Every year we make a trek up to some private land in Como, CO. The tradition is that we go on Memorial and Labor Day weekend, but this year the snow kept us from getting there over Memorial so we pushed the trip to this past weekend. I must admit it was much warmer (day and night), but that’s not to say it didn’t have a few new wrinkles (see the last photo).

We always have fun with family and friends. The view is unbelievable and the fishing is usually out of this world (I caught 9 trout this year). The weekend typically includes poker, s’mores, rides on a recreational vehicle of some kind (this year it was a motorcycle thanks to my buddy Justin), working on the pond (see photos), and just taking it easy by the fire. This year was no exception…we had two new couples/families and had a great time. We missed some of the “old guard” (i.e.: Bill & Cindy and Larry & Shelley) but we are truly blessed to be able to use this pristine land and just get away from it all for a few days. If you’d like to join us just drop me a line…the more the merrier!

Here are some of the more memorable photos from the weekend…

 
The Busy Campsite

 
The Amazing View!

 
Some of the Gang hanging out by the fire.

 
Paul chilling out with some camp coffee
(not sure what the one glove thing was about?)

 
Food Fight!

 
Don’t they look like they love each other?

 
Does it get any better than this?

 
Logan & Kyle getting some good sleep.

 
Beavers have nothing on us man!
(Of course this broke about 2 hours later…but we’ll fix that)

 
Just as we were getting packed up to leave this hail storm pounded
us for about 5-8 minutes. That was a new one for us…now we’ve seen it all!

This has been a hectic week (hence the lack of postings the last few days). I am in my last week of school for this class (and this school year), which is always busy as I finish up big papers and all the lose ends of a class. On top of my schooling, it’s the last week of school for the kids…always hectic as well as they wind down the year and get jazzed up for the summer.

We are also preparing and planning for our annual Memorial Weekend Camping Trip to Como, CO. The trip is a blast (assuming the weather holds out), but it’s one more thing on top of an already busy week. Frankly, I can’t wait for it to get here so we can all relax a little and spend time with family and friends in God’s country (just wish Bill and Cindy could make it this year, won’t quite be the same without them)!

In the midst of all this busyness and craziness, God gave me these words of encouragement this morning. I hope they encourage you as much as they do me:

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?
If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
Romans 8:31, NLT

Opening Day 2008
A foot long bratwurst. A cold beer. Peanuts (no Cracker Jacks). Good friends.
 It doesn’t get any better than this!

This is where I spent my afternoon today…thanks to a good friend (Rowland Smith) who invited me to enjoy a beautiful Colorado day at the ballpark (it was 65 degrees at game time) with him and my Pastor. The Rockies lost the game 8-1 to the Diamondbacks, but it’s early in the season and you just can’t argue with a day at the park instead of at work.

Thanks Rowland!!

I was listening to Total Access tonight on WAY-FM and they were talking about nicknames…specifically cool nicknames. I realized that I don’t think I’ve ever had a nickname (at least not one I can repeat anyway). Anita says some people have called me “The Bomb”, but I’m not sure I really remember anyone calling me that and it certainly didn’t stick.

So here’s an opportunity for you to chime in on two topics (any excuse to get people to comment on the blog…don’t be shy!):

1. Do you (or have you ever) had a cool nickname? If so, please share…
2. Got one for me (be nice)? Feel free to include sarcastic options, but throw a good one in the mix too please.

I’m probably too old to have a cool nickname stick…pretty sure that boat has sailed…but you can’t blame a guy for trying!

Had a great time Elk Hunting at Blue Gravel Ranch in Craig, CO this weekend with my buddy Justin. We had the PERFECT opportunity the very first morning, but mis-judged the distance horribly so we missed (thought is was 300 yards, turned out it was 150). Didn’t see anything else we could get to the rest of that day (and not for lack of effort).

Sunday we hit the trail again (snow showing a total of 7-8 miles over the span of 2 days…dog tiring!). We didn’t see anything until late morning–a herd of15 or so on the next ridge that ran into another property. We finally got close to a group of 5 that some other hunters pushed our way. Took some shots from what I thought was 200 yards (turned out to be 450 yards…still learning to use the range finder). But they kept walking towards us and we both got one as they were about to jump a fence. If you want the whole, sordid (and probably boring story) just ask and you’ll get t.  =0)

Here are 2 photos of the end result (you can also check out our Flickr account for a few more):

My Elk
(man these things are big!)

Justin’s Elk
(close up to keep down the carnage)

Justin and I are off on our third hunt of the year–this time for Elk on Blue Gravel Ranch in Craig, CO. It is currently snowing up there and the day-time high is supposed to be about 28d with a good chance of more snow. Great weather for seeing Elk and for getting frostbite!

Here’s the scorecard so far:

1. Antelope: Two each
2. Deer: Don’t get me started…didn’t see a single living creature aside from a squirrel
3. Elk: TBD

I’ll have all the gory details when we get back…until then…

We had a white Christmas this year, but that didn’t stop anyone from making it Christmas morning. We had a full house and full stomachs once the Prime Rib finished cooking (no idea why, but it took longer than it did for Thanksgiving). We had Anita’s family over after opening presents with the kids and my mom in the morning. Here are a few pics from the day…

 
I think Kyle liked this one

Logan loves it, even though he knew what it was.

Lindsay already has her new iPod loaded with new music.

Rebekah

Rachel (I love this pic)

Anita’s parents (Ron & Polly)

Anita’s Grandfather

Anita’s Sister, Lisa and her Fiance Mark

Next Christmas will be here before you know it!
Click here to view the entire Christmas 2007 Photo Album

 I know it’s a little late, but better than never. Here are some of my favorite pictures from this past Thanksgiving:

The Whole Gang at Our House

 
My Love!

 
My Grandfather (Ross)…I love this picture!

 
My Grandmother (Charlotte)…she loves having her picture taken!

 
Anita’s Dad (Ron)…in his usual position.

 
Anita’s Mom (Polly)…lovely!

Click Here to see all of our Thanksgiving 2007 Photos

You had to know I’d blog on this topic today, right? So what am I thankful for?

The list is so long that I don’t have enough time for it all…God has truly blesses me beyond anything I deserve!

However, topping the list:

1. My beautiful bride…I certainly married up!
2. My fabulous kids…even though some days make me wonder.
3. Good health…especially now that I’ve lost 60 lbs
4. A  good job…yes, I complain about it (doesn’t everyone), but when I step back and look at the big picture I know that I have nothing to complain about.
5. Family and Friends…you knew about the family but thought I didn’t have any friends, right? ;o)
6. A God who loved me so much that He died for me…it’s a short list of those who would do that. I can never repay Him (and He doesn’t even ask for it anyway).

Here’s hoping you have a great Thanksgiving with your family and friends…and may God’s blessing continue in your life!

PS: Only 31 shopping days left until Christmas. DOH!