Rafting Through Split Mountain Gorge

I can't believe we get paid to do this.

Split Mountain Gorge.

Jordan, Trina and Kirk.

Rowing thru the final stretch.

We took a whitewater training course while we rafted Split Mountain Gorge. It was really fun and the best part was that we got paid to do it. Being employed by the government has its advantages. This was my last day with the Division. The following Monday I went back to work for Ponderosa. I couldn't pass up the good money. On a side note, people that make "good money" don't use the term "good money." Only those of us who consider the compensation you get from giving plasma "good money" use the term "good money."

Overnight on the Green River

Don, Michelle and Kirk. Setting up camp and watch some Seinfeld on the portable DVD player as dinner cooks.

The sunsets can be pretty spectacular

Packing up, getting ready for another day the river.

This summer I have been working for the DWR shocking fish on the Green River, attemping to remove the small mouth bass. Every other week we have gone on an overnight trip from the Ouray Bird Refuge down to Sandwash. The first couple of trips were horrible because the mosquitoes were so bad. But, this last trip was really nice. We found a nice beach, setup camp, and watch the sun set.

Wicked Sweet Parents

Most parents only celebrate their child's birthday once a year. However, as Jenn and I campaign for "Parents of the Year" we decided to throw Porter a party for his half birthday. When we lived his Syracuse Porter's friend Talmage was four and a half. Porter has continually asked, "Mom when am I going to be four and a half?" It was a big milestone in his life and so we had a little party in unison with the Fourth of July. A few days after his little party, Porter went to the DWR office with me and someone asked how old he was and I replied "He is four." He wasn't happy with me, and quickly reminded me that he was four and a half.

Along the way

Drew has learned a few new tricks as of late. Kids do so many cute things at this age as they try to mimic the old people around them, and without warning their attempted mimicry morphs into the real thing. Before long you forget what they looked like trying to crawl, trying to kiss you, trying to wave, etc, and unless you have it on film it may be lost forever. I have tried to be diligent about capturing the precious moments as Andrew and Porter have grown from their almost bird-like beginnings into people that laugh, walk, tell jokes, etc. In doing so, I caught Andrew puckering up and trying to sneak in a kiss. Also, he has recently learned to wave and spends his time during the songs in church waving at the chorister as he is convinced she must be waving at him. He also enjoys clapping and practicing standing without using anything for balance. Jenn and I often comment to each other and many of you how much we dislike parenting, and believe me we aren't making it up. But, when we look back and see one of our little guys doing something like this, it almost convinces us that we enjoy it and would like to have more children.

4th of July

Jesse, MiShelle and Daxton Rowell

Just waiting for the fireworks to begin

Sarah and Glendon. Always nice for them to invite us to hangout with them.

Jenn and Andrew snuggling up, watching the show.

Every year, for as long as I have known the Rowells, they have had a BBQ next to the gazebo in Ashley Park on the Fourth of July. This year was no exception, so Jenn and I played the party crashers and headed over for some good company and free food. Sarah and Glendon were also nearby and invited us to watch the fireworks with them. The boys had a lot of fun. Andrew kept trying to reach out and touch the fireworks and Porter finally figured out that there was no need to be afraid. The first couple of firework shows we went to when he was younger didn't go as well as this year.

Still Water Dam

Every year we have a Cranney family campout. This year Jenn and I are in charge of planning it and putting everything together. Sarah and Glendon told us about a great little spot up nearly Upper Still Water Dam, so we reserved it for the weekend of the 24th. Yesterday we drove up with Sarah, Glendon and their family just to check things out. It was such a nice day. And, to our surprise, we found Jeff and Joan camping with their family. All of us went for a little hike, threw rocks and tried our luck with the fly rod -to no avail, however. Well Jeff did catch one about the size of my pinkie, but that's too small to count. We are extra excited to the 24th as it will be the last one Jenn and I will be attending for a few years and you know I like to go out with a bang!