Sunday, February 21, 2010

Our Trip to Colorado: July 2009

In July, the weather in Colorado is just gorgeous. When we arrived from Las Vegas, we couldn't wait to be outside. The Bezzants' backyard is so fun: trampoline, jungle gym, and lots and lots of grass.

Allyse is so proud to be on top of the jungle gym.

Benjamin was excited to find a ball in the back yard.

Joshua and Noah relaxed on the tramp with one another.

Angelina loved swinging.

Before we arrived at the Bezzant's home, we stopped in Glenwood Springs for the night. The Bezzants met us there. The next day we went to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. They had an alpine coaster, rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and a couple of other rides. We rode up in the Gondolas.

The view was breath taking of the Rocky mountains.

Allyse was not frightened as we climbed higher and higher. She was quite excited by the whole adventure.

Brad, Angelina, and Allyse couldn't wait to get to the top of the mountain. Benjamin didn't know what was happening.

Joshua had fun doing a little bit of rock climbing.


Joshua got to the top! Way to go.
Benjamin enjoyed playing in the sand box and being out of the direct sun.

Angelina joined Benjamin also.

Joseph and Noah went on the giant swing.

As he waited for the swing to start, he had second thoughts.

He wondered if he should get off the ride.

Noah seemed to not care, but Joseph was holding on to dear life.

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Joseph did make it through the ride and was proud of himself for doing it.

The best part of the day was the Alpine coaster. The whole family had fun going down the mountain in the sleds.

Allyse went down a couple of times by herself.

Brad and Allyse went down a couple of times together. At the end of the day, the clouds were rolling in and lightening was heading our way. We had to go down the mountain in a bus because the gondolas were closed. We headed to the Bezzant's home.

In Denver, we visited the Museum of Nature and Science. This was our second time visiting. The exhibits were outstanding and very kid friendly.

We had to do a silly picture.

Angelina enjoyed posing in front of the dinosaur.

Benjamin is Angelina's shadow, so of course he had to pose for a picture too.

A little twist of the head and Benjamin was ready for another picture.

We visited Nathan, Katie, Michael and Sara in Colorado Springs. We all met at the North Pole. This was the home of Santa's workshop. There were rides, shops and places to eat.

Joshua and Noah getting ready for a ride to start.

Sara was enjoying being with all her cousins.

Angelina and Lilly were clapping while riding in the cars.

Brad and Christian were enjoying the shade on a sunny day.

Christine, Katie and Julene were taking a break from walking.

Benjamin was happy to go on some of the rides especially if his mommy was there.

The duo, Joseph and Noah, always found a ride together.

The North Pole had some animals for the kids to see and touch.

Allyse, Joseph, Julene, Brad and Ben had fun on the roller coaster.

Allyse, Benjamin, and Joshua enjoyed the kiddie bus.

Brad was the man who pushed the stroller up and down the hills. Thanks!

The whole group had fun with Rock Band.




Later that week, we headed to a park. They had rock climbing, swings, sand for Benjamin, and fun things to do.












The day before we left was 4th of July. We let off some fireworks and sparklers. Angelina stepped on a firework on accident and burned herself. We had to carry her around because it hurt to walk.





Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Zion Canyon: Angel's Landing Oct. 2009

Brad took the Boy Scout troop to Zion National Park in Utah to hike Angel's Landing.

Just minutes before breaking camp and starting the hike, Matt Mohlman and Joshua were enjoying the smell of the smoke from the campfire.

Kirk Walker, T.J. Angilau, Brandon Jackson, Matt Mohlman and Joshua sitting around the campfire in the morning before the hike, waiting for Brad to put down the camera and start making breakfast for them. (Just kidding, Kirk.)

The hiking path to Angel's Landing started by crossing over the Virgin River.

The Scouts were lucky to enjoy a picture-perfect fall day in Zion Canyon.

One of the most famous segments of the hike is Walter's Wiggles, a series of switchbacks up the back of Angel's Landing that look a lot more intimidating than they are.

Joshua and the rest of the troop hiked up Angel's Landing. The highlight of the hike was the land bridge--a narrow pathway across to the rock formation that is Angel's Landing. A few feet to either side would result in a fall of 1,000 feet or more.

At certain points of the hike, the land bridge is so narrow that there is a chain to assist hikers.

On the way up, the Scouts caught the rare sight of a massive California Condor soaring over Zion Canyon. This fantastic bird has an incredible wingspan of 8 to 10 feet.

Joshua made it to the top! Way to go!

The Troop and other hikers rested at the top of Angel's Landing and enjoyed the scenery before heading back down the rock.

Joshua was so excited to make it to the top.

Joshua found a chipmunk and shared some of his snacks with the little beggar.

Josh and Brad on top of the rock with Zion Canyon and the West Rim behind them.

Angel's Landing provides a spectacular view of Zion Canyon.

Friday, February 12, 2010

BYU VS. UNLV October 10, 2009

Brad took Joshua, Joseph and Allyse to the BYU football game against UNLV. They all wore their BYU t-shirts and hats.

Go Cougars!

They went to the pep rally before the game and met Cosmo.

Brad saw some of his friends: Ben Bateman and James Harper.

Joshua loves BYU and couldn't stop smiling!

Brad bought Joseph a Go Cougars Claw.

BYU fans through and through.

Uncle Jonathan bought the tickets, so the family could sit together: Grandpa Wendell, Stephen, David and Spencer.

BYU's band played during halftime.

BYU won! At the end of the game, Joseph, Allyse and Joshua headed to the field to meet the BYU football players.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Daddy's Pancakes

Brad loves to make pancakes in the morning when he has time. He has perfected the art. He triples the recipe, so the children can have pancakes for breakfast the days after. His pancakes are perfectly round and very fluffy, not to mention delicious. Benjamin enjoys helping Brad any time he has the chance, especially if he is making pancakes.