Grand Mesa

Though we both graduated from Mesa State in Grand Junction, neither of us took advantage of the Grand Mesa, which, at 500 square miles, is the largest geologic feature of its kind in the world. Luckily, Mimi and Papa are Grand Mesa veterans, so we had expert guides while fishing and hiking. Asher got to meet his first fish--a brown trout--and we spent time at multiple lakes. It was a little odd for him to see snow on the ground in July, but Asher had a great (50-some degree) day on the Mesa.

Mimi and Papa on the Grand Mesa

Lilly Lake

Hiking with Mimi

Hangin' with Mommy

Powderhorn and Blue Mesa

Now that Asher's officially a resident of Gunnison, it makes him the seventh generation of our family to live in the Valley. Gunnison is just a short drive away from Powederhorn, home of Great-Great-Great-Great Grandpa Elijah McGregor and final resting place for many of our relatives. We picked up Mimi, who was camping above Cebolla Creek in Powderhorn, and made the short drive past the Howard ranches up the hill to the cemetery. There, the boys said hi to Baba as we shared stories. Then, it was back to town for a quick stop at Blue Mesa Lake, where the boys enjoyed some time in the water. We miss the Jersey Shore, but there's nothing quite like spending time with family!

Lincoln, Asher, and Heath saying hi to Granddad and Baba

The Woytek Clan in Powderhorn, looking down the Cebolla Valley

Mimi, Asher, and Nana at Blue Mesa Lake

The Boys enjoying some post-swim rough-housing

Lincoln and Heath relaxing with Nana and Papa. Asher's doing a little dance.

Party like it's October 13th

October 13th is cause for celebration in the Woytek Family. Not only is it Asher's birthday, it is also Uncle Jeff and Aunt Michele's wedding anniversary. So, for Asher's birthday bash, we partied like it was 10/13 on the 16th. Friends and family came from near (across the street...actually, WE went across the street to Bruce and Danielle's), far (family drove from Pennsylvania), and REALLY far (Pop-Pop joined the grandmas just in time to celebrate). Asher ended the day in contention for the most spoiled child in the world, but that's only because we have so many wonderful friends and family!

Hanging out in the new chair, waiting for the celebration

Asher's new Hog

Apparently, an engineer's dress code does not include pants

That is what doctors call a "Blue Icing Coma"

My Proud Mountains

My home is Colorado

With her Proud Mountains tall

Where rivers like gypsies

Down her black canyons fall

--Townes Van Zandt, My Proud Mountains

For those of you unfamiliar with Townes Van Zandt, he's the writer of the Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard classic "Pancho and Lefty." Though Van Zandt was not a native Coloradan, he lived there and the mountains made quite the impression on him. Perhaps growing up in Colorado, we often take the beauty for granted, but on our trip home this summer, we tried to take full advantage of the outdoors. We hiked Jack's Trail in Gunnison, the Grand Mesa with Mimi and Papa, Rocky Mountain National Park with Uncle Justy and Aunt Cami, and rode the gondola in Breckenridge with Nana and PopPop. Asher loves his backpack, but we have a sneaking suspicion that the young man will no longer be so fond once he starts doing some hiking of his own. After that happens, stay off the trails, because there will be a wild man on the loose!

Disclaimer: These pictures have no order.

Asher on the Gondola in Breckenridge. "Hey, who's that good lookin' guy? I like his Phils hat."

Mommy and Asher in Rocky Mountain National Park

The Woytek Expedition. This was Lincoln's and Heath's first long journey in the backpacks.

Dad and Asher on Grand Mesa

Asher and PopPop in Breckenridge

Grand Mesa

Hiking down in RMNP

RMNP

Aunt Cami, Heath, Uncle Justin, and Linc

Oh, Shenandoah

Over Memorial Day Weekend, the three of us packed up the car and headed South across the Mason-Dixon Line to Northern Virginia. We stayed in Front Royal at the north entrance of the beautiful Shenandoah National Park. We took a drive up the famed Skyline Drive, which runs along the Blue Ridge Mountains. We loaded Asher in the backpack and took a hike to Overall Run Falls, which, with a height of 93 feet, is the Park's tallest waterfall. Asher enjoyed the fresh air, chirping birds, and the greenery. Mom and Dad enjoyed the weekend with no homework, lesson plans, or work-related obligations.

Overall Run Falls, Shenandoah National Park

Taking a break above the Falls

Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley

Mom and Asher taking a look at Overall Run Falls

Resting

Asher was a bit worn out after the hike

Mommy's First Mother's Day

For our first Mother's Day, we decided to take advantage of some relatively nice weather and take a drive to the First State. While Delaware has no mountains (Iron Hill isn't so much a hill as a speed bump), it still has some nice trails to hike. We took a stroll along White Clay Creek, sat in the grass, and had a wonderful day outside. Asher loved riding in the backpack and ate his fair share of leafy greens along the way. Here are some pictures of our latest adventure, which was capped off by a great lunch and good brews at the Iron Hill Brewery

Hey, whatcha doin' Dad?

Come on Mom, let's GO!

I LOVE my backpack!

Family photo (take 25)

That was fun...you're not putting me in that car seat again are you?

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