Akin Adventure

Mount Bieratadt 14,060feet

2012-01-03T10:46:00.000-06:00

Colorado Trip w/Meme & Papa

2012-01-03T08:27:00.000-06:00

Santa Run 2011

2011-12-15T05:53:00.000-06:00

Santa Barbara Campground, NM

2011-06-20T13:27:00.001-05:00

Lovely area, peaceful & beautiful. Clean sites.

Raven & I love the Aspen!!

Jicarita Peak in Carson National Forest

2011-06-20T13:08:00.000-05:00

Jicarita Peak Hike

2011-06-20T12:03:00.000-05:00

Race Course Complete

2011-06-20T11:53:00.000-05:00

Rio Grande River July 2011

2011-06-20T11:50:00.000-05:00

Lunch on the RIo Grande

2011-06-20T11:47:00.001-05:00

It just takes cantelope to make him smile.
This is our guide, Alex, making lunch for us. I told him that it felt really weird, him cutting up all the veggies and setting up for the lunch. We all agreed. He was great, the lunch was good. Everyone was happy.
We were busy filling up for the race course. A fun rapid-filled afternoon ahead!

Rafting the Rio Grade Lower Gorge

2011-06-20T11:34:00.002-05:00

About to paddle away for the day. It was a beautiful day on the river. Flow had just gone up from about 500cf/s to 1260cf/s. Nice cold water, cool day, sunshine. Good stuff.
Morning part of the day. Calm waters. Moved us along with some paddling.

Our guide Alex of Native Sons Adventures was great! He took this pic of us before we got out of the canyon area. He was a great guide - we'd recommend him & Native Son's Adventures any day.

Rio Grande Gorge - Rio Bravo Camp site

2011-06-20T11:28:00.001-05:00

Great site with water & electric, as well as a very friendly camp host. In the gorge with trail head on one side and the Rio Grande on the other. Good/easy access to the river.
Where you see all of those tents - it was a Boy Scout Troop in the group camp site. A nice pavillion area.

Sipapu Spring Break 2011

2011-03-20T20:02:00.000-05:00

Me & JB on the lift. No major lift incidences this time.

I am sure pics of the viking in a kit on skis (JB) have shown up elsewhere taken by others on the mountain this day, but he belongs to us.
Winter camping at Sipapu to ski for spring break was great. With JB being 40 & Luke in the 4th grade - we couldn't have done much better!!

International Dodge Ball Championship (runner ups)

2011-03-09T19:54:00.001-06:00

The above stance has officially been dubbed "You Don't Know Me".

JB's group won the international dodge ball tourney of 2011 if not for the ringers from ESRI mobile development team.

Pack 90 Pinewood Derby 2011

2011-01-23T14:52:00.000-06:00

Luke's BSA Bobsled with average speed of 163.9 MPH won the Silver in the Webelo division.
Raven's Best Shoe (note the Nike shoe above the car) with average speed of 164.4 won Bronze in the Powderpuff division.

Hello, This is Me

2010-12-21T16:16:00.001-06:00

Well, this is us in 2010.
We had pictures made last weekend and this is what we all look like when we are all cleaned up and lookin' nice.
Go Figure!

stuck in rocks

2010-10-17T16:42:00.000-05:00

They really do like each other!

the last spike at Golden Spike, NHS

2010-10-17T16:37:00.000-05:00

Union and Central Pacific Railroads joined their rails at Promontory Summit. Golden Spike National Historic Site commemorates this nation's first transcontinental railroad.

City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho

2010-10-17T16:35:00.000-05:00

City of Rocks is located along the California Trail. You can see wagon ruts, pioneer inscriptions, 60 story tall granite spires and monoliths, a lot of history and a great place to climb.

pickles place

2010-10-17T16:29:00.000-05:00

Craters of the Moon National Monument

2010-10-17T16:27:00.000-05:00

We hiked across the lava flow and went into the lava tubes and caves. Luke's favorite is the "Boy Scout" cave. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho was a great experience.

mud pools

2010-10-17T16:23:00.000-05:00

For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People, est 1872

2010-10-17T14:18:00.000-05:00

This the Roosevelt Arch at the north entrance of the park at Yellowstone National Park.

riverside geyser at YNP

2010-10-17T14:11:00.000-05:00

Once you see the waters begin to flow and spurt you have a 90 to 120 minute window to when the geyser may go. We waited it out. It was well worth it.

man over morning glory

2010-10-17T14:09:00.000-05:00

Seems that no matter where we are, there's always something to jump over.

castle geyser at YNP

2010-10-17T14:06:00.000-05:00

anemone geyser at YNP

2010-10-17T14:01:00.000-05:00

beehive geyser at YNP

2010-10-17T13:58:00.000-05:00

Grand Teton NP

2010-10-17T13:55:00.000-05:00

arch of antlers

2010-10-17T13:53:00.000-05:00

falling trees

2010-10-17T13:51:00.000-05:00

the great sheep migration

2010-10-17T13:48:00.000-05:00

the first j.c. penny

2010-10-17T13:45:00.000-05:00

Salk Lake City Olympic Park

2010-10-17T13:41:00.000-05:00

The 1973 VW Bus

2010-10-13T20:48:00.000-05:00

Maybe be jumping the gun a little bit. But the Bus is on its way home to finish it completion. It is the families favorite vehicle for travel around town. Any guess why? It could be the 300 watt Hi Fi System or maybe plaid seats.

Meeting a Storm Trooper

2010-09-27T19:16:00.000-05:00

Luke was very excited to see this Storm Trooper at Family Fun Night. He had planned to ask him about a Star Wars 7, but forgot upon meeting him and posing for a picture. He has read plenty on the internet and everything on it is true, right?

Olympic Training Center

2010-08-21T10:27:00.000-05:00

1st day of School

2010-08-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

This summer flew! I think that's what just about everyone answers when asked how their summer was. As true as it is, we are going to savor this last year of elementary school for Raven. Luke is very happy to be in 4th grade. It's a great start to this school year.

Oldest Colorado Town

2010-08-20T20:47:00.001-05:00

Not only is San Luis, CO the oldest town in Colorado, it also is the home of the oldest drainage ditch in CO.
Our favorite part of this stop was the Stations of the Cross trail. It is a maintained trail up a hill with beautiful bronze sculptures of the 13 stations of the Cross. This is the chapel at the top.

New Mexico and Colorado State Line

2010-08-20T20:40:00.001-05:00

Oddly we have a number of pictures of our children lying across state lines, but this one of a state line being a cattle guard has to be one of the favorites.

Pretty open spaces. Good times.

Workin' on the Road

2010-08-20T20:32:00.001-05:00

Notice the Map.
We are in Questa, NM here.
Apparently they were expecting us at this c-store/gas station/lunch counter/JB's office.

Rio Grande Gorge

2010-08-20T20:26:00.001-05:00

As we left Taos, we stopped by the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and did a bit of exploring around it. We followed an electrical access road and enjoyed the view at the edge of the gorge.

Trampas Lake, Lots of Rain

2010-08-20T20:19:00.001-05:00

As JB & Ben ascended, the rain came on. Once they reached the lake, and after a few hours of waiting out the rain in their little make-shift shelter, they decided to descend rather than spend a night soaked just to climb a wet, slick mountain face the next morning.
I think the comment "we're havin' the time of our lives" was how they described this outing.

Up to Truches Peaks

2010-08-20T20:05:00.002-05:00

This is the beginning of the trek up to Trampas Lake and the peaks.

Notice the graffiti on the National Forest trail marker. This is not an easily accessable marker, and yet many of those who have passed it have felt the need to deface it. Strange.

This was a spot along the Trampas Lakes Trail. Picturesque view.

mt.evans, co

2010-08-05T16:39:00.000-05:00

at the top

Camp Fire at Camp DaKaNi

2010-07-26T20:55:00.000-05:00

Raven's group lit the fire at Camp Fire Council on the last day of Camp DaKaNi. Luke got the friendship stick in his group.

It was a hot and humid week of camp, but we had a lot of fun. I worked with 1st & 2nd graders for the week. Raven & Luke did the zip line, ropes course, canoed, fished, cooked on camp fires and had a good time.

Fire Fighter Museum & Zoo with Meme & Papa

2010-07-08T11:33:00.000-05:00

Raven, Luke, Lynda & HB with the 1917 Pumper from Frederick.

Will, Wiley & Meme at the OKC Zoo.

Papa & the kids taking a break from the Oklahoma Trails.

We had a fun few days exploring OKC.

City Museum, St Louis

2010-07-06T11:20:00.001-05:00

We highly recommend City Museum in St Louis to anyone with a sense of exploration and adventure! We spent the better part of a day crawling through tunnels, caves and cages, going down slides and climbing up ramps.

Ferris Wheel on the top of the buiding.

Gateway Arch, St Louis

2010-07-06T11:14:00.001-05:00

going up!
at the top
action shot - notice Luke loosing his gum.

Iowa and Illinoise stops

2010-07-06T11:08:00.003-05:00

Des Moines, Iowa - The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park -

Springfield, IL - Lincoln Home National Park
Luke's long awaited Lincoln hat.

Snow Shoeing in Rocky Mountain NP

2010-06-08T11:16:00.000-05:00

I am just catchin' some rays out on the lake.
Raven showing her skills.

It was a great first day of Snow Shoeing!

Hot Springs and Snowy Peaks

2010-06-08T10:58:00.000-05:00

A fun hot springs pool we found that was not "adults only". It was fun, warm, and refreshing. It was just after the blizzard that we drove through and came upon this great find.
This is a hot springs just outside of Durango, CO.

Twilight Peak

Headin' North

2010-06-07T20:57:00.011-05:00

Us overlooking the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. We were on our way north after a few great days of skiing in Sipapu. In search of good snow to pull the snowshoes out on.
Oh, wait! We found a blizzard!
We drove smack into it and found this pullout that snowmobilers were using as a camp (I think)
Blinding, blowing snow on this pass. Didn't pull the snowshoes out yet, but it's comin'.

Ski Sipapu, NM

2010-06-07T20:16:00.001-05:00

Our first destination of Spring Break 2010 was Sipapu, NM. A great find! Friendly folks, fun place to learn to ski and great place to connect with the family.

Raven's first ski lodge experience, morning before skiing, enjoying hot chocolate as we get ready for the day.
Me with my coffee.
Luke getting ready to go up on the lift. He took to skiing really well. He loves snow, likes going fast and didn't mind the falling while learning.
Raven & JB going up the main lift. Going up and skiing down fun; me getting off, not so much fun!

Cold Visit to the National Christmas Tree

2010-05-10T20:39:00.001-05:00

As this day drew to an end and the sun was beginning to set, the cold was too beginning to set in on us. In front of the White House is the National Christmas Tree along with trees to represent all of the states, plus the territories.

I loved the trees around the White House. I could imagine the children and families that have lived there playing in the trees, running around the lawn and playing on the hills. It occurred to me that the loss of reverence and privacy of the President's family in the era in which we live, that innocence of climbing on those trees, playing hide and seek and whatnot are lost. Nonetheless, I thought these trees beautiful.

Here's the infamous White House Garden. Being very late December, it was covered.

We surveyed all of the state trees and found the Oklahoma tree to have Origami figures in glass balls.

Great View - Old Post Office Tower

2010-05-10T20:25:00.000-05:00

The Old Post Office Tower was constructed in 1899, it was the first government building to have it's own electric power plant (fun fact). We went up to the top, where we could see DC in all directions.

The Old Post Office Clock Tower has the official US Bells of Congress, they were a bicentennial gift from England.

Hidden Treasure: National Postal Museum

2010-04-25T17:18:00.003-05:00

The National Postal Museum, totally unassuming Smithsonian location, holds an incredibly interesting and interactive set of exhibits. Everything from the history of mail delivery, to lost mail, to mail fraud, to a Stamp Gallery. There is also a totally interactive exhibit of how direct marketing really works.

These are some of the more creative mail boxes on display.

This is the exhibit about the Unibomber. These are the handcuffs used in his arrest and an unopened package. Interesting, living history.

Union Station DC

2010-04-25T17:03:00.001-05:00

I had never been inside of a large train/travel station like this before. I was really excited that we were able to visit.

Here we are with another large Christmas Tree. This is the one in Union Station. It's covered in little American Flags. Nice touch.

This was a miniture train set inside of the station. It was a good stop.

National American History Museum

2010-04-25T16:36:00.000-05:00

Route 66 exhibit

National Air & Space Museum

2010-04-25T16:24:00.002-05:00

Being a very cold day, right in the middle of Christmas vacation time, the National Air & Space Museum was very, very full. Millions of people visit each year, and I am pretty sure that 1 of those million were there the day we visited. This fact alone made the visit to the other Air & Space Museum all the better. The exhibits here were interactive, high-tech, interesting and at times hard to see and really enjoy. Here are a few that we were able to really take advantage of:

Raven & the Wright Brothers

JB & the Starship Enterprise:

Luke & Raven at Lunchtime:

Library of Congress Christmas Tree Capitol, and National Museum of the American Indian

2010-04-25T14:26:00.001-05:00

The Library of Congress in one AMAZING place. It houses over 145 million items and over 33 million cataloged books. It is the largest library in the world. And it is always growning, collecting more books and other items. Not just printed or other wise recorded artifacts are on display at the Library of Congress, but we found Houdini's actual cuffs:

It is awesome to see the preservation of print in thie digital world in which we live.

It was a very cold day when we visited these locations. The Capitol tour was quite informative. The building has so much history, so many have been through it's halls, to see it in person was a wonderful experience.

The National Museum of the American Indian is the 16th museum of the Smithsonian Institution and the first to showcase and preserve the life, heratige, history and arts and the Native Americans. This unique structure houses collections of artifacts from all around the Americas.

Inside the Museum of Native Americans

2010-04-25T14:07:00.000-05:00

Raven loves when we see anything that is a Raven. Here on the upper level of the museum is an exhibit of How Raven Stole the Sun.

Inside the graceful expanse of the National Museum of the American Indian there are visually stunning works of art, expressions of visceral feeling on the history that the Native Americans have experienced as this land became the United States.

National Zoo Lights

2010-04-18T14:49:00.002-05:00

We did not make it to see the National Zoo durring the day, but we were able to go for an evening of the Zoo Lights event. It was a great night! A few of the buildings and exhibits were open for us to visit along the trail of lights.

These dancing pandas, albeit a bit strange in this more than life size snow globe, they were engaging and playful with the kids.

The light displays were beautiful and the ones set to music were fun for the kids to sing and dance with.

It was a real treat to see the Pandas, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, being active this evening. Raven LOVES Pandas. There was a zoologist available to talk about the research they are doing with them and tell visitors about Panda daily life. Very Cool.

Washington National Cathedral

2010-04-18T14:05:00.001-05:00

The Washington National Cathedral was first the idea of L'Enfant's in 1791 as a "great church for national purposes." It was not begun to be built until the early 1900's. It was not considered "completed" until 1990, 83 years of construction. 15 Presidents have had their funerals at the Cathedral, 5 have held their presidential inaugural prayer service, and there is a Darth Vader sculpture near the top of the west tower.

National Ait and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

2010-04-18T13:00:00.003-05:00

I don't think that we could have made a better choice for seeing the National Air and Space Museum than we did going out near Dulles to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. A short drive from DC, the thousands of aviation and space artifacts are well showcased and easily strolled around to take it all in.

The Space Shuttle Enterprise in the McDonnell Space Hanger was amazingly big.

It was not crowded, so we were able to enjoy reading about and looking at aircrafts, prototypes, bombers and airliners and so much more.

Arlington National Cemetery

2010-04-17T22:22:00.001-05:00

It was a very cold, brisk morning when we visited Arlington National Cemetery. I was unsure what to expect when we arrived, the sprawling hills of headstones were awe inspiring.
We were able to watch the change of guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Here are the kids at the resting place of JFK. This spot has a great view of the Mall.

U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

2010-04-17T22:02:00.002-05:00

The Marine Corps War Memorial stands as a symbol of honored dead of the U.S. Marine Corps. While the statue depicts one of the most famous incidents of World War II, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in the defense of the United States since 1775.

The statue is 32 feet tall with a 60-foot flag pole, on which a cloth flag flies 24 hours a day and is replaced regularly.

This was a very meaningful visit for Raven.

National Museum of American History

2010-04-17T21:54:00.002-05:00

If the Smithonian Institution is "America's Attic" then the National Museum of American History is the really-cool-you'll-never-see-it-all corner of the attic that you just want to try on the old shoes, clothes and masks and play dress-up.

We saw so much and at times got distracted enjoying the sights we just forgot to take pictures. For those we did take, if you really want to see them, they are all on the web albums.

"It's not easy being green" . . . yes that's what you want to sing when you see Kermit.

These are the real Ruby Slippers, a great find for us Wizard of Oz fans!!

Korean Memorial

2010-04-17T21:33:00.003-05:00

Years ago when JB visited DC on business, I remember pictures he brought home of the Korean War Veterans Memorial. It was rainy and foggy and the statues of the soldiers in the field seems to breathe.

When walking upon this memorial on the clean, sunny Sunday that we visited it, I did not feel the same effect as I remember from the pictures before. Nonetheless, it is a moving and meaningful memorial.

Washington Monument - to the top

2010-04-17T20:10:00.004-05:00

We were fortunate enough to be able to get tickets to go to the top of the Washington Monument. The tickets are free, you just have to be there early to get them and flexible enough to come back when a time is available. It was a beautiful clear afternoon when we rode to the top.

The view from the top was so cool! It was fun seeing all of the places we had been and planned to go.

Here is Raven taking the picture above:

I like this one of the Capitol:

This is the Smithsonian Castle, the original building that housed artifacts and research. It now has operational offices and a rotating exhibit in a small area, it is also the resting place of James Smithson, the benefactor of the Institution, in his crypt. A picture of this to come later from our visit to the Castle.

You can see the change in color of the marble stone used to build the Washington Monument. If you are interested in the details of why . . . see details.

FDR and Jefferson

2010-04-17T12:25:00.003-05:00

The FDR Memorial is one of my favorite National Memorials. It so well represents not only the man, but the era in which President Franklin D Roosevelt served in history. It takes the passage of time to best view the impact of a man or generation and this memorial gives us that experience, not just in a single statue or picture, but a space that you utilize all of your senses from his first term to his last.

In contrast, is the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, which (fun fact) the initiation of the construction of it in 1933 (the cornerstorne was not laid until 1939) was by FRD. The monument is nicknamed "Jefferson's Muffin".

It is a tribute to Jefferson's insipration and many accomplishments.

WWII Memorial and the Little House

2010-04-17T12:03:00.009-05:00

It was a beautiful Sunday and we made the most of it; walking all (most all) of the major Memorials around the National Mall.

The World War II Memorial, one of the newer memorials, pays tribute to the legacy of "The Greatest Generation" by honoring veterans, victory on the air, land and sea along with honoring the sacrifice on the homefront.

From a ways away the Lincoln Memoral appeared quite small, which lead Luke to ask if we were going to see the "little house". The nearer we got to the structure, the more he realized that it was not small.

Dinosaurs and Giant Crystals at NMNH

2010-04-17T11:29:00.002-05:00

After arriving in DC we ventured out for an evening visit to the Smithonian National Museum of Natural History.

Santa sends the Akins to DC for Christmas 2009

2010-04-17T11:21:00.001-05:00

The Christmas Eve snow storm of 2009 not only brought us 14 inches of blowing snow, but also sent Santa with a trip to Washington DC! Although when Santa left the North Pole on his annual journey to bring joy across the world, he was unaware of the havoc that the storm would behold on OKC airport. SW Airlines called us on Christmas Eve and broke Santa's surprise by canceling our outgoing flight Christmas day due to snow & ice. We were able to reschedule for the day following, which worked out to be the best. Here is our wonderful Christmas adventure in DC.

14 incher Christmas Eve

2010-01-03T21:40:00.001-06:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Raven & Luke played out after the wind finally died down a bit on Christmas Eve. Church services were canceled, so we were in for the night.
Our little angels love to make snow angels!

Little Zombies

2009-11-03T07:55:00.002-06:00

Raven & Luke both decided to be a variety of Zombie for Halloween. Raven was a Zombie Bride and Luke was a Zombie Ninja.

Raven designed her own costume this year. You can't tell from these pics but she had a train of toul in the back.
This is her scary face (Luke's too)

It was a Happy Halloween!

Thankful

2009-11-02T18:59:00.000-06:00

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Extreme Animals at FUMC Fall Fest

2009-10-30T15:42:00.003-05:00

Extreme Animals visited our Fall Festival at FUMC this week. All of the kids really enjoyed the whole event.

Surprisingly Raven really liked holding the python.

She also let a tarantula crawl around her face, but she decided that closing her mouth was wise.

But Adam, not so much!

Monster Mash Akin Style

2009-10-29T21:43:00.000-05:00

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Zombie Fun

2009-10-29T18:51:00.000-05:00

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dirt road HWY in NM & back in OK

2009-10-28T16:47:00.001-05:00

So we are driving along the New Mexico Highway and it just turns to a nice gravel road then just a straight up dirt road. The road follows down an old canyon bottom and has a somewhat strong stream running along it. But, there aint no one there or using it. So, we saw some nice sandstone formations and just decided to stop in the middle of the highway and take a little snack and play break. Just turned the cruiser off and left the doors open right in the middle of the throughfare

Finally got to Oklahoma. This is just West of Black Mesa. But would not recommend Black Mesa as a destination.

Made the drive up to the Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado intersection. This was a nice time. Some had stole the benchmark from the monument. When they catch that person they are subject to a 500 dollar fine or imprisonment. I think they should just throw them in the pokey for messing with such an important point.

CO to NM to OK

2009-10-28T16:27:00.001-05:00

We left Colorado about an hour east of Trinidad. We are trying to make a new route to Black Mesa and just look around a little.

Here the kids are laying down in the highway at the intersection of the two states. Yes, they are professionals and no one should try this at home. Especially since you can see for 5 miles in both directions and that after being at this location for 10 minutes we realized that we may be there a few days before we see another person.

This is one of the better family portraits we have taken in a while. No one blinked!

Great Sand Dunes Jr Ranger

2009-10-17T09:23:00.000-05:00

The visitor center has great multi-sensory and interactive exhibits. The short video gives a good summary of the history and science of the park.

Raven and Luke completed their Jr Ranger. The workbook for this park is a very good one, it is challenging and quite in depth with 3 different age/grade levels.

This is the Great view of the Great Dunes and mountains from the outside of the Visitor Center.

Great Sand Dunes, NP CO

2009-10-17T09:01:00.001-05:00

The initial views of the sand dunes coming into the Great Sand Dunes National Park on Medano Pass from Westcliff, CO were intriguing. The pass took us over Medano Pass through forested mountain canyon with views of high cliffs in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains then dropping us into soft sand with multiple creek crosses. It was a fun 4WD drive.

This is the area that we stopped to play in the sand. It is about 1000' up to the top of these dunes. We all scrambled to the top. The kids loved running around and playing in the sand. It was amazing to examine the sand up close and see all of the different colors of the sand. It is different than the sand in White Sands NP, here you can see different shades of brown, tan, black, and cream.

Luke's 1st 13er summit

2009-10-16T21:40:00.002-05:00

Luke did it!

Going up Hermit's Peak

2009-10-16T21:31:00.001-05:00

A view from the top & bottom

2009-10-16T21:20:00.001-05:00

Bishop's Castle was an amazing sight to behold. We went a ways to the top all together then JB went on his own the rest of the way to the top.

You can see the FJ way below.

Mr Jim Bishop was working to build an arch (I think) the day that we visitied. He was more than willing to share his opinion with anyone who would engage him. We steered clear. His life's work is a work of art and we appreciated the time we spent there. There's quite a story to go along with Bishop Castle and this one has been being written over the last 40 years!

Bishop Castle - talk about "handmade"

2009-10-16T20:18:00.000-05:00

Bishop's Castle

2009-10-16T20:05:00.000-05:00

Royal Gorge Bridge

2009-10-16T19:20:00.001-05:00

We went on the side of the Royal Gorge that you do not have to pay to cross. For the time that we had to spend in the area for the day, it was the best for us. It was neat to see the Aerial Tram suspended out over the gorge.

You won't find a picture of Raven this near the edge.

We had a great view of the bridge and the rides from the park on the other side. The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the world, it hangs more than 1,000 feet above the Arkansas River.

Lesson on "loosing fear of heights" by JB

2009-10-16T19:15:00.001-05:00

Notice Raven's rear stuck to the side of the mountain.

He can fly!!

This looks so much more dangerous than it was or maybe it is that it was much more dangerous than this picture reveals . . . . .

"The King" Tells All

2009-10-16T18:39:00.001-05:00

We found this fortune teller in Canon City, CO. Raven & Luke were happy to hear what Elvis had to tell them . . . . see for yourself.

Victor, Co - Old Gold Mining Town

2009-09-02T20:12:00.001-05:00

At the end of Gold Camp Road is the old mining town of Victor, CO. They have a handmade broom shop there that back in 2005 I purchased a medium hand broom from and they are still there hand-making brooms. The town itself does not seem to be doing very well. More buildings boarded up than the last time we were there.

They have plenty of these old mining carts around town, some with flowers, some with rocks, this one with a Luke.

Luke is learning about the Gold Rush in school right now, so he really found all of the old mines and equipment really interesting.

This tire is from a 3100 ton truck and it cost $25,000. wow. It is really big. If you are interested in a little bit of the business of mining gold currently, check out this site. CC&V is the mining company in the Cripple Creek and Victor area now.

The kids would have climbed around on this tire for a long time had we let them and we would have have 150 pictures of it. Each time they were at the top they wanted a pic snapped! :)

More Gold Camp Road

2009-09-02T12:21:00.000-05:00

There was an abundance of wild rasberries along Gold Camp Road as well as some of the other back country roads we took. Sweet, tart and tasty. I took a picture just in case JB had to rush me to the hospital.
We found the "Mutha Ship" - oh wait - that's the Mutha Earthship!

Gold Camp Road

2009-09-02T12:11:00.000-05:00

We took Gold Camp Road form CO Springs to Victor. We ran into what we might call hail, but it was more like snow balls, but not really sleet. Good road, not difficult at all. Pretty sites.

Colorado Springs Red White and Brave Parade

2009-09-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

Garden of the Gods

2009-09-02T11:46:00.000-05:00

Balanced Rock

National Parks

2009-08-26T11:26:00.001-05:00

Back to School Frontier City Fun

2009-08-21T15:36:00.001-05:00

Sunday after church was a great time for us to visit Frontier City.
We had not been there in a very long time & the kids got passes from the reading program at the library this summer. I love this pic of them in the log ride. We have one much like this from years ago at Six Flags.
Raven was quite serious at the start of all of the roll-a-coaster rides, but she decided that she likes the lasso ride because it doesn't have a loop.
The Ferris wheel is always a hit for our family!
Luke was marching ahead to the rapids when we stopped for this photo.

Going Down & Disk Golf

2009-08-21T08:48:00.001-05:00

I love this view of Red River on the way down. It is such a nice little town you can see the whole thing from the lifts.

JB & Ben took the lift up a few more times than the rest of us and rode their bikes back down.
The dad's invested in Frisbee disks for golf. This was a course right up their alley.

Red River Ski Lift - Going Up!

2009-08-21T08:40:00.001-05:00

Raven rode up with Daddy.
Luke rode up with me.
We all enjoyed a time at the top.
Raven, Luke & Delia had a snack and watched the squirrels (more critters that are not afraid of humans!!)