabulous family reunion. I loved it.

My kids loved playing with cousins and 2nd cousins.

We all loved...

marshmallow wars

kickball

tubing the river (see post below)

rapelling in the cave (see post below)

badminton

biking

hiking around the reservoir

holding baby cousins

playing in the campfire

and mtn biking in Fruita on the way home

Beautiful view from the hike around the water hole.
From left: My dad with harmonica in hand, my sis, and me
playing and singing around the campfire.

Newest baby niece Meg with her favorite aunt
(it's my blog, I can post about me if I want to)

My sister's legs outside the cave cause she didn't want to brave the mirky cold cave water.

Can you blame her?

I didn't take a lot of photos, cause sometimes, you have to put the camera down and join in. Thanks to the family that took loads of photos that I can get copies of. :)

I left a 3.5 day family reunion just wanting to spend more time with family and live closer to them. Loved them all. I want to do it again next week. Thanks to DB for all the organization and thought. Thanks to all the siblings and cousins who made it a priority. Love.

Oh what do you do in the Summertime...

2009-07-31T15:00:00.005-06:00

When all the world is green? Do you float in a stream? (mom aka Grandma)
Or feel cold water and scream? Go Kassidy!

Is that what you do?

2009-07-31T14:52:00.004-06:00

So do I. Do you Rapell into caves? (my dad aka Grandpa)
Be Strong and be Brave!!! Mitchell!!!

Is that what you do?

What a sky!

2009-07-19T17:37:00.001-06:00

Our backyard - Life is not too shabby

I know, I know

2009-07-12T23:09:00.003-06:00

we post alot of baseball. But we play alot of ball. Brandon and I are playing coed softball and Mitchell plays atleast twice a week.
Great shot of Mitch as catcher tagging the runner trying to steal home. He made the out. The runner also happened to be a friend from his team last summer. So fun.

Wii want nice weather

2009-06-17T19:56:00.002-06:00

This is what happens when cub scout camp is cancelled at the last minute due to the rain, hail and tornadoes. They end up at our home bowling, golfing and playing tennis.

Oh My Hail!

2009-06-10T10:50:00.000-06:00

We need a new roof.

Natural Selection

2009-06-08T14:13:00.007-06:00

In Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen wrote,

"what are men to rocks and mountains".

But I remind you that wind and water carved the Grand Canyon.

Sunday afternoon when the hail started, I worried for my flowers. When the hail became golfball size, I worried for the cars parked on the street. When the hail bounced around at 3 inches in diameter, I worried for my roof. While I was watching the hail from my covered porch, my neighbor yelled over that he got a good shot of the tornado. Tornado? I quickly sent my children to the basement. I do not fear these elements, but I do respect them. Here is the shot my next door neighbor took from his front porch.

When it subsided our phone started ringing with friends concerned for our safety. They heard of our little neighborhood being in on the action. Though our home and street fared well, others in our neighborhood had some cleanup to do. Some of the action included a BBQ grill flying thru a Suburban, fences strewn about, trampolines in tangled messes 3 doors down from their home, broken windows, uprooted trees and downed light posts.

Check out the post sticking out of the house with its broken windows

Think what the damage would be if this was a trailer park.

But then it turned quickly to this...

neighbor helping neighbor. picking up debris.

piecing together fences. sweeping up glass.

friends hugging, relieved to see all was well enough.

The only injury we know of was a neighbor who got thrown by the wind while trying to photograph the tornado. The ambulance picked him up with his dislocated shoulder.

That, my friends, is natural selection.

We'll take the high road

2009-05-27T07:45:00.004-06:00

We haven't taken the kids to do alot of mountain biking up till now. Brandon can bike with his ankle, hiking he has to go a little bit slow and easy.

So this is the year.

We spent Memorial Day weekend in the Grand Junction/Fruita area. We were referred to the perfect trail for us by my brother Tristan and some friends here. We loved this trail. It was perfect for our kiddos and me.

It skirts the rim of the cliffs above the Colorado River.

Fabulous scenery, trails and weather. The kids were total troopers. Our first run thru this trail Mitch was whooping and hollering like he was on a roller coaster. The second time thru he was going too fast to holler much. Crazy kid.

Kassidy biked really well even though we realized her bike has become too short for her.

I hate it when bikes shrink.

The second day on this trail, we told the kids that it looked like it would rain. If we started on the trail , there was no turning around. We could get stuck out in the cold rain, get muddy and have to push our bikes back all cold and wet. They still wanted to do it. Yep.

But, we had perfect weather while biking.

It started raining just as we got back to the trailhead.

We will be back.

From snowy mountain homes to windy desert abodes

2009-05-10T08:09:00.008-06:00

My mom playing in the snow with her little blondies.

That's me in the pink. Happy 1974. or so. Brandon's mom living in the desert with her 2 little blondies.

Brandon is the older brother. Happy 1974.

Fast forward 30+ years to my mom playing in the desert with my daughter.

Happy Mother's day! We have cool moms.

Colorado cousins

2009-05-09T09:57:00.003-06:00

Jane and Mitch hug goodbye after a visit last weekend. The entire time my little brother and his cute family were here, little Jane followed Mitchell and giggled at him and played with him. When Mitch went to the Rapids game with the dads, she walked around the house asking, "where is he, where is he?" We are so happy they live a little closer now so we can have cousins visit more often. Maybe next time Jane will notice me. Maybe not.

Artsy Shmartsy

2009-05-05T19:45:00.005-06:00

She is not into posing for pictures lately. So I will use a favorite from the recent past. Kassidy was just informed her art was picked for an art show. She felt very honored, her teacher told her she was the only student picked that had not been in art the full year or worked as a T.A.

Her teacher told her she had skill and talent. Yay for Kassidy! She has always used art as a way to communicate. Between the age of 2-5 yrs old, she would paint for literally 4 hours a day. We bought paper in bulk for her. Now she writes lyrics, poems, and stories. She sings, paints, draws, and sculpts.

And as this photo shows, she is a free spirit hiking barefoot. Can't you just feel the slickrock under your feet? She's a wild one!

Spring Fling

2009-05-05T19:25:00.003-06:00

This is the first season he has ever pitched. He struck out a good handful. He had a lot of guys hit off him. We told him that means his pitches are where they can hit, and for this age, that is pretty good, because accuracy is so tough. Thanks to the coach for having faith in him and giving him a chance.

But I am tired of wearing my ski coat and gloves to baseball games. We even took a space heater one week and plugged it in behind the backstop. Not kidding.

When is summer?

Grazie Molto!

2009-04-26T12:01:00.002-06:00

When one of my patients came back to the office for a follow up visit, she brought me this beautiful bottle of olive oil. You see... they "have a little place in Italy"

with an olive orchard and each year make their own olive oil.

So she gave me some.

It can't hurt to have a friend with a "little place in Italy".

Anyone for Italian?

Every one deserves a chance to fly

2009-04-19T11:41:00.003-06:00

I heard on the radio on Monday that tickets were going on sale April 19th for Wicked. We hopped on the phone and somehow, the guy at the ticket office didn't care about the date. Our tickets arrived in the mail before they went on sale to the general public.

Happy Birthday to me! The show is not until November, but YAY!!!!

I've been wanting to take my kids to this since 2004. Thank you Brandon.

And to the guy at the ticket office I must say...

"I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn and we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them"

Things that make you go, "Hmmm"

2009-04-14T13:32:00.004-06:00

Brandon felt something was different in his ankle last week. He did a tough workout at physical therapy and he'd been hurting a little. He went to see the surgeon to have it checked. So, last week on his 39th birthday this is what they found... The 2 big screws had broken during his workout. The surgeon says things are still holding in place, specifically the grafted in tendons. That is the important part. So for now we leave it and continue on. Apparently not many people are tough enough to break the screws. Most have them removed as a whole. Most likely the apex of the 2 big screws will remain for life, the head of these screws may be taken out at some point.

Spring Ball

2009-04-12T10:35:00.002-06:00

Spring baseball is up and running. Last week's game was cancelled due to the blizzard like conditons. So the first game was yesterday. Fun game. Mitchell had 2 RBIs off one hit and made a great play as short stop to 2nd base for the out. We lost, but our team still played well, hit well and had fun.

The problem... it's spring in Colorado.

We had a cold light drizzle the entire 2 hours and now, the next day, I am still hoarse due to my "cheering" in that cold weather. I always have to apologize to the other parents for "cheering" for their kids too.

Spring on the western slope

2009-04-12T10:21:00.002-06:00

Spring break has come and gone. We made a quick trip over to Grand Junction to be at the baby blessing of our sweet little niece Meg. Fun to be with the fam for a day or two. We drove up thru Colorado National Monument after a fresh dusting of snow. It was cold, but pretty.

Me and my babies My parents, my kids, and fun little cousin Mayflower

Mitchell- always the showman

Cool deep canyons

Aerial Perspective

2009-03-12T14:13:00.003-06:00

While walking along the mountain side in Utah this fall, Mitchell pointed to the hillside and described aerial perspective from the artist's standpoint. He showed me the real life example on the mountain and pointed out how the landscape did exactly what his art teacher was teaching him. With his understanding of this project, it's nice that his artwork showing this perspective was chosen for the school district's biggest showcase of elementary art.

He chose to do a desert landscape.

A boy after my own heart. P.S. He thought about wearing his suit to the art show reception.

He changed his mind at the last minute.

So Alex Keaton.

If I mention what we should be learning, he might throw a dish

2009-03-07T15:18:00.004-07:00

He can walk. After 6 weeks the surgeon OK'd walking after taking an xray of him standing with all weight on the injured foot. The xray showed everything has held in place so far, so he can walk. He is still in the boot for a few more weeks. He now starts physical therapy

again.

I will not spout great words of wisdom about learning...

patience for others' needs,

or tolerance for those who have ailments that create habits,

or gratitude for health and modern medicine,

or even empathy - right now.

I will not wax poetic about the romance of serving him breakfast in bed for 3 weeks.

I will not. Not today.

I will, however, say I am relieved.

He came home from work Friday carrying these red beauties.

He said, " Thanks for taking care of me these last 6 weeks."

Sweet.

Now, I will go take a nap. Cause I've been wanting a nap since 1996.

Brown is not the new green

2009-03-01T18:30:00.002-07:00

Where are you spring? We are tired of brown. We want to see green again.

Like this...

Update

2009-02-20T12:40:00.005-07:00

I'm no graphic artist, but I did manage to pen the Rockies logo onto his purple cast. Even if this cast was only on 1 week. 4 screws, 26 staples and cadaver tendons to repair and hold it together

4 weeks of bed rest (Can you even imagine?)

Today he went back to work.

"Only 5 hrs/day, light duty w/ leg elevated as much as possible",

but it is something.

Still no weight bearing for a few weeks.

The newest 10 yr old

2009-02-09T18:06:00.004-07:00

Ring ring.
Hello.
Is Mitchell there?
He's rollerblading right now, can I tell him you called?
Yes this is Amber.
Ok Amber.
Thanks, Bye.

Later...
Mitchell, a girl named Amber called for you.
Oh.
Do you like Amber?
What is there to like? All she does is talk.

Happy Birthday Big Guy. This is just the beginning.

13 YRS OLD

2009-01-26T14:00:00.002-07:00

Kassidy had her 13th birthday party.

They totally rocked out doing some karaoke and dancing.

Fun girls. Loud girls. Good times. Happy Birthday little girl.

P.S.

2009-01-19T12:56:00.002-07:00

I forgot he hiked the Fiery Furnace
Hiked and cliff jumped at Lake Powell
Played a season of co-ed softball this summer (with a killer batting average)

So you think are tough, huh?

2009-01-15T18:28:00.008-07:00

If you know us and/or read this blog, you are aware that just over a year ago Brandon hurt his ankle badly.

Read these posts if you have forgotten -
This one
and this one

So as it healed over the last year he has still been hurting. He was told that after a year he would see marked improvement. He spent time in physical therapy and when that benefit ended he worked out on his own. So over the last year he has done the following:

Hiked a 14er, Mt Elbert 2nd highest peak in 48 states

played countless Saturday football games

Racquetball - he beat me every time

Dodgeball- no pads, no helmets, just balls

and over the holiday break he tried skiing for 2 hours which included a mogul run

Nov 08 Turkey Bowl

Aug 08 Mt Elbert

Doing all of this made his ankle hurt which he thought was "re-hab".

After the skiing pain he made another appt with the orthopoedic surgeon. We found out today that his ankle not only healed incorrectly,but it has been dislocated for the past several months. The stress of this dislocation has worn away cartilage and the tendons and ligaments are totally shot. If he had gone another year doing his "re-hab" he would have needed a total ankle replacement and/or have it fused and be permanently disabled. But... since he caught it this "early" he only needs surgery to repair his ankle, including 2-3 big screws, tendon and ligament grafts from cadaver, and the whole shebang. Hopefully just one surgery. And soon, "very soon", the NEW orthopoedic surgeon said.

Can you imagine doing all of this with a dislocated ankle?

He wondered why running on the treadmill still hurt so much.

Do you think you are tough? I know tough. I live with him.

Bed rest and crutches will be what kills him. Uggh!!

Life is Good

2009-01-05T13:24:00.003-07:00

Our holidays consisted of

gingerbread houses and music, taking cinnamon rolls to the graveyard shift at the police dept, snowboarding on the Wii Fit, guitar strumming and microphone hoarding, playing with cousins, Doodle Dice, family talent show, DODGEBALL, Sugar Bowl - GO UTES!!!!! - soaking in the Hot Springs (this year after the dodgeball game),

and driving home from Utah in this...

Yes, my friends, it says negative 21 degrees at 7:30am.

And yes, my 4 yr old Honda has that many miles on it.

Now, back to school and work. When is Spring Break again?

Music in the air

2008-12-20T16:11:00.002-07:00

One of my favorite holiday traditions is the music and singing. We have had the privilege of watching our kids participate in school music programs this year. Mitchell's 4th grade did an entire holiday musical with acting, singing, and dancing. It was adorable! Here is a photo of Mitchell singing his solo, backed by the 4th grade choir. LOVE IT! Kassidy has loved being in the 7th grade choir. They did some tough songs this year and she really loved learning the French song. It was amazing to see and hear the 6th, 7th and 8th grade choirs combine for "Carol of The Bells."

She is the pretty blonde in the back row.

Holiday Happenings

2008-12-20T15:59:00.004-07:00

Kassidy's, Mitchell's and Carson's gingerbread housesBelow are Grandma and cousin (nephew) Carson working on his house.
Below is Mitchell excited about his architectural plans.

Our creative and artistic Kassidy working away.

They each had their own ideas and designs going. Adorable.

Check out my mom's house this year. Too funny.

Don't judge a burka by it's coverage

2008-12-14T20:03:00.003-07:00

The other day I was standing in line at a store. A nice older woman came up to me and said, "Excuse me, where did you get your cute sweater?" She had a younger woman with her. I told them where I got my sweater and made some friendly remark to them. The younger, more shy woman, then nodded to the older woman. The older woman then said my hair was cute and asked where I get it done. Wow, I was feeling quite flattered. Apparently I was dressed cute, cute hair, nice ladies talking to me at the women's clothing store. Feeling good. I told the younger woman, who was the one obviously wanting the answers, that my friend Jennifer has been doing my hair for years. She asked for her number, etc. She smiled and thanked me and left the store behind the older women.
I finished my transaction and left the store. I was walking down the street feeling a little perkier than when I arrived. Maybe I wasn't too old or too frumpy. Maybe. Then I realized what had just transpired. The shy, younger woman had been the one wanting the info. She had a slight accent of unknown origin to me, which seemed to be the reason she had the older woman start the conversation. The flashback of the whole interaction went thru my mind again and I realized that I had just been asked by a woman in a burka about my clothes and hair. She did not have her face covered, just her head, neck and body completely covered. She wanted to know where I got my sweater and who did my hair.
Why?
Maybe she loves her husband enough to make the effort just for him. Maybe even though nobody else would notice, she wanted to feel pretty in her own way. Maybe my hair was so simple that she knew it could work well covered and be no fuss. Maybe I wear clothes that work well when you need to cover your body.
I 'm still hoping for the "cute" part.

Gratitude

2008-12-03T15:50:00.004-07:00

I'm grateful.

For Turkey and Touchdowns.

Children and Chocolate.

Laughter and Leaves.

Four wheel drive and Family.

Cameras and Cranberries.

Sisters and Special Occasions.

Brothers and Books.

Parents and Playgrounds.

We had a fun Thanksgiving weekend with 2 of my sisters and their families here. We feel privileged to have been chosen for them to spend their holiday with us.

Thanks Wildbound and Desertbound.

Of course, our hubbies had the most fun playing football in the park.

Roots and Branches

2008-11-09T18:10:00.003-07:00

The big trees in the foreground surround Mountain Road Ranch.

My former, and still the parents', pad. My awesome siblings in no specific order. Am I the youngest, you ask? Thank you, but no. According to this photo, however, I am the most serious. Yes, that's me, the serious one.
Combined we have created 18 grandkids for the parentals.
9 boys, 9 girls (9th boy on the way)
3 volleyball teams
6 trios
2 dodgeball teams
the cast of "7 Brides for 7 Brothers" and their understudies

Oh give me a home...

2008-11-06T16:37:00.004-07:00

Our excursion to Antelope Island Children burying each other in sand
Cousins etching names in sand so they may become "fossilized forever"

Mom and Sis intent on capturing the moment...
But they were capturing 2 different moments while I captured this moment

We had the whole beach to ourselves

One of the many "Beastie Boys"

Summed up: fun autumn day on the island

Remember you can click on photos to enlarge

Crazy Mitchell

2008-11-04T16:01:00.002-07:00

Apparently he makes his cousins laugh.

Costume Crazy

2008-11-04T14:39:00.002-07:00

They came up with their own ideas. Kassidy was a Zombie Homecoming queen and Mitchell was 2-Face.

Horse Crazy

2008-11-03T15:07:00.002-07:00

The kids got the chance to take a horse ride with Grandma at Mountain Road Ranch. There is always a refresher course to start. This is Mitch and Grandma walking thru the field on Wayfarer and Shrek.

Here is Kassidy having a great time up on the mountain riding with Grandma. She even cantered on Wayfarer. This is just across the street and up the hill from the house.

Fall Fun

2008-10-26T11:06:00.003-06:00

Last weekend we took the kids to Miller Farm. With an entrance fee, you can get lost in the corn maze, climb the hay pyramid, drive the pedal tractors, and ride in the little train. They also have the whole cast of CARS painted and available for pictures. Then we climbed aboard a big hay wagon. They drove us out onto the farm and let us pick and harvest food. We were allowed to gather 10 bags per person. We didn't gather near that amount and still came out with a huge load. The kids had a great time digging up potatoes and carrots, picking jalepenos, onions and tomatoes, snipping off broccoli crowns, finding the best melons, squash and pumpkins. It took us about 3 hours. We came away with more than we could carry. Literally.
We will go back next year, but earlier in the season. The melons and tomatoes and such had all ready been hurt by cold weather.

PS Something is wrong with my memory card full of pics of the kids at the farm. So, you just get to see the goods.

A Flexible Bunch

2008-10-19T17:49:00.006-06:00

Last week I went to a fun concert in Denver with my cute friend Michelle. Since I know Ryan S. from high school we chatted with the band after the show for a minute. If you don't know the music of Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band, check out this video and this video on YouTube.

GNO

2008-10-14T14:31:00.005-06:00

Above is my daughter in 2003 playing goalie on her roller hockey team.
She stills loves hockey. So our last Girls Night Out together we scored great seats to an Avalanche game. We took this photo during warm-ups. Kassidy is totally fun to hang out with. (except she hates her picture being taken, note the forced smile) When it is just the two of us, people think she is older than she really is. Last year we were walking near the beach and some guys kinda did the "hey baby" thing to us. I turned and they realized how old I was. Pointing at Kassidy I said, "She's 11, Watch it!" They sheepishly went back to lounging on their motorcycles. YIKES!

Harvest

2008-10-13T12:59:00.004-06:00

As of Friday I was still getting new blossoms on my zucchini plants. But, frost is not far away.

2008-10-13T12:54:00.005-06:00

I haven't been doing cakes for a while. I am quite out of practice.

But when a good friend asks, I still cave in.

Congrats Holly!

Fall Ball

2008-10-13T12:47:00.003-06:00

Fall baseball comes to an end with a winning season and cool weather. In Mitch's last game of the season he successfully got a double play as 2nd basemen, got a base hit, and slid into home to beat the tag. He also had fun playing with his buddies.

Date in the Mountains

2008-09-28T16:54:00.005-06:00

We had beautiful weather Saturday. The high mountains were at their peak for fall color viewing. So Brandon and I hopped on the motorcycle, joined our group of 8 other bikers and took off for the day. We rode the Peak to Peak route from Golden Gate Canyon thru the mountains over to Estes Park. It was a beautiful ride with so much color.

Our first break at the top of the canyon

These guys can't even pull off into the dirt without lining up their bikes perfectly. They ride the same way they park. They all lean together in and out of curves. They all love those curvy mountain roads. I just hold on and enjoy the view.
Brandon and I have microphones and speakers in our helmets

so we can listen to the Ipod or chat back and forth.

Our mountains
Beautiful Day

Season 3

2008-09-28T16:46:00.003-06:00

We are well into the third season of neighborhood flag football. For the third year now, Brandon has organized the games on Saturday mornings. He gets anywhere from 8 - 20 guys to show up from the neighborhood and church to play ball in the park behind our home. (Photos were taken from our 2nd story window.)

Way to represent!

2008-09-18T14:46:00.004-06:00

Preface:
Last year in school Kassidy did a report on Jackie Robinson. She has a poster with his quote still hanging in her room. Mitchell has pointed out to us at Rockies games that every team has retired Jackie's #42, even the Rockies have his number posted on their outfield wall in honor of him.
Now to the real story...
Mitchell came home from school Monday asking if he had our permission to run for 4th grade Student Council Representative. We agreed. So he said, "Then I need to write a speech for tomorrow." We gave him a few ideas (none of which he really accepted) and set him in front of a Word document and he typed away.
The finished product was delivered to his class on Tuesday before the elections.
Here it is:
Hi, I'm Mitchell. One of my favorite baseball players said, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." This man, named Jackie Robinson was a great hero. He stood up for the rights of many under privileged people.
Buffalo Trail is a great school. I would like to be your Student Council Representative to help make sure we stick together to have a great school year, just like last, but better! We have only have one year in 4th grade. Let's make it the year we remember as adults. To do that, vote for me as representative. Remember my speech and think we don't want a bug as representative. Go Buffs!

Yes, he is 9yrs old. While other candidates promised "change", such as longer recess and more candy. He simply showed a glimpse into his character. What a kid!
So now, we live with the 4th grade Student Council Representative.
Did you doubt him for even a second?

Stability or Stockpiling?

2008-09-12T18:55:00.008-06:00

School started. I have been in denial for a few weeks I guess. Enough denial to not even post the obligatory "first day photo". Time with my kiddos is flying by. Every summer I think, "This is the only summer they will be 12 and 9" and so on for every summer for the past few years. I love watching their hair lighten after hours at the pool. I love watching them sip from their camelbaks while hiking. I love watching them tend to their flowers in the garden. I love snuggling on a blanket with them watching fireworks. I love it all. Every minute.

Now with the weather turning cool, sharpened pencils and new notebooks abounding, I send them off every morning.

We made a move this school year. We decided as a family to change to our neighborhood schools. 7th and 4th grade. Kassidy and Mitchell have been at a charter school until now. Things are going well for both at their new schools.

Brandon has to remind me that it is our job as parents to insure they get a good education and to provide a stable home. Otherwise, I would move to the desert, homeschool, stockpile food and weapons and keep them all to myself forever. I guess we'd need a good sister-wife to really do that right. ( for all our "friends of another faith" out there, I am kidding about that sister-wife part) Really.

How Real Men Play

2008-08-25T19:11:00.002-06:00

This was Brandon 's adventure so I have waited to blog thinking he may jump on the blog wagon himself. But, no, he leaves the blogging to me.

My brother Tristan and BIL The Rock showed up here in Colorado for a "guys weekend". They rafted down the mighty Arkansas, fished at Twin Lakes, summitted Mt Elbert, soaked in hot springs, and burned things in the campfire.

Tris on left and the Rock on right

Ready to Row

Below on the summit

Brandon's orthopoedic surgeon would call this a miracle. Brandon calls it physical therapy.

Way to go Brandon!

Great jobs guys.

(From left Bill, Brandon Tris, Rock)

Fishing

This is the view from their campground.

All their photos got mixed together on our computer. I think I stole these photos from one of the other guys. Oh well. :)

Olympic Hopefuls

2008-08-24T07:29:00.001-06:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Weekend in the "Park"

2008-08-17T21:38:00.005-06:00

We spent a leisurely weekend camping at our nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. We spent a lot of time in the rain, but lucked out and got several hours of great weather on Saturday to hike around a little. It had snowed above 10,000 ft Friday night. Below we are hiking at about 9500 ft. Pretty great for Kassidy who just had her lower wisdom teeth out on Monday. She is a trooper. Alberta Falls
Beautiful wild elk herd

Fresh snow
Bear Lake
Meanwhile our home got 2.5 inches of rain in 2 days.

My Happy Place

2008-08-02T16:56:00.006-06:00

I spent 2 summers during college working at the Grand Canyon. I have an unnatural fondness for this canyon. I made Brandon hike it rim to rim with me right after we became engaged.

He loved it, just ask him.

http://www.grandcanyonadventurefilm.com/

You can go to this website and see a trailer for the new IMAX movie about my beloved Grand Canyon and Colorado River.

But, you can't see the movie here in Colorado. You can see it in Chattanooga, Philadelphia and Seattle. But not Colorado.

Are you kidding me?

Summer livin'

2008-07-27T21:28:00.005-06:00

This week we
had some crazy afternoon rainstorms followed by this...

(Brandon took this photo standing in our backyard)

Then we headed to the county fair for some pig petting, baby chick holding, camel riding, mutton bustin', and some of this...

Then we spent some time doing this...

Thumbs up means go faster.

So we did.

I'm smitten

2008-07-17T15:15:00.003-06:00

with the game and the boy

Beautiful Colorado

2008-07-15T16:07:00.003-06:00

Last week we had a fun filled day. We went to see the Royal Gorge Bridge. It is the highest suspension bridge in the world. We rode the longest single span aerial tram across the gorge, enjoyed the petting zoo, herds of elk, buffalo and big horn sheep, rode the world's steepest incline railway down to the bottom of the canyon, walked across the suspension bridge, and had a great time. We also enjoyed watching all the rafters on the Arkansas River. That section of rafting is "helmet required" class V. We recommend this day trip to our Colorado neighbors who have not yet seen it.

Here we are in front of the water clock.

We took this photo of the bridge from the tram ride.
Below, we just need a construction worker and we have reunited the Village People.
This photo below was taken of the tram from the bottom of the canyon.

Can you see the little dot in the sky?

Our kids loved everything about this place. What a fun time! Next time we want to take the helicopter ride over it. Those pilots were diving, hovering, spinning, inverting..... CRAZY!

Trespassing

2008-07-08T13:03:00.005-06:00

My beautiful, funny, intelligent, creative, talented sister Wildbound made this video of Brandon on a houseboat at Lake Powell. Make sure your volume is turned up enough to hear it.

It that enough flattery to allow stealing it for my blog?

Saddle Rock YW Camp "Rock Solid"

2008-07-05T11:17:00.005-06:00

I must have one of the best jobs in our church. Seriously. Does it get any better than camp director? What a great adventure we had this year for girls' camp. I was overjoyed to be involved with Kassidy's first year at camp. What a time we had. Our first full day we all woke up very early and attempted a 14er. (mountain over 14,000 ft high) Mt Yale proved to be steep and rugged. Bless Kassidy's sweet heart, she got carsick on the way to the trailhead and was throwing up by the time we got there. She had a slow start for this hike, but hung in there. When our "turn around time" arrived we ended up with 10 girls and 2 leaders summitting. Four more made it to the saddle and all of our YW getting to almost 13,000 ft. Great girls with great attitudes. I couldn't have been more proud of all the girls and especially my daughter.
Day 2 we spent on the mighty Arkansas River with the river running at 2900 cfs. We had 10 dads, including Brandon, join us on the river for muscle because we knew going into it that the water would be fast and high. Kassidy loved the river ride until the last rapid when she took a little tumble out of the boat. She was pretty strong though and came out without too much wear and tear. I didn't see her tumble because I fell out on the 2nd to last rapid. Overall Kassidy had a great time. I am convinced that a wimpier girl would have struggled with her experiences, but she is stronger than ever.

This is our crew on the river. The water was also a whopping 45 degrees.

Here is the crew I happen to be with at the summit of Mt Yale. More made it to the top but I was heading down by then. Strong girls. They make some young men in our church look wimpy. Go GIRLS!
Here is the snow melt and the reason our river was so cold.

Beautiful days, gorgeous campground, extreme adventure.

The theme for the youth of our church this year is "Therefore I would that ye should be steadfast and immoveable, always abounding in good works". At camp this year they were steadfast, dependable, helpful, kind, fun and strong.

They moved mountains.

These Saddle Rock Young Women were "Rock Solid".

2 Down in 2 weeks

2008-07-03T21:09:00.006-06:00

I lost one pair of sunglasses that blew into the water at Lake Powell. One week later, I lost my other pair of sunglasses being thrown from a raft on the Upper Arkansas River. Three years ago I lost my favorite pair ever in the Pacific Ocean when our kayak flipped.

Now all 3 pairs could be floating along the bottom of the ocean somewhere.

I am worse than Bergesons with cameras.

So if you snorkel or scuba dive and see a cute pair, grab them for me. I could use a spare.

Plus, the glasses are needed to cover the developing wrinkly crow's feet.

(more on girls' camp / river trip later)

Livin' in sandals, swimsuits and sunscreen

2008-06-29T15:25:00.004-06:00

We left 2 days early for our trip to Lake Powell. We stopped in Moab and hiked the Fiery Furnace. (When we were there in March, Brandon was unable to hike, so we went again.) We also hiked the small loop to see the North and South Window arches and the Double O Arch from Indiana Jones. Below are Kassidy and Brandon at the Window arches right before sunset. Then we hopped on the house boat, setting sail for the Escalante.
Below is taken from our campground in Willow Creek.
Mitchell below jumping off with the "big kids." Click to enlarge to see Mitchell in the middle of the pack wearing the light blue life jacket. Brandon is on the far left. Thanks for the fun memories mi familia. Thanks Uncle Kevin, Aunt Carol, Mom, Dad, and everyone. We had a great time. I am loving the photos on all your blogs of the trip as well.