Ben had a long chat with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson tonight - and tried talking and eating a popsicle at the same time!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
A Chatterbox by Melissa
6.26.07
Ben had a long chat with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson tonight - and tried talking and eating a popsicle at the same time!
Ben had a long chat with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson tonight - and tried talking and eating a popsicle at the same time!
Big Boy Underwear by Melissa
6.26.07
Hey Grandma Susie! Ben really wanted to wear his new Thomas big boy underwear today! We went through 3 pairs (after a few accidents) before Mommy finally decided to change to a diaper. But, he really likes them!
Hey Grandma Susie! Ben really wanted to wear his new Thomas big boy underwear today! We went through 3 pairs (after a few accidents) before Mommy finally decided to change to a diaper. But, he really likes them!
Summer Cool Down by Melissa
6.24.07
With so many days of temperatures in the upper 90s, we stopped by a local park with fountains today to cool off. But, it was just too hot so we didn't stay long. Ben enjoyed the water though!
With so many days of temperatures in the upper 90s, we stopped by a local park with fountains today to cool off. But, it was just too hot so we didn't stay long. Ben enjoyed the water though!
My 1st Bike by Melissa
6.23.07
Ben got his first bike today - and we have had trouble getting him off it. He quickly learned the steering concept and also does great at pedaling! One time, he just took off down the sidewalk without me! But, usually, Mommy or Daddy help push him around the block...it is a good workout in this 100 degree heat!
(ignore the chocolate around his mouth - Daddy made chocolate oatmeal cookies that were so yummy!)
Ben got his first bike today - and we have had trouble getting him off it. He quickly learned the steering concept and also does great at pedaling! One time, he just took off down the sidewalk without me! But, usually, Mommy or Daddy help push him around the block...it is a good workout in this 100 degree heat!
(ignore the chocolate around his mouth - Daddy made chocolate oatmeal cookies that were so yummy!)
Grand Slam by Melissa
6.17.07
Ben loves any kind of sports (his latest favorite is playing basketball)! Here he is using his t-ball set. He is really good at hitting, throwing and catching...a natural star!
Ben loves any kind of sports (his latest favorite is playing basketball)! Here he is using his t-ball set. He is really good at hitting, throwing and catching...a natural star!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Flies & Lies by Brad
This week Rick and I headed up to Bear Creek for a quick after work trout hunt. Bear Creek is a perfect after work spot given it's only 10 minutes from home and always seems to hit really well and this year has been no exception. Last year we fished Bear Creek pretty heavy given it consistantly hit and hit hard.
We hit the first turn off and headed down to the water. The bugs were in full hatch and swarming like crazy. Mainly mosquitos and caddis flies. Unfortunately the fish were not rising but I did see one fish surface feed just before we called it quits. The water was running pretty high and fast which may have kept the fish from coming up and hiding in slower water.
Rick tied on a dark mosquito pattern and I opted for a pink egg pattern. The first cast out and bang! The fish were definately liking the egg. On about the 5th or 6th cast I hooked my first of the season. A tiny 6 inch brown (sorry no pic, too excited about my first of the year). After that my luck ran out but had too many bites to count. I quickly reeled in and headed for Rick to let him know he needed to switch flies. Rick did not have any luck dry flying with the mosquito and quickly tied on a pink egg as well. It did not take long and he was getting strikes left and right as well.
High fast water.
Rick fishin a nice pool behind a rock.
Where did Rick go?
Bear Creek is located between the Town of Morrison and Evergreen along Hwy 74. It is a fairly small creek but is filled with a few pools and a lot of pocket water that hides decent sized browns.
We hit the first turn off and headed down to the water. The bugs were in full hatch and swarming like crazy. Mainly mosquitos and caddis flies. Unfortunately the fish were not rising but I did see one fish surface feed just before we called it quits. The water was running pretty high and fast which may have kept the fish from coming up and hiding in slower water.
Rick tied on a dark mosquito pattern and I opted for a pink egg pattern. The first cast out and bang! The fish were definately liking the egg. On about the 5th or 6th cast I hooked my first of the season. A tiny 6 inch brown (sorry no pic, too excited about my first of the year). After that my luck ran out but had too many bites to count. I quickly reeled in and headed for Rick to let him know he needed to switch flies. Rick did not have any luck dry flying with the mosquito and quickly tied on a pink egg as well. It did not take long and he was getting strikes left and right as well.
High fast water.
Rick fishin a nice pool behind a rock.
After about an hour of fishing the first turn off we headed for the next spot up the road. This turn off is much smaller and tougher to fish but can net a bit fish or two. The water is channeled into a very tight rocky canyon as it make a turn and heads south. The water here is deep and always fast. Getting into the canyon is tough and fishing with a long rod can be challenging to get the right cast. The bushed along the river were very thick.
Where did Rick go?
The canyon.
Rick fishing the canyon.
All in all it was a good trip. Catching fish close to home is alwasy great. Looks like Bear Creek will be at the top of the list again this year and hopefully our Wednesday evening fishing trips will become a weekly norm. Some guys like to play cards, some like to bowl, I like to fish on my mans' night out.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Trail Time by Brad
Last Friday I managed to cut out of work early and get a really quick ride in before heading home. I headed up to a great trail system just north of Morrison along C470. There are a few great trails all tied in together right at this location. Green Mountain, Zorro, Dakota Ridge and Redrocks/Mathews Winters. I opted to hit Zorro and Dakota Ridge (my Nemisis).
Great views of Green Mountain.
Zorro is a great really short trail affording killer views of Denver Metro from the Hogback. The trail begins from the west parking lot for Green Mountain and is a quick shot up the Hogback that then connects to Dakota Ridge.
Wonder why it's call Zorro?
Hogback splender.
Killer views of the Front Range!
The wild flowers were still in bloom and the Yuccas were going crazy.
Well groomed tight single track love. Hey, where did the trail go?
Great views of Green Mountain.
I have no idea why I ride Dakota Ridge. I hate Dakota Ridge with a passion. The last time I rode it I gave my self a nasty chain ring tattoo. The trail is off the charts difficult. The trail is so technical that you constantly have a feeling you are on the edge of killing yourself. The trail is all sharp rock with a very fine layer of loose sand/dirt making things extremely slippery. I did not get any pictures of the Dakota Ridge trail. I was too worried about staying in control instead of getting the perfect trail shots. Here are the only two I took from the end of Zorro and the begining of Dakota Ridge. These are the only tame areas of Dakota Ridge.
Don't let it fool you! The worst part is hidding in the trees.
Red Rocks is off to the right. Certain death, straight ahead.
Made it out alive and without too many scratches. I would love to say never again, but I know that would be a lie. Without challenges, life get boring. Great ride and even better views.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Fish on by Brad
Finally, for the first time this year I dusted off the fly gear and headed out fish with cousin Ricky. We hoped in his truck and headed off to Pine near Deckers south of Hwy 285 about 30 mintues from Denver. We decided to fish the North Fork of the South Platte River. The only public water between the town of Pine and Hwy 285 is a 2 mile streach of great water in Pine Valley Ranch Park (a JeffCo Park). http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R17.htm
When we got there the skies looked like they were about to open up and a few times we did get spit on. The main picnic areas around the park entrance were packed with a wedding reception and birthday party. We opted to head west up the canyon to get away from the spinning crowds. About a 1/4 mile out we were alone and had the entire river to ourselves. We tied up some San Juan Red Worms and various egg patterns and got to it.
All in all it was a fun trip. Forgot the camera but no big deal, we both got skunked. No surprise given the really high water levels and cool temps.
This week we are going to try Bear Creek between Morrison and Idledale. If it hits half as well as last year, it should be great.
When we got there the skies looked like they were about to open up and a few times we did get spit on. The main picnic areas around the park entrance were packed with a wedding reception and birthday party. We opted to head west up the canyon to get away from the spinning crowds. About a 1/4 mile out we were alone and had the entire river to ourselves. We tied up some San Juan Red Worms and various egg patterns and got to it.
All in all it was a fun trip. Forgot the camera but no big deal, we both got skunked. No surprise given the really high water levels and cool temps.
This week we are going to try Bear Creek between Morrison and Idledale. If it hits half as well as last year, it should be great.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
A Surprise from Grandma by Melissa
6.17.06
Ben got a box in the mail today from Grandma Susie on the farm! He loved everything...the big boy panties - oops, I mean underwear, chocolate candy which Mommy and Daddy had to try too, and a cool fan that Ben doesn't even realize is candy yet (I am saving that part for tomorrow). Kylie enjoyed the bubble wrap too!
Thank You Grandma!!!
Ben got a box in the mail today from Grandma Susie on the farm! He loved everything...the big boy panties - oops, I mean underwear, chocolate candy which Mommy and Daddy had to try too, and a cool fan that Ben doesn't even realize is candy yet (I am saving that part for tomorrow). Kylie enjoyed the bubble wrap too!
Thank You Grandma!!!
"I Did It!!" by Melissa
6.16.07
We told Ben that he could go outside after dinner. Brad and I were still at the table when he hopped down and said 'I am going to get my Diego sandals.' About a minute later, he shouted 'I DID IT!' That was the first time he put on his own shoes. He even put them on the correct feet. It was such a proud moment, I took photos...I know, I am a dork.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Potty Talk by Melissa
6.14.07
Could it be? Today, Ben told me 3 times that he had to go potty BEFORE he went in his diaper...and we made it to the potty in time. Hmmm. Maybe he is getting the hang of this!!!
Could it be? Today, Ben told me 3 times that he had to go potty BEFORE he went in his diaper...and we made it to the potty in time. Hmmm. Maybe he is getting the hang of this!!!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Day at the Park by Melissa
6.9.07
Last Saturday, we had a picnic at a local park. This park has a playground, man-made creek (but the water was too cold to swim), choo choo train and a petting zoo!
Last Saturday, we had a picnic at a local park. This park has a playground, man-made creek (but the water was too cold to swim), choo choo train and a petting zoo!
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