Back To School

Summer has flown by. Heather has been getting after me for not updating our blog. I will have to do a recap of our summer - but first our back to school photos. They were up and pretty much got themselves ready and bags packed. I had Tanner and Paige in the stroller ready to walk with them to school (while they biked) like we did last year. This year they wouldn't here of it. I had to wave from in front of our house and they rode to school on their own.

Colorado

Day One: The drive into Colorado

I have to admit I was a little worried about this trip. I wasn't sure how well Tanner would travel for hours in the car. It turned out great. We set up camp outside of Delores the first night right next to some great single track bike trails. Around 8:00 Bryan decided to go for a "quick" 1/2 hour or so spin on his bike. We read stories in the tent and I tucked everyone in their sleeping bags. 9:00 rolls around and it's getting dark. Heather and Megan can't sleep they are worried that dad is lost. 9:20 he finally pulls in and Megan and Heather quickly yell out, "Dad you are in trouble". Pay back was the fact that it was too dark to see all the cow pies and he was splatted with a fresh one.

Day Two: Mesa Verde

The next morning we went to Mesa Verde - fascinating. We toured the Cliff Palace and the Spruce Tree House. It took a good portion of the day and with four tired kids we didn't try any more.

When we got back to camp Bryan took Heather and Megan out on the trails. The trails were just right for their skill level and they had a blast. Paige and I had fun playing in the dirt.

Day Three: Silverton Mines

We packed up camp and started the climb up to Silverton. We toured a mine named Old Hundred. It's a wonder miners had any hearing left at all. Some of the tools they use are so loud you can't hear yourself talk, and they had several running at the same time. This was one of Heather and Megan's favorite parts of the trip. Paige and Tanner weren't as intrigued but tolerated it.

After the tour we did the long ride back down the mountain. There are hundreds of old abandoned mines and waterfalls. The road is steep and twisty will huge drop offs. It was beautiful but I was glad to finally get to Montrose. We checked into a hotel and finally had a shower. It was nice after a couple nights of camp fires and wet wipe baths. Then of course we headed to the pool.

The Other Side of the Mountain

Emily said its about my turn so, here goes....

RG (my dad) had something eating at him to climb cascade from the north side, a route he scouted last year sometime, anyway he talked me into taking the day off work and off we went. (thanks Emily) Well after 4-5 hours strait up on our hands and feet we made it to the top. Good route only had to climb up a couple minor cliffs but nothing too scary. Doubt too many have gone this route before. Anyway, after a quick lunch and a thousand lady bugs at the top (not sure what they were doing up there) we jumped a cornice and slide half-way down the back side of the mountain, on what's left of the snow. Had to take a couple breaks from sliding to let the behinds thaw a bit, but boy was it fun. Great for the knees too. Couple more hours trying to stay upright as we walked down a slippery rock and wood filled river into South Fork and we were done. All in all it was good times. Thanks for the invite Rog. Now if I could just get my legs to stop buzing from all the stinging nettle I'll be good.

Pictures sure don't do inclines justice. It was steeeeep.

School is almost out and we're excited. Heather had an art show at school. She did nine different projects and is very proud of her work.

Megan had a parent program yesterday. She had to recite two poems and sang LOTS of songs. We also saw her parrot picture she painted for the habitat wall. She also insisted on taking a picture by Cole's lion.

Here are some pictures from our latest outing.

Spring Break - Part 2

Day 3:

Earth Science Museum and Bean Museum.

Our first stop was the Earth Science Museum. Megan came prepared with her note book and pen. After 10 minutes at the same window, writing down the name of every rock, I had to cut her documentation short and move on.

Heather loved the hands on displays where she could touch real fossils and was fascinated by the size of the bones. Paige was nervous around the dinosaurs and I was a little worried that our next stop would be a disaster. I was right. Fear wasn't the issue but it was still a disaster. Paige was climbing over and going around the ropes, knocking down sign blocking her from petting animals, and throwing a tantrum on the floor when I intervened. Two museums close to nap time is not recommended.

Day 4:

Rock border and outdoor fun.

What a difference a day makes. The snow is all gone and are cheeks are all sunburned. Heather and Megan invited friends over to play while Bryan and I worked on the rock wall in our front yard. This year is our yard year. Hopefully our projects we've been planning will get finished this summer.

Spring Break?

Day One :

Snow, snow, and new garage doors.

DAY TWO :

More snow and bowling.

Paige couldn't get enough of the hand dryer.

I've been tagged - Bryan this one's for you

1. Where did you meet your husband? Rebekah's house for about half an hour. He occasionally made appearances when I was with friends but left about 8:00 because he wanted to go to bed early.

2.How long did you date before you got married? 1 year.

3.How long have you been married? 11 years next week - this is your reminder Bryan.

4.What does he do that surprises you? Collects birds. Borderline obsessive compulsive behavior.

5.What is your favorite feature of his? His farmer's (biker's) tan. Does that count as a feature?

6.What is his best quality? Hard worker.

7.Does he have a nickname for you? BOSS

8.What is his favorite food? If I ask what he wants for dinner he says cornbread and anything that goes with it.

9.What is his favorite sport? Does anyone not know - Cycling

10.When and where did you first kiss? Walking me to my car - His driveway.

11.What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Go for a hike or walk. I'd say bike ride but we're seldom together then. He periodically doubles back, rides circles around me, and takes off again.

12. Do you have any children? Four: Heather, Megan, Paige, and Tanner.

13.Does he have any hidden talents? He loves to bake - breads, cookies, cakes, dessert concoctions.

14. How old is he? 33

15.Who said I love you first? Hmmmmm - I have no idea .

16.What is his favorite music?Not a real music person but I did catch him singing Barney's "7 days in a week" song the other day.

17.What do you admire most about him? His patience with everything except noise (especially high pitched girl screaming).

18. What is his favorite color? I don't think he has a preference.

19. Will he read this? If I tell him about it.

20 Who do you tag? Any volunteers? Amy Volunteered azdesertsunshine.blogspot.com