Spencers Itch!

Early this morning Spencer had an 'itch' to take a hike to the pond up the draw from our house. He tried to get the other kids to go along, but they didn't have an interest. I told Spencer if he would let me get some breakfast in me, then I would go along with him! He was excited. Spencer and I made omelets together, and after our hearty breakfast we headed out for our hike. Now that Dad was going along, the other kids decided that they wanted to go also.

Ruby crosses the stream on a log. Spencer is following with a large bone that he just had to take home!

Jacob Walker, Preston, Spencer and Ruby. Spencer still has that bone in hand.

Preston decides he has to take home a big stick! Why do boys always have to carry home something?

Halfway home Preston gives his stick to Dad to carry.

Photos taken: May 2, 2009 The last photo taken by: Preston

Montana

Last week I spent in Montana, receiving some professional development training. On Monday the group toured the Apollo Gold's Montana Tunnels Mine. I opted not to take the tour, and spent the day on my own little tour of Western Montana. I drove from Butte to Missoula on I 90, and then followed Montana Highway 2 from Missoula to Helena, then followed I 15 back to Butte.



I took this photo on highway 2 at the turn off to Glacier National Park.

This photo was taken at Fleshier Pass, on the Continental Divide.

Photo's taken: April 27, 2009

Come To Zion

This past week was spring break for the kids. This year we decided that it would be a great time for a vacation. You see spring in Star Valley is 'snow' much fun! We picked a warmer clime to spend a few days. We decided to go to Zion National Park. Some how we talked Ashley into coming along. We met up with Ashley, in Ely, at Grandpa and ma Howes' house. From there we traveled to St. George and Zion.




Along the way we stopped at the Salt Flats. The boys seem to have a blast each time we take a break on the Flats.








Near Panaca Nevada we stopped for a break at Cathedral Gorge. It was sunny, but windy.

Angela Enjoying the View

Ruby

Wesley, Ruby, Ashley, and Mellany




Wesley, Ashley, and Mellany

We arrived at Zion Wednesday afternoon. We checked into are motel room and relaxed!

From the Deck of Our Motel Room

From the Front of the Motel

Thursday we spent hiking the trails in the park.

Mellany, Spencer, Ruby, Wesley, and Preston - Watching a Deer Feed

Ruby, Spencer, Me, Mellany, Preston, Ashley, and Wesley

Angela, Spencer and Preston

Near Lower Emerald Pool

Preston, Ruby, Wesley, and Spencer - On the Trail to the Narrows

Preston, Ruby and Spencer - Middle Emerald Pool

Wesley and Ashley, Middle Emerald Pool

Saturday we visited a Dinosaur Muesem on Johnson Farm, in St. George.

Spencer and Preston

Wesley, Ruby, Mellany, Spencer and Preston

Spencer and Preston

Photos taken: March 31, April 1, April 2, April 3, and April 4, 2009 By: Craig, Angela, and Ruby

Where In the Heck Have I Been?

I have now received 3 emails asking where I have been lately.

Most of my weekends have been on the road. Mostly to Salt Lake. Grandma Howes had open heart surgery about a month ago. I spent a week in SLC when she had her surgery, and have returned most weekends to see her.

This past weekend the family spent the weekend in Idaho Falls.

In between I have just been busy. I do have some catching up to do and will make the effort over the next few days.

Craig

What a Cartoon!

You may remember the photo above from a post I did back in October. The 3 friends in this photo all work at Simplot with me. Ki Ealey is the Maintenance Manager, Robert (Whompa) Roberts, is the safety specialist, and Jeff Miller is the HR Manager. This particular hunting trip caused a lot of 'talk' at work. You see Jeff shot an antlerless elk in an antlered only area. It was a mistake and it was reported. Jeff received a $210 fine, and was allowed to keep his hunting privileges and the elk! But of coarse, at work he took a lot of ribbing.

Recently this cartoon started popping up on the walls in the office at work! It was drawn by Harold Sweeny, a Mechanic. I think it is great!

NFL Week 8 Results

Well, well... Angela got the better of me this week! And it didn't even take a tie breaker. Thats two weeks in a row. I better start taking this just a little bit more serious!

A Great Day Hunting

Saturday I spent the day elk hunting with some good friends. We went up Murphy's Creek, which feeds the Greys River. We packed in on mules about 5 miles and then hunted the head of the creek near the summit of the Salt River Range.

Whompa

Near the Top

We ran into some good hunting here. I saw a very nice 5 point mule deer. When got into the elk pretty thick. Ki Ealey took a couple of shots, down below me. I saw several very nice bulls running across a snow field. I didn't have a gunners mate to feed me coordinates, so I refrained from shooting! Jeff Miller took two shots above me. I made the mistake of hiking off the hill to see how Ki had did. He missed.

Shortly there after we learned that Jeff had shot one. Of coarse at the very top of the mountain.

Jeff (standing), Whomp, Bob Coggins, and Ki Ealey

How come Jeff shot it and everyone else is cleaning it? It's the first elk jeff has ever shot! A small calf, but an elk just the same.

Ki, Jeff, and Whompa

On the Trail Out

Ki, Myself, Whompa and Jeff

(We are the ones on two legs)!

Photos taken: October 18, 2008

Last photo taken by: Bob Coggins

Lisa and Nathan

Lisa and Nathan were married in the Timpanogos Temple yesterday. They plan on making their home in Draper.

Nathan and Lisa Liddle

Mount Timpanogos Temple

Preston, Angela, Craig, Spencer and Ruby

After the wedding a lucheon was held at La Vigna Ristorante Italiano. Good food and good company made for a good time by all.

Luncheon at La Vigna

When Angela and I went to Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago we stopped at Bridal Veil Falls. When the kids saw the pictures, they wanted to go see the falls. Lucky for us, this trip followed so soon.

Ruby, Preston, Spencer, Angela and Grandpa

(Bridal Veil Falls)

Photos taken: October 10 and 11, 2008

I Love Them Boy's

Preston, Dad, Spencer

Photo takaen: September 29, 2008 By: Angela

Homecoming

Preston and Spencer have been bugging me for some time to take them to a football game. Last night was homecoming and the game started at 4:00, so it was the perfect time. The weather was great, 65 degrees, sunny and calm!

Left to Right Unknown SV fan, Ruby, Preston, Spencer, Me, and Angela

Star Valley in Maroon vs. Marsh Valley

Cheerleaders at Halftime

The Braves Win! In OT!

Photos taken: September 26, 2008

Bridal Veil Falls

On our return trip from Las Vegas we stopped for a break at Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are located about 4 miles up Provo Canyon. We took Provo Canyon to Heber and Park City so we could avoid driving through Salt Lake City and Parley's Canyon.

Angela

Craig

Photos taken: September 24, 2008

Photo of me taken by: Angela

NFL - Week 2 Results

Week two is in the books and I have opened up an eight point lead! I am off to a very good start. It is going to be hard for Angela to catch up.

NFL Picks -Week 1 Results

Week 1 is over I have jumped out to a big lead over Angela. She is going to have to do some serious catching up! We'll see how next week goes. It may all change, you never know.

Camping at Cottonwood Lake

We made our first trip to the mountains for our first camping trip of the summer this past Thursday. We camped at Cottonwood lake, which is only about 15 miles up the mountain. Ruby had her game Friday, and Alec had to work, so we had to trek up and down the mountain a couple of times, but we had a blast. We stayed Thursday night, until Saturday morning.

Fishing wasn't great, but it was fun. Alec caught a nice Bonneville Cutthroat!

Alec Cleans the Grill

(Pink is the New Black?)

Cozy

Spencer has the Patience of Job!

Preston Caught Himself!

Ruby Has a New Rod and Reel

Look Close Where Her Line Went!

Photos taken: June 26, 27, and 28, 2008