Christmas Time

Decorations are up, presents are wrapped, countdown has begun.

20 years ago...


I made this little walnut ornament in 1990. I was eight. My mom sent it to me and now it is hanging on my tree.

Colorado Christmas Tree


Mike and I hiked two hours in knee deep snow to find this beauty. A true Colorado Christmas tree picked right out of the forest.

Each year, the National Forest Service opens up a bit of land that needs to be thinned and family and go and cut trees. This tree stands over 10 feet tall.

Lincoln Falls- Ice Climbing


Mike, Bryan and I went ice climbing at Lincoln Falls a few weekends ago. A great natural ice fall.

Good Hiding Spot


Really Fedex guy? This is your best hiding spot?

End of Movember


Here is Mike 30 days in. I want to support prostate cancer, but this is ridiculous. He did a clean shave last night, thank goodness.

First Ever Homemade Pumpkin Pie


This is the first pie I have ever made. Hope it is good. Happy Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin Bars


Sinfully delicious pumpkin bars. A layer of shortbread, then pumpkin and finished off with chocolate.

Movember


Mike is growing a mustache to raise money for Movember. Not my favorite look, but a good cause.

Learn more and donate here: http://us.movember.com/mospace/306924/

Hawaii 2010: Hibiscus


Had to stop for this beautiful hibiscus.

Hawaii 2010: USS Arizona Memorial


Great view of the Memorial from the USS Missouri.

Hawaii 2010: Kilauea Rim


Night time shot. Thanks Mike for taking this great pic!

Hawaii 2010: Kalalau Trail


Our 8 mile hike on the Kalalau Trail was beautiful and muddy.

First Snow


A bit overexposed. Taken on iPhone4

Fall has come to Denver


Yellow and red leaves, dying weeds....it is fall in Denver.

Pizza Night


Saturday night's homemade pesto veggie pizza.

Quandary Peak

Mike and I climbed Quandary Peak this week. It was my first successful 14,000 foot mountain. Here are a few pics from our adventure.

Trailhead (Early morning, so it is a bit blurry)


Just above treeline
Summit
My first 14,000 foot summit
Mountain Goat on the descent

Climbing


Mike and I spent all day Sunday climbing in Boulder Canyon.

Boulder Reel Rock Film Tour


Last night, Mike, myself and some friends went to the Reel Rock Film Tour in Boulder. It was a late night, but totally worth it. The videos were amazing.

Friday Night Apple Store


Lots of shoppers getting their "i" on.

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers


Dinner. A healthy twist on an old favorite.

Ride to Maroon Bells


Rode up to Maroon Bells today. Best ride yet.

Hummingbird Moth


This little guy was flying around downtown Aspen.

Bike Ride

So, what have I been doing the last few months? Enjoying the summer! Unfortunately, I haven't been taking my camera. Here is a shot from about half way up my ride from Evergreen, CO to Echo Lake...uphill the entire way.

Climbing in Boulder


Mike and I went climbing near the Flatirons in Boulder.

Backpacking Self Portrait


Colorado Trail

Colorado Trail


Waking up in the wilderness on the Colorado Trail.

Colorado Trail


Mike and I went backpacking on the Colorado Trail.

Crested Butte Riding


An action shot of me mountain biking in Crested Butte. It was a beautiful trail.

Camping in Southern Colorado


In early June, Mike and I camped in Southern Colorado near Sand Dunes National Park. I forgot to pull this one from the camera earlier.

Children at Play


The bison roam free at Custer State Park. We were greeted by the herd at the end of our hike.

At the Cliff's Edge


Mike and I took an afternoon hike on the Lover's Leap Trail in Custer State Park.

Lighting Ceremony at Mt. Rushmore


Mike and I spent a few nights camping near Mount Rushmore. Our third trip to this amazing monument was just as breathtaking as the first.

Growing Basil


I love eating fresh basil in the summer. Hoping that this stem sprouts roots, so I can have more basil to enjoy.

Homemade Granola


Made some delicious homemade granola today. Quick and easy. Recipe can be found at www.dirtygourmet.com/almond-flax-granola

Google Booth at ISTE


Mike said this reminded him of insects to a light.

Cherry Tree


Walking home from the light rail station, I was surprised to see this fully bloomed cherry tree.

Denver Zoo


At the Discovery Education Pre-Conference ISTE Event at the Denver Zoo yesterday, I captured this guy showing off.

Denver Zoo


At the Discovery Education Pre-Conference ISTE Event at the Denver Zoo yesterday, I captured this guy showing off.

Self Portrait at Sand Dunes National Park


A very windy day at Sand Dunes National Park.

Teva Mountain Games: Dog Event


These dogs were great competitors. Very entertaining!

Teva Mountain Games: Mountain Bike Race


Mike finishing the race.

Teva Mountain Games: Kayak


Watched some amazing kayakers on Friday afternoon.

Teva Mountain Games: Climbing SemiFinals


Climbers at the Teva games semi finals. I climbed in the citizen's comp on Sunday morning.

Teva Mountain Games: Stash and Dash


Mike competed in the Thule Stash and Dash competition. He put in a very respectable time securing a kayak, filling a roof box, and loading a bike.

Memorial Day


Rockclimbing near Estes Park, a nap by the river, and homemade hamburgers made for a great Memorial Day.