Black Hills Vacation

We traveled to the Black Hills in South Dakota for my cousin Carise's wedding. We had good weather, saw beautiful scenery, did Mount Rushmore, got to see a lot of family on my side, rode the 1880 Train from Hill City to Keystone, cooked over a fire, swam, rode bikes, rode horses and went to a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception. Below are some pictures.


Sylvan Lake - we stayed in cabins close to the lake


Another of Sylvan Lake - with Lilly hiking on the rocks


Holly and Lilly on a hike with the lake in the background


Boo with a dress collar - now he can get into the country club.


Lilly and Megan on the 1880 Train


Lilly on the train


Holly and Lilly at Mt. Rushmore


Lilly and 4 dudes


The wedding was at The Chapel in the Hills

Berthoud Pass

Doug (a friend from work) and I rode Idaho Springs - Winter Park - Idaho Springs yesterday. The route goes over Berthoud Pass at 11,000+ feet. Lots of climbing and a spot or two where we hit 50 mph on the way down.


Route Profile


Continental Divide


Doug looking out over the switchbacks


Also a popular spot to backcountry ski

Colorado Springs & Royal Gorge

This past weekend Holly, Lilly and I hosted Kalie and her friend Alysson. They flew in to attend a candidate camp at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Sunday we went down to Colorado Springs. The girls went on a rafting trip while Lilly and I hiked. Rafting was a good time. They were happy they didn't fall out of the raft as they were cold enough being splashed. With the recent rain and snow melt the river was too high to raft through Royal Gorge.

After the trip we drove to the Royal Gorge bridge. It was late so we didn't go in the park but we were able to look over the edge and see the river below.


A great hike with Lilly.


Cacti in bloom.


Hiking above Cañon City.


Royal Gorge.

Happy Birthday Lilly

Lilly turned six years old today. Wow!


And Scooby-Doo on Channel 2?

Swimmer

Summer is here and Lilly has started swim lessons. I was surprised at her confidence when going off the diving board.


Not a problem dad...

Horseback Riding

Lilly went to an introductory horseback riding class this weekend. Here is a picture and a video.


Lilly riding Sandy


This is fun

Lilly's Dance Recital

Lilly's dance recital is this weekend. These videos are from dress rehearsal yesterday. Cameras aren't allowed into the final performance.


Tap Routine


Balet Routine

Juniper Pass Ride

View from 11,000+ feet. Part of a 60 mile, 5,000ft ride. The guy in the pic is Doug, a riding budy from work.


Wow.

Pools are Open

The Stapleton pools opened this weekend.


Lilly loves to swim.

1st Day of Summer

Lilly's first day off of school was today. She and Holly spent part of it at Elitch Gardens.


Ferris Wheel


Shootout with Mom