I can't think of a better way to spend my birthday.

The girls and I spent Friday and Saturday skiing with Grandpa Johnston. Grandma, Grandpa, and Alacia took us all out for a birthday dinner Saturday night. It was a great way to spend my birthday! I am so blessed to have such a great wife, kids, and in-laws. I give them a lot of grief (it's just my nature), but I love them.

Kelly Canyon Ski Hut

I thought it would be fun to take my older 2 girls, a couple of senior citizens, and all of the gear and haul it all up the hill for a night of camping at the ski hut at Kelly Canyon. I felt like a bit of a pack mule, but it was a great time for my kids to bond with Grandma and Grandpa. It was also nice for Michelle and Andie to get some one on one time.

Katelyn poised and ready in her cockpit. See the sled in the back ground? It got strapped to the back of the kid's sled. I looked like a train.

Working our way up the hill.

Kellie rockin' the flats.

Home sweet home for the evening.

Hot dogs and fruit dip anyone?

Grandma and Katelyn

Katelyn photo-bombing Grandpa

The sleeping arrangement: I gave the elderly folks the cots, the girls huddled in the middle, and  my bag across the front of it all so I could man the fireplace. I never heard a peep out of the girls. My mom, however, snores louder than my dad. Nobody tell her.

We woke up to and skied home in a blizzard. Thank heavens for chemical hand warmers.

Lifesaver.

You can't hold them back forever.......

Today was Kellie's first trip on skis. Michelle and I were both apprehensive about letting her try and we did not think she would make it very far. Boy, we were wrong! After a brief clinic from "Uncle Rico", we put the skis on her and pointer her in the direction of the trails and she took off like a rocket. She was unstoppable!! The very few times that she did fall, she popped right back up and carried on. Michelle and I shared several looks of disbelief. It made me a very happy man! Katelyn had a total blast riding on Eric's back and Andie slept through the whole thing. It was a perfect day at Harriman!

If she wasn't asleep, she was smiling!

Uncle Rico is always a willing Manny and a pack mule.

The star of the show!

There is a sleeping 6 month old in that wad of blankies.

Kellie and Mom

The crew. We were running out of daylight to get back to the car. Kellie was not happy when we made her get in the trailer for the trip home. She skied about a mile and a half unassisted! She did great!

Princesses will be princesses

The saying "boys will be boys" has always made me laugh. I don't have any boys, so I really can't relate. I am doing my best to raise up tough girls, though. I want them to be a little on the tomboy side. Rowing boats, riding bikes, hiking, backpacking, etc. I just want them to love the outdoors.

On the other hand, I have to let go and let the girls be girls. Here is the video of them at their first dance recital! They really are little princesses.

Both girls are in the middle of the frame in the back row.



Kellie's dance



Katelyn's dance

A peak into Santa's bag

I've got spring fever and it isn't even December yet!! I spent some time Sunday night scavenging through a hiking Idaho guide book. The results were fruitful. I found 6 lakes within 110 miles from my house that were within a 2 mile hike. Translation? 6 lakes for me to take the girls backpacking to!! Here is a list of the lakes:

Moose Lake
Iron Bog Lake
Bear Creek Lake
Merriam Lake
Mill Creek Lake
Nez Perce Lake

Can you say awesome?

This got me thinking about my Christmas list for us. I've sent my letter to the North Pole and here is what I'm asking for:

For Katelyn. A little more space for her teddy bear (and it comes in purple).

For Kellie. She will be 6. That's old enough to share the load, right?

Garmin 62s. I want to be able to find my way to the trailhead and be able to accurately answer the question: "Dad! How much further?"

Do not worry. I did not forget Mom and Andie. Their presents will remain a secret. For now.

Merry Christmas everybody!!

The Bike Train

The definition of a great bike is one that makes you giggle every time you ride it. My Epic is no exception. I squeal like a school girl every time I ride it. I've been in love with that bike ever since I've heard of it's conception from Specialized. 29 inch wheels, dual suspension, all for around 25 lbs. It is awesome. It climbs brilliantly, descends like a missile, and is very fast everywhere else. Frankly, It is more bike than I really need. It does have one major flaw. It is the DT Swiss through axle rear hub thingy. Why is it a flaw? Because I can't hook up my kids Chariot hitch! That's right. I can't pull my kids in their trailer. All of this carbon super bike and I can't pull my kids around the block. Que the bike train. My solution was to pick up a used Adam's Trail A Bike attached to the seat post, and the chariot hitch to the axle of the Trail A Bike. It's a little long and cumbersome. Cornering is tricky, but we gets a lot of smiles from the kids and innocent bystanders. Best of all, it makes me giggle.

Andie's first trip to Yellowstone......

Our last trip to Yellowstone for the year was a snowy one. We stayed at Madison campground because it was the only place that was open! It seems like the park closed up way early this year. We did something this time we have never done before. We came home early! It turns out that our batteries on our trailer were shot. Despite our best efforts, our batteries (and furnace) would die at around 3 am. Temps inside the trailer would drop into the 40s in the morning. The older girls were fine, but Andie and Michelle didn't sleep much!! Despite the early exit it was still fun to see the park as a winter paradise!

All of the snow made wildlife easy to find.

Katelyn was so proud of her snowman.

I've always hated generators. I've always cussed at people who use them. Dad happened to have an extra to let us try. I had to swallow my pride and use it. It saved our trip. The white floating things are snow flakes!!

One of the few moments that Andie was awake (at least during the day). I love her bear ears.

The true definition of a true outdoorsman is when you will have a picnic no matter what.

Our last animal we saw was this Grizzly at about 100 yards. This was taken with my little camera through Michelle's binoculars. 

Same picture, but before editing.