Garden

We are finally getting some growth in the garden.  It was so cold and wet that we got a late start again this year.  The corn will not be knee high by the 4th of July.  We have a variety this year.  Bridger wanted corn, pumpkins, watermelon, snow peas and cucumber.  We will see what we end up with.

Wednesday is library day at Bridger's school.  He picked out a couple of mysteries again.  He seems to enjoy them.  He stayed outside with one of his books for a while when we got home.

He has been wanted to do the cooking lately.  I think it is more of the grill.  He likes lighting it and getting to turn whatever is cooking.  He has cooked lunch the past two day.  Yesterday was hot dogs and today was hamburgers.

He has had two baseball games this week and one more tomorrow.  He has been hitting the ball a lot better.  He seems to enjoy batting a lot more.  He is still a little scared but I don't blame him.  The pitching machines are broken so it has been coach pitch.  Bridger's coach thinks he can win the Cy Young award this year instead of pitching to the kids.  He even drilled his own kid in the back last night.

It has been in the 90's the past couple of days.  I hope everyone is staying cool.

"that sucker teed off on that like he knew I was gonna throw a fastball"

Yard Work

We had a weekend at home finally.  We trimmed the trees.  There were a lot of dead branches that needed cut so we got the ladder and saws.  Bridger had fun with the saw on the pole.  I used the chainsaw, notice the yellow helmet, safety first.  Good new is that only minor injuries occurred. 

Last night we noticed we did not have hot water.  We went down stairs to check it out and found our hot water heater leaking.  We will be calling Monday to get a new one.  We went to the fitness club today so we could take warm showers.

Other than that we had a nice weekend.  Bridger has a lot of baseball this week due to make up games.  I hope everyone had a nice weekend.

"Well, I'm glad I ain't scared to be lazy"

batting cages and golf

our driving lessons

guess who went in the sand today

we got home just before this let loose on us. 8th hole pic

what a fun day once we got going.  We did a couple of errands and then got to the batting cages.  Bridger wasn't so sure about the whole process at first.  Then he got into it when he started hitting the balls.  Darin and I got a couple of turns also.

We then got some snacks and waited out one storm to pass through in the golf course parking lot.  We got on and immediately had to wait for the ones in front of us, who were waiting on ones in front of them.  Just the way it goes sometimes.  We all had great hits and some not so good hits.  We all lost a ball or two as well.  But we had fun.  The next storm showed up on the south side of the mountain and we kept our eyes on it.  We did get home just in time.  This particular one had some hail in it and down poured more than the first one.  We were all set to go to the game and they called it off at 5:30pm, 1/2 hour before the game. 

Bridger asked if Gage could sleep over.  We called and he could.  They are playing something in B's room.  I imagine they will hot tub later.  Darin suggested an outside movie with our movie player.  We tried it last night until another storm started blowing through.  By the time we got everything back inside it appeared we were only going to get the wind, no rain.

Tomorrow's another day!

Enjoying our days

 

I was having some trouble with spacing between the photos and typing today. 

The picture of Bridger and Cadence is from January 2006.  Sad to say but I think that was the last time we have been to Texas.  It has been nice that Chase and Tori made the trek to Wyoming for the last several visits.  Bridger saw this picture not long ago and said, "I don't think Cadence would like this picture."

The view from the top of Pike's Peak is as you can imagine-expansive.  They are looking toward the north.  

I forgot to mention Bridger almost winning a game during hockey camp.  Everyday they played a game Bridger called Grenade.  All the kids would skate back and forth from one end to another.  The coaches would be on the sides of the ice slapping pucks at the kids as they skated by.  If the puck hit your skate-you were out.  Bridger one day got down to the last 4, then the last day of camp he made it down to the last two.  The other person is his girl goalie friend, Haley.  It was a fun game to watch.  Bridger got pretty good at hopping over the sailing puck.  When he got out he got tagged from behind.  Some kids wore blue jerseys and others white like Bridger's.  Since the last two were white jerseys (kids).  The white team won also. 

Grandpa Roger, no, the two stories of my blundering were two different kids.  

This camp was very generous with things given to the kids.  Bridger got the jersey, ball cap,and a water bottle the first day.  He won the sportsmanship award and the 4 goalies were given small trophies.  The picture of all of them was also given  free.  They had nice lunches every day and told the kids to eat their ice cream treat first-it was OK, they were at camp.  We all know that the ice cream would have melted otherwise.

We are going to have "brunch", wait for Darin to do his work-out and then head to the batting cages today.  Bridger has a game tonight at 6pm.  It is a rain make-up game and it is our turn for treats.

post afa hockey camp/pikes peak

at pike's peak-the donuts are famous they make-who knew?

some nice person offered to take our picture

dear Lord-please don't make me be on the girls' line again

taking charge

after the puck

nice puck handling, but no score, it went wide

doesn't that shirt look BIG without pads!!!

What a nice trip we had.  It was so nice to hear Bridger remark on the way home that he would like to do that camp again.  He was so against camp going into it with the concern of how long of a day it would be.  He admitted he had lots of fun.  He said it was fun to meet some of the nice kids.  He buddied up with a girl goalie.  She was a tiny little thing.  He asked during one of the snack breaks if we could buy her something also.  He went and offered to her and she declined. 

On the last day during 4 on 4 he was on a team that had 3other boys and 3 girls.  The boys kept rotating in with the girls.  Bridger did not like being on the line with the girls.  The 2nd time he went out with them, he skated out, swiped the puck from someone as he pushed the kid into the boards (wall) and skated around behind the goalie net and popped the puck in at the corner of the net.  It was almost comical to see him get aggravated and aggressive at the same time.  I wish we could call upon that at other times.  I saw him go up to the coach after that and ask something.  He came back to the side and crouched down.  We could see he was so aggravated.  Darin called it when he said he doesn't want to be with the girls.  I asked Bridger later why not-he said, "Because they get the puck and they do nothing with it.  They won't pass and someone just steals it from them."  It was pretty true.

Bridger was one of three boys who received a puck for an acknowledgment. He wasn't for sure for what at first, but then later he told us it was because of his good manners and his "sponsorships".  Darin and I had good laugh over his mistake of saying sponsorship for sportsmanship.  We explained his error and he found it comical also-especially the idea of someone else paying him to play with a company's products.

Also on the humorous note.  I was batting a thousand yesterday.  We were watching a drill and one little girl missed the passed puck every time.  She would miss it and the puck would sail past her down to the other part of the ice.  It would just take time and it was frustrating to watch. I stupidly said, "Watch she misses this every time!"  The next time she came up in the rotation-a grandmother turned around and looked at me from the row below us.  The girl missed the puck, but it made me wonder if I blundered aloud in front of her family.  Sure enough, the next time the grandmother went down and took a picture of her-yes, she missed the puck again.  Darin was just rolling at me.  They eventually moved down farther away from us.  I never said another word. 

Then after practice getting skates and equipment off  I thought I heard a player ask Darin for help.  I stepped around Darin and said, " I can help her with her skates".  Darin sort of pushed into me making me lose my balance and when I looked at him, he mouthed "NO!"  I was perplexed?  He mouthed, "not girl-but boy!"  OH!!!!  The boy had shoulder length hair and a gold chain around his neck.  He really did have a feminine look.  Bridger told me later that he was a boy that should have been a girl.  I don't think he really knew how loaded of  a statement he made.  He has no knowledge of how that could sound.  I felt like a heel, but it didn't seem that I was actually heard.  I decided it would be best if I just avoided people for quite awhile and went back out of the locker room.  Who should I run into but the grandmother!!!

Garden of the Gods or "that Darin"



kissing camels



not just a bluebird

So Monday night after we picked up Bridger from hockey camp we decided to try the Garden of the Gods.  It is supposed to be either a walking or driving sort of thing.  It also was one of the only things left open after 5pm.  That has been a downer for this trip-the time things close in the evenings.

Darin was willing to stop at the visitor center for us to get a map and have an idea of what we were supposed to be looking at.  There was a large model of the area that showed the different formations and their names.  that also put things in perspective for the drive around the park.  Of course, Darin tended to fail to see the pull-out spots in time for one stop and SEE what one could see.  There was actual only  handicapped parking spots, which were not being used.  I was reminded once again that I am capable of accessing handicap placards with a flick of the wrist and swish of the pen.

We did finally find a large parking area only because I looked ahead on the map and shouted, "TURN LEFT NOW!!"  It was a nice trail with a loop or two.  We only did one loop.  Darin was in rare form for the tourists.  Bridger wanted to climb on the large spire and you can see that he did.  He was having trouble getting back down.  A crowd of people kept coming through the same area.  Multiple children also wanted to climb in the same spot.  Bridger insisted he wouldn't be able to get down.  Darin kept trying to coax him down.  To add to the frustration an elderly woman spoke up rather loudly that the sign next to the spire said climbing on the rocks was prohibited.  Darin commented back that it was allowed if you paid $65 in advance.  Her grandson at least chuckled.

Then as were walking along the trail, yes, with Bridger, who did manage to get down, we spied several people off trail trying to take pictures in the bushes.  Darin spoke up once again saying, "yes, that does appear to be a rattlesnake".  I looked back and the people were looking around them in earnest.

The bird picture became the final act of his.  The bird was following us begging as we were ending the trail.  The bird flitted up in a tree, which Bridger didn't see it do.  Darin ran up to the tree and shouted, waving his arms.  No one was in sight at this time.  It became a game for Bridger and Darin to startle the bird.  Please keep in mind-the bird never flew off.  The last time Bridger did the bird chasing-some people popped out along a side trail just as Bridger was flayly his arms and hollering-so obviously chasing the bird.  Darin pretended to yell at him for being so mean to the wildlife.  Bridger at least wasn't up set for his pretend scolding.  It wasn't like Darin had not been doing this himself or anything.

Then on the way out there were more formations to view, which we were able to do at 35mph.  We saw one of three-only because we had to  drive right by it and everyone else was stopped looking at it.  It was a fun evening regardless.  We always seem to find humor in ourselves. 

We did drive up to Pike's Peak tonight (Wed).  We haven't downloaded the pictures just yet.  We leave for home tomorrow after hockey is done. 

tired goalie

Just another June day in Casper

pond cleaned and clear for summer

jumping sticks

using end of stick to "ring" a rubber ring instead playing with puck

our boy

hence the blog title-Darin liked the advertisement too.

We had an adventurous day today.  We got Bridger out to the Air Force Academy at the same time everyone who worked there was trying to get in also.  There was also all the other kids/families trying to get through the gates for ALL the camps going.  These 3 days are "Commuter Camp" for about every possible sport.  Every day is about drop-off and pick-up.  Darin was impressed with how many other sport camps were going on as well.  It was actually well organized.  We ran into the Casper people almost immediately.  None were Bridger's age.

Bridger and Darin went to get Bridger dressed.  Kids were already on the ice and drills were taking place.  We were about 1/2 hour late and so were many other kids.  In the brochure it said check-in was until 8:30 am and we got there at 8am.  Apparently, we were to start at 8am.  oh well.  Bridger skated out quite well considering it has been awhile since skated in hockey.  He as worried he would be on the ice from start to 4pm.  I think he only had about 2-3 hours total of ice time.  He actually got to watch the Mighty Ducks over two sessions.  He said that was his favorite part of the day. HMMMM.

We stayed and watched the morning ice session.  The drills were fun to watch.  Our son isn' t the most motivated person out there, but he holds his own.  We left and came back to have Darin help him with his gear after lunch.  We had a late lunch at Joe's Crab Shack just us two.  We familiarized ourselves with Colorado Springs between morning and afternoon.  For dinner Bridger wanted to eat with chopsticks.  Guess that meant Chinese.  We had never tried PF Changs and found one.  Neither Darin or I were overly impressed.  Bridger however was very content with his sweet and sour chicken with stir fried rice-that he ate with chopsticks.  We did have a fabulous dessert of bananas wrapped in wontons then fried.  It came with coconut ice cream and berries with caramel drizzled over the plate.  That was the best part of the meal for me.

Bridger fell asleep on the way out to the restaurant.  That seemed to revive him and he chatted away all dinner.  We had to remind him more eating less talking, which prompted a whole other discussion of whatever was on his mind at the time. 

We did drive through Garden of the Gods, but I will save that story for tomorrow's blog.  Oh yeah, for majority of the day it rained.  Pike's Peak received snow and the blog cam showed snow and fog at the top.  It was not a day to journey to the top.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads.  It sort of snuck up on me.  I remembered cards for Darin a couple of weeks ago.  But the other dads-oops.  I know I could call Grandpa Roger at this time.  Grammy is gone and I wouldn't even wake her up.  Maybe after the blog.

I was laying awake thinking of all the things I could be doing and I chose the blog.  I don't have much creativity yet.

We had a fairly busy day.  I started out with water aerobics.  The temp at the club's pool varies wildly.  Yesterday it was almost comparable to bath water.  I truly felt sluggish and I have 20 some years on most of the participants.  Can't imagine how they felt.  Anyway, after that, Bridger and I took Shasta to the kennel yet again for another stay.  We got home and talked Darin into getting the boat ready for going to the lake.  Couple hours later we finally headed to the lake.

Bridger kept saying all week and yesterday that he wanted to try water skiing.  His wet suit doesn't fit him anymore.  Imagine that!  He put one of Darin's smaller ones on.  My wet suit is a full suit and it was way too big.  Darin has one that doesn't have full legs.  The crotch hung to Bridger's knees-but he felt all grown-up wearing it.  I could tell it wasn't going to go well when Bridger sat at the back of the boat and dangled his feet in.  He exclaimed how COLD it was.  He got the skiis on and Darin tossed him out of the boat-gently.  He immediately wanted back in the boat.  He actually had a panic attack.  It was so cold for him and he was sucking air.  It was windy and the water was choppy.  He got a couple of mouthfuls of lake water which didn't set well with him either.  He got back in the boat and dried off.  He was much better.  I do think he will try again later in the summer.  We might have to wait for the hottest day in August though.

We were invited to Meline's for dinner.  Lanie had her 5th birthday this week and they wanted to have a family affair get together.  We weren't the only non-family there at least.  Shawn made ribs that were very good.  The adults had a nice evening on their patio visiting.  The kids ended up downstairs doing their own thing.  Bridger got a little bored until he could talk one of the older girls also visiting into playing some of Shawn's video games.  He told me at one point the girls were doing all girl things-playing dress-up and princess and putting on makeup.  Bridger did finally get Shawn away from the adults to play a shoot 'em up army kind of video game.

It was a nice day and evening.  No plans for today other than head to Colorado Springs.   Bridger will have a 3 day hockey camp down there.  We talked to another hockey dad yesterday and discovered some other boys Bridger knows will also be going down to the same camp.  It should make Bridger feel better knowing some boys he knows will be there also.

Happy Dad day.  We love you.  Thanks for all that you have done and still do.  I am tired again, now.  No phone call until later Grandpa Roger.

Golf

 Do you think Bridger is aiming at the green or whats under the tree?

 He missed this one on his second shot.

 Can you find the ball?

Bridger and I got out and played a round of golf yesterday.  It was a beautiful morning.  The last picture is on the 8th hole and you can see a storm building over the mountains.  It really started to thunder and lightning just as we got done with the 9th.  We made it to the clubhouse just in time.

Bridger had a blast.  He played the first two holes completely and then decided to drop and play from where I hit.  Except he dropped his ball in the fairway and not out in the street where my ball was.  He actually hit the ball very well.  By the way, I don't know if you can see the ball in the 3rd picture or not.  I just wanted to see how much time Ginni would spend staring at it.

I am not sure what we will do today.  It is just nice to finally have summer here.  I hope everyone is enjoying their day.

"Oh, man. That was so much easier than putting. I should just try to get the ball in one shot every time"

game ball

On Monday evening Bridger asked after the baseball game if he would ever get the game ball.  We told him that we didn't know, it would be up to him and how he played.  I was sort of worried that he wouldn't get a game ball this season.  I hope the coaches are keeping track and make sure to give one to every kid, but who knows. 

Last night Darin had a softball game at 7:15 and Bridger's baseball game was at 6pm.  I took Bridger and Darin had some fire dept things to do before his game.  In the first inning Bridger was playing 2nd base.  He managed to catch a pop fly and tag second base to get the 2nd base runner out that took off as soon as the hit was made.  I was so proud of him.  I think the coaches were a little amazed as well.  Bridger struck out twice and grounded out to first, but he got an RBI with the hit.  There was one kid that hit a home run with the bases loaded for our team.  I thought they might give him the game ball. 

After the bases loaded home run the teams rotated.  Apparently after you go up 5 runs you have to trade batting for fielding.  The other team had a pretty stacked batting line-up in the middle of their order.  3 kids came up and hit home runs or got to third base.  All of a sudden that 5 run lead was down to a 2 run lead.  The game got called and Bridger's team won 9-7.  The treat person gave out $2 bucks for each kid and they went to the concession stand.  Who knew you could buy so many things with $2.  For once a concession stand that isn't trying to gouge the customer.

Bridger actually did a sleep over with Gage last night.  They had arranged a playdate for today.  But, Gage's mom called back around 9:30pm and said Gage was having some "issues" and she was desperate.  I laughed and said no problem.  Bridger had wanted a sleep over anyway.  He was already in his PJ's and she came to get him.  The only condition was he still had to go to tennis lessons today at 9am.

No plans tonight!!!  Except fire dept for Darin.

busy weekend

We had a wonderful time over the last four days in Denver.  Bridger is always so excited to see his cousins.  Bridger enjoyed everything we did.  I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Casa Bonita this time around as well.  It was fun watching the kids and Judi explore the complex.  Grandpa Roger would have been so proud when Bridger managed to play an arcade game and dump a truck of it's coins. 

I don't think I have much more to add beyond what Judi shared about the weekend.  We headed home around 9:30am.  We stopped in Cheyenne for lunch and then got back on the road.  Bridger has a baseball game tonight at 8pm.  He is already asking for Wonderful House (chinese) for dinner.

family time

We had a great day yesterday.  The 3 of us went to Elitch's.  Bridger with Darin managed to ride all but two of the big rides.  It wasn't too busy in the park, either.  A shower went through about 2pm and closed the ride we were just going to get on after waiting in line about 15-20 minutes.  We took the opportunity to go get ice cream.

After we got back from the amusement park we met up with Chase and girls, plus Jami.  We ate across the street at Ruby's Tuesday.  Some stayed up watching movies and talking, but I tried to get my little chickie and his mother hen to bed.  We are back up and going to go strong today as well.