Candy Cane Classic

Lilly's gymnastics gym puts on a fall event called the Candy Cane Classic. Here are videos of her routines:


Vault


Beam


Floor

Family Hike

Today we went hiking near Boulder. We hiked to a place called Mallory Cave. The end of the hike came when we had to scale a rock wall to reach the cave. We decided to turn back partially because of the climb and partially because we would't have been allowed in the caves anyway. The forest service has closed the cave in the hopes of protecting the bats which make the cave home.


Lilly with Boulder in the background


The wall leading to the cave

Gymnastics

Lilly really loves her gymnastics practices. Here she is climbing the rope. She did three trips up and down on this night.




She looks a lot more frightened than she actually is

Lilly and Grandpa Go Golfing

Pictures from a golfing trip to The First Tee course at City Park.


Plenty of cartwheels by Lilly


The short game with her caddy looking on

Halloween 2011

Lilly in the Westerly Creek Elementary Halloween Parade


Boo had a costume too!


The neighborhood kids

Last 4Runner Pictures

In September we traded in the 4Runner for a new car. We took a few pictures before we said goodbye.


Boo is thrilled.

Rockies Game

This past weekend Holly, Lilly and I went to a Rockies game with my parents, my sister Beth and her husband Geoff. It started to rain in the seventh when the Rockies were down by 7 or so runs. This cleared out the stands and Lilly and I were able to sit in the first row about 30 feet from the third baseman. A fly ball was hit to the Dodger's center fielder ending the inning. As he jogged into the infield he tossed the ball to their left fielder, Tony Gwynn. As he trotted past he saw Lilly and tossed me the ball. What a memorable game!


Lilly and her Souvenir

Rapids Soccer Game

Holly, Lilly and I went to a Colorado Rapids soccer game this past weekend. Lilly's soccer club is associated with the Rapids and we were able to get pretty good seats for the club night. As a bonus Lilly was selected as one of the 22 kids to walk out hand-in-hand with one of the players. Lilly was escorted out by #15, Wells Thompson. It was fun because he started the game and Lilly was able to cheer for him.


Lilly during the National Anthem. Wells is the player far left.


The Rapids Coach, Gary Smith


Dick's Sporting Goods Park

Zoo Camp

Lilly had summer camp at the Denver Zoo for the last couple weeks of summer vacation.


Bodie the Wonder Dog


Porcuepine


Lilly at the Camp Sing-a-long

Copper Mountain Biking

This past weekend Holly, Lilly and I went mountain biking at Copper Mountain. We had done this trip last year and wanted to make sure to do it again. We climbed the dirt road that zigzags across the mountain from the base area up to the ski patrol station at 12,000 feet. It was so much fun to have Lilly really working with me on the tag-a-long.


On the back deck of the ski patrol outpost


A great ride

Dads and Kiddos Camping Weekend

This weekend Lilly and I joined three other dads with their kiddos for a camping weekend at Lone Rock Campground near Deckers, CO. The campsite was right on the South Platte River and we were able to float the river on tubes right from our camp. The cool water felt great with the sun beating down on us.


Looking up river from our campsite


Looking down river from our campsite

A side trip of the weekend was mountain biking with Lilly. Below is a great video of Lilly riding some singletrack and taking a digger.


A real mountain biker

Fourth of July

Fourth of July weekend was a great weekend. It was sunny and hot, we had hot dogs, we spent a lot of time at the pool, there were bike rides and we saw fireworks. Everything the Fourth should be.


Lilly and Dad's bike ride to downtown Denver


Lilly and Dad camping out on the new patio


Action shot of Lilly off the board

Lilly's Impromptu Performance

Lilly's performance at Aunt Bee and Uncle Geoff's:

Twin Lakes

Holly and I spent this weekend in Twin Lakes (Leadville) CO. The cabin was in the shadow of 5 14ers. Incredible views from our front door:


Mt. Massive, Mt. Elbert


Mt. Oxford, Mt. Belford, La Plata

On Saturday we went for a big ride to get ready for the Triple Bypass. We rode from Twin Lakes, over Independence Pass, to Aspen and back. The ride was 80 miles with over 7,000 feet of climbing. All of the ride was above 8,000 feet.

This was one of the best rides I've ever done. The climb from Aspen over the pass alone was worth the trip. Climbing 4,000 feet takes you from lush, green, warm Aspen to the snow fields and 40 degrees of Independence Pass. Holly was fighting a stomach problem and a little vertigo. It was really tough but she made it all on her own. Pretty inspiring.

Here are a couple pictures of the top. It is crazy to think this road was plowed open only three weeks ago.


Us at the top. 12,093 feet.


Holly coming up the Twin Lakes side.

New Landscaping

This past week the landscapers finished up our backyard. They did a fantastic job and we already love spending time out there. We've been fortunate to have the perfect weather for eating dinner outside. The lights at night are very nice. The patio furniture was a Costco purchase. The tabletop is slate and weighs 200 lbs! Quite a chore for Holly and I to lift it into place.

Below are a few pictures.


The glass bird Lilly gave Holly for Mothers' Day


Our new patio and furniture.


Another view of the patio


Closeup of table and chairs


From another angle


Boo likes it under the new table


At night


Second night picture

Washington DC

Memorial Day weekend we went to our niece Kalie's high school graduation in Front Royal, VA. Congratulations Kalie!

We also used the time to do some sightseeing in DC. Seeing the buildings lit at night was a highlight for me.


Abraham Lincoln


Lilly, Holly and ducks at the WWII Memorial


World War II Memorial


White House (front)


Back of the White House


It was "Rolling Thunder" weekend


Korean War Memorial


Russ in front of the Lincoln Memorial


Lilly in front of Lincoln


Thomas Jefferson


Washington Memorial and Capitol in the background


Lincoln Memorial


Capitol at night

Karate

Lilly had karate testing for her gold stripe this week. She was nervous as she had to remember the 6 principles of Omniform Karate, the progression of belts & stripes, execute her punches and kicks, jump-rope for 1 minute 8 or fewer misses and do one set of physical fitness building exercises. The testing was done in front of 4 black belts, one of which is a 3rd degree black belt. And...

SHE PASSED! She was happy and we were very proud of her.