9-23-13

Martin: Elections have come and gone. Now we have a new prime minister. At least we don't have to put up with all the election advertising any longer.

Me: Our Flower Child.

Harley had to pose in front of the flowers she helped plant on Saturday. Thanks, Harley!

9-22-13

 Martin: Storm building up from the west but no rain with it. 

Me: This afternoon Abbie and Nancy hosted a "Baby Sprinkle" at their home. It's like a Baby Shower but smaller. Family gathered (guys included), we ate so many GREAT things, played games, laughed a LOT and everyone got to meet Riley Shandiin.

Front Row: Emily (Janna's mom), Abbie holding Riley, Mike, Janna with Kavan.

Second Row: Me, Connie (Paul's dad), Nancy (Abbie's mom) Jeanne (Paul's mom), Carol, April. Andrew and Paul in the very back.

Bob holding sweet Riley. She's a really good baby!

9-21-13

Me: Bob's new (but old) airport car. We've been searching Craig's list for a used car for Bob to have in Dallas, his new base come October. It took several tries (cars under $2500 aren't always as advertised) but today was a pleasant surprise! This 1999 Taurus had one owner, 54,000 miles, no accidents, cold A/C, drove beautifully and super clean. SOLD! Relieved the search is over and happy with our purchase. Bob will drive it to Dallas next week.

9-20-13

Me: Airport rush hour - long line of planes waiting to take off.

Photo taken by Bob in Philadelphia.

Harley loves going to the airport to pick up Bob! We're glad Bob's home! 

9-19-13

Me: Kavan spent the night and is hanging out with me today while Janna and Andrew are with new baby Riley. Kavan was a big hiker this morning.

Then he was a big helper. Filling up the watering can.

And giving the plants a drink.

This afternoon he was a big brother! Took a bit for him to warm up to his little sister.

But he soon wanted to touch and kiss her. Very sweet!

Riley is precious. Calm & sleeping well. Lots of jet black hair, long fingers & cute cheeks.

Congrats to Janna & Andrew!

9-18-13

Martin: Daniel giving up on trying to blow out the candles. They were still lighting up again when we placed them on the plate to cut the cake up. 

Me: Kavan is staying over night with me tonight since Janna and Andrew are on their way to the hospital to have baby #2. A little sister for Kavan will soon be arriving!
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8:15pm update: Kavan's baby sister has arrived! Riley Shandiin Hobson. 9lbs 6.4oz and 23" long. Lots of dark hair. Baby and mommy are doing great!

9-17-13

Martin: Heard Ruth blowing the balloons up before the sun came up. 

Me: A plethora of photos from Saturday's hike up Grays and Torreys Peaks.

The Arizonans (AKA: The Marmoteeers) at the start.

Dana on her way to her first 14'er!

Bob and Danielle. Cloudy and cool made for perfect hiking conditions.

Stopping to admire the view.

Blue skies appeared just before we topped Grays Peak. That is Torreys Peak far right. 

Top of Grays! Dana & Danielle's first 14'er. :-)

Summit Shots.
Grays Peak. 14,270 ft.

Lunch on the top. 

PS: The Marmoteeers like to have a milkshake bet on each hike: At the start we ask "How many hikers will be on the summit while we are on the top?" Then each of us pick up rocks (the number we think will be there) and at the same time display our answers to each other. Danielle said 0, Dana said 2, Anna said 4, Bob said 5, I said 7 and Rich said 10. While we were at the top of Grays Peak there were 6 other hikers. Bob and I tied so we each won a milkshake!. :-)

Carefully going down Grays rocky trail.

Watch your step. Dana, Danielle and Bob.

The saddle between Grays and Torreys.

The Marmoteeers...

Spelled with 3 e's and sung to the tune of the Mickey Mouse Club theme song. "M A R... M O T... E E E R S. Marmoteeers, Marmoteeers..."

Dana hiking towards us, up Torrey's Peak. That is Grays Peak behind her.

Torreys summit shots...

I won the Torreys Peak milkshake bet. I guessed 7 and there were 8 hikers on the top.

We did it!

Torryes Peak. 14,267 ft.

Bob's 3rd 14'er. My 9th 14'er.

What a view!

Bob looking and feeling good!

On our way down we had about 40 minutes of rain. It wasn't bad and we dried out before reaching the car.

A stop in Georgetown for a greasy hamburger and our winning milkshakes. :-)

I needed the recovery food in Georgetown having suffered some nasty altitude sickness that hit me at the top of Grays. It would have been best if I had come down then because it got quite severe (I was stubborn and wanted to summit both peaks :-/). Lesson learned, I won't ignore the warning signs again. I've never gotten altitude sickness this badly: dizziness, nausea, extreme head pressure, blurry vision, and unsteady walk. Thankful for Bob (he carried my pack) and thankful to be feeling good again. Ahhh.

Also thankful for great family and friends. Despite the sick part, it was a fun day for all!