The Summer So Far

It has been a while since I have shared anything. The summer is zooming by as usual. We have had a ton of fun adventures to share. Here are just a few:

Mother's day was our 4th trip into the park for the year. We had skied in, rode our bikes in, and this weekend was the second time that we got to drive in. This picture was taken on Storm Point, one of our family's new favorite hikes. We hiked about 13 miles this weekend. 

The older girls and I backpacked into Leigh Lake in the Tetons for a night. It was a two mile hike that opened up into this awesome lake. I had no idea that we would have our own private beach for the evening.

Fishing the Box Canyon is a family favorite.

Andie likes the Box Canyon. We watched an Osprey defend her nest against a Bald Eagle on this trip.

We went back into the park for father's day. We are on track to beat our single season record of seeing 32 bears in one season! This guy was about a mile from our camp trotting along side the rode. Michelle has much better pictures, but I like this one that was taken with my little camera through the binoculars.

This is Katelyn identifying animal tracks with Mom on the Cascade Lake trail.  

The road less traveled.

Family picture

Eric Greenwood. Sherpa, Manny, Photographer Extraordinaire.

Fishing at Cave Falls. The fishing was great, despite the insane mosquitoes. Andie, Fish. Fish, Andie.

I love this picture.

This is Kellie's first fish that she ever caught. It was on a fly rod with a #12 Royal PMX.

Andie's first float trip

We took the girls on a float trip on Saturday. Andie loved it! She just laid back and took it all in!

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!!