Outdoors with the Boys

When I was younger and we were trying to raise our own family one of the things I wanted to do was to take them camping and teach them how to fish and to shoot a gun.  Most of them really looked forward to these outings together, and I, as their father, especially enjoyed seeing the boys learn to do some of the things I had learned to enjoy as a youngster growing up in the Bear Lake Valley myself.  Ryan had been planning this trip for sometime, possibly to Yellowstone, but at least somewhere in the mountains during their fall break from school.  Kind of at the last minute it was decided to just go up in the mountains above Liberty where I had spent so much time when I was younger and where my own boys had made some memories of hunting, fishing and camping over the years.  On Thursday we met at Camp Bartlett and camped over night, fishing and then shooting some at the rifle range.  We had a dutch oven dinner and enjoyed our time together, laughing at ourselves and spinning some yarns.  Those attending were Justin, Jason, Philip, Ryan, me and Tanner, Avery, Garrett, Gavin, and Libbie.  Libbie and Gavin went home with their dad on Friday night.  The rest of us stayed over and enjoyed some good bonding time together.  Avery pretty well summed up our feelings when he said:  "This was the best camping trip ever."  Needless to say we all had a great time sharing a couple of beautiful fall days with each other in the out of doors.  Below are a few of the pictures I took to remind us of our adventures.

Philip getting ready to show the boys how to fish.  Somehow, the getting ready part is not all that interesting to the boys.

 Avery with Philip's family pet, Pixie.  Dosen't every boy want a dog?

Avery and Pixie.  We were glad Pixie got to come along.  It was her first time in the mountains too, and she loved it.

Every boy has to learn and I have yet to meet the one who didn't perform this little operation early on in their journey to becoming a fisherman.

All that effort does pay off eventually as can be attested to by this nice rainbow trout caught by Justin,  not to speak of the big smile landing one like this brings to a fisherman's face.  It's funny what a picture can do to the ability of a fisherman to tell the truth.

Three of my boys enjoying a beautiful autumn afternoon on the lake in their float tubes.

It wasn't entirely a boy thing.  Everyone would have been welcome, of course.  Libbie came with her dad and we were all glad to have her.  Here she is ready to learn how to shoot a gun.  At least she's got her head gear on so as not to damage those sensitive little ear drums.

The boys will each get their turns as well.  Here are Garrett, Gavin, and Avery ready to start firing away.

Avery and Gavin getting some excellent instructions from Uncle Jason.

Garrett learning how it works and most of all to be very careful.

Gavin getting ready to hit the target with the 22.

It didn't take Gavin long to graduate from the 22 to the 12 guage.  I only whish I had had the video rolling when he pulled the trigger. Funny!!!!

The only thing I can think of that might beat being a father is being a grandfather.

Lastly, let me thank Ryan for helping me to "get my priorities straight".  Time with my family is the most precious of all the gifts I have.  I look forward to an eternity with you all.

Autumn Scenes of Yesterday and Today

Yesterday  towards evening I decided to go take a walk up on the Stokes Nature Trail in Logan Canyon.  Just before heading into the Canyon I looked in the rear view mirror and was impressed.  I swung into to parking lot by the Forest Service Information Office and stood there in awe of what was happening before my very eyes.  The pictures below are just a small representation of what was transpiring over the Cache Valley and the Wellsville Mountains to the west.

Another view

Today we went over to Montpelier.  Iris had an appointment with the dentist and I just tagged along looking for something beautiful to take a picture of.  Actually, I had been a little disappointed in the fall colors this year, especially the maples.  They have not seemed to bea s vibrant in their color display as in some other years.  Until now the aspens have been a little reluctant in showing their splendor, but today I caught several spots showing all of their fall majesty.  Again the photos below are just a small representation of the wonders of Emigration Canyon, October 5, 2010.  For me it was well worth the ride.

Another View

Do You Ever Wonder Why I Love Going to Work?

We are indeed blessed to work in this heavenly place.

Logan Utah Temple October 4, 2010

Logan Canyon

There are not many places where such beauty is located all within about a half hour's drive of home.  And to top it all off, it changes with the seasons, each one being just as beautiful as the next.

More Ada's Baptism Day Pictures

I got a  few pictures on Ada's baptism day that someone might like.

It was a special day for us and also for Ada and her family.

Bear Lake Gloaming

Sitting on the mountain waiting for the sun to go down and the moon to come up.

My first attempts at panarama photos.

Bear Lake Gloaming!

What a wonderful world!

The Moments That Take Your Breath Away

Yesterday I had another of those very special moments that just take your breath way.  There have been many over the years, all of which have added greatly to my view of life and appreciation of God's creations.

Together with Dean, my brother-in-law, we went climbing in the Tetons.  We got as close to the top of the Grand as I'm ever likely to get.  It was along hike and rather exerting for a couple of old guys celebrating the second anniversary of their thirty-fifth year.  We did it, however, and the rewards included stiff and sore muscles and moments that took our breath away.  The Tetons are majestic and beautiful from any angle, but especially from high on surrounding mountains after a long and arduous hike.  We had perfect weather for our hike and enjoyed the day which didn't end for us until darkness began to fall of the Tetons.  It was definitely worth the effort.

                                                            Along the way.

It wasn't just that I was out of breath.  These were truly moments that took my breath away.  May we all live, truly live, each and every day of our lives.