RMNP Part Two--Elk

It's not hard to find elk at Rocky Mountain National Park in September. All you have to do is drive around and look for a cluster of parked cars. Where there are cars, there are elk! We didn't have to drive very long after lunch before we found this herd napping under the trees. The big bull was off by himself, also napping.

Eventually he got up and walked around a little.

Are you my Daddy?

My camera didn't like the light under the trees and these elk weren't very interesting so I took pictures of the photographers instead.

I bet this kid got a good picture!

There were a few people without cameras.

This crazy kid was more interested in the sticks and rocks than the elk.

Eventually we moved on and found a second, more interesting group of elk.

This herd had managed to get split between two sides of one very vehicle crowded road.

The bull was very unhappy about this and kept bugling to the cows on the other side.

The herd kept going up to the road and thinking about crossing...

but then they'd chicken out at the last minute.

Finally, they made a break for it!

Elk power!

Safely on the other side.

Disappearing into a big field.

The bull kept on bugling even as he trotted off.

My three elk watchers with the herd in the distance.

September 2009

RMNP Part One--Lunch

The kids didn't have to go to school Friday so we decided to spend the day at Rocky Mountain National Park. The main purpose of the trip was to see elk and aspen. However it was after twelve by the time we arrived and everyone was starving. Rather than go looking for critters, we first found a nice spot by a river to have lunch. James is always happy to pose for my camera.

His father is less accommodating. He saw me pointing the camera in his direction and made this face.

I looked at the camera's display and told him to pose again, this time with his eyes open. Here's picture number two:

James finished his lunch quickly, grabbed his Oreos...

and headed down to the river bank.

Seth followed his lead, as did Ryan.

This is Ryan pointing at a fish in the water.

And this is Ryan after he realized I was taking pictures of him. What a brat!

September 2009

Ratmandu

The Spice Girls are getting bigger. James' hair is getting crazier.

September 2009

Business venture

Some kids set up a lemonade stand... Our kids prefer a mobile rock and stick sales unit.

September 2009.

James and Maggie watching tv

Apparently Maggie makes a nice pillow if you don't mind coarse, scruffy hair and a little bit of a doggy smell.

September 2009.

Leftover summer pictures

It's Labor Day. The kids have been in school for two weeks and although the calendar says otherwise, it does seem like summer is over. Here are some leftover pictures from our summertime adventures.We went to lots of parks this summer. The first four pictures show Ryan and James enjoying the big hill and water feature at Westlands Park.

Ryan on a mission.

Last one to the top is a rotten egg.

We also went to lots of pools.

This is the H2O'Brien Pool in Parker.

James is part of the Blue Man Group.

Soaking up some rays.

Nice hair!

Thumbs up mean everything is A-OK in James' little world.

Of course, we spent lots of time hanging out in the front yard with the neighbors. That's Jozsh, Cynthia, Edgar and Ryan. Here comes James to join in the fun.

The boys took very good care of their bikes.

Squirting it with the hose is more fun than washing it with a sponge.

Seth demonstrates proper technique.Maggie would really like to help, but she's just sure someone is going to squirt her. Everyone agrees the highlight of summer 2009 was the cousins visit. Here is Ryan waiting for them to come.

Ryan again, this time sporting his "modded" Nerf gun. Thanks Uncle Jason.

Johannes and Jonas on the swing.

Jonas in the front yard tree.

All the boys in front of the speeding purple minivan getting ready to head off on another exciting adventure.

Goodbye summer. We miss you already!