California 2011

We took our first Disneyland trip this year. We left Trevor at home with Uncle Andy and flew to Southern California with the Brockmans.

We landed and drove straight to Catalina for a boat ride around San Diego Harbor with the Brockman's friends, Bruce and Brenda Kleege.

Rachel and Kate

The girls

and the boys

Lance checking out Coronado Bridge

After the harbor cruise we took the kids to their first trip to the beach. They had a blast playing in (or at least running away from) the waves.

Lance and Lauren

Our next adventure was a day at Legoland. The Halloween decorations were out and we spent a long day on the rides and exhibits.

Dressed for Halloween

Dad was most excited for the Star Wars section

What I really wanted to take home

Checking out Lego D.C.


and Lego San Francisco

The family slide race

Then it was on to three days at Disneyland. The kids were in Heaven and it brought back memories form the last time I was there - 25 years ago!

The days started early and ended late. We wanted to get in every ride and attraction, and I really think we did.

There was no shortage of princesses and Rachel was walking on cloud 9.

Meeting Rapunzel (and Flynn Rider) was the highlight of the trip for Rachel

We had lunch at Ariel's Grotto where they got a personal visit from each princess.

As you can see Russell was overjoyed to meet Belle

Russell's favorite ride was the Toy Story ride

The big Ferris Wheel didn't go over so well with mom's stomach

Even Rachel got to ride on the Matterhorn

It's a small world is always a favorite

Dad stayed off the teacups

Russell being brave and lifting his hands in the Tower of Terror

Toon Town was another favorite

Taking a ride around the park in a real steam train

The Magical Kingdom was truly magical. After three days we were exhausted (at least Mel and I) but the kids were ready for more. I'm sure we'll be back - next time with Trevor.



Our last adventure was a day at Sea World. The highlight, of course, was the Killer Whale show. We sat right next to the platform and got a close up view of the "Shamu's". Lance was delighted getting splashed and wet.

Lance and Lauren

The last day we relaxed at The LaJolla Beach and Tennis Club. The kids again had a blast playing in the ocean and building sand castles.


















The trip was a huge success and we all had an amazing time. Thanks to the Brockmans for planning and to Bruce and Brenda for being so hospitable. The kids are already asking when we're going back.

Lance's sixth birthday party

Last week we had Lance's Party Safari birthday for his 6th birthday. He greeted his guests wearing a Pie Bald Ball Python. Lance was in heaven and was quite the host.

Lance got to pick 10 animals from the Safari and it started off with a Yellow Bearded Dragon. All the kids (and the few adults) got to touch all the animals and we learned all about the different creatures.

Russell with the Yellow Bearded Dragon

The biggest snake was the Coastal Carpet Python

There was a Sulcata Tortoise...

and a Rose Hair Tarantula. Russell had the appropriate shirt so got to hold the tarantula first.

Lance and the Pie Bald Ball Python

My favorite animal was the Black Throat Monitor. Trevor wasn't quite as thrilled.

Rachel, however, was fascinated.

I got to hold the monitor and ended up with some pretty scratched up arms.

The party ended off with a snake cake and lizard pinata. The animals were a big hit and Lance had the time of his life.

Longs Peak

Last week I tackled another 14er. I've been wanting to do Longs Peak for several years now, and finally bit the bullet. I went with my brother-in-law Andy and Pie Konchar. We left Denver at 2 a.m. and started hiking at 4. As the name implies, it is a LONG hike - about 15 miles round trip and over 5,000 feet elevation gain.

Andy and I at the trailhead.

Pie Konchar

Sunrise

We hiked for about 2 1/2 hours in the dark until the sun came up. The first part of the hike was mostly trail through the forest. Longs Peak is in Rocky Mountain National Park, so the scenery is beautiful.


After a while we hit the boulder field which leads up to the keyhole. After that the hiking became more difficult.


You can see Andy and Pie hiking up toward the keyhole. As we passed through I think it was one of the windiest places I have ever been in, and I must say a bit scarry.

Close up of the keyhole

After we hiked through we traversed a face, which you can see behind Andy and me.

At the end of the face is the trough - a narrow steep section of bouldering. I took out the helmet at that point as there is a ton of loose rock which can fall down at any time. The section after the trough was the toughest, as we came around and hiked across another face which had some exposure. There were a few slightly scary moves but I made it across without much trouble. At the end of that face is the homestretch - a steep rock climb to the summit.

Summit of Longs Peak - 14,255 feet

More summit pictures

Pie, me and Andy on the summit

The hike down was somewhat grueling, as we were pretty tired by that point. The entire hike took 11 1/2 hours and it was definitely the hardest 14er I have done so far. I think that will be my last for the year - 13 down and 41 to go!