Our first visit to the Grand Mesa

The Grand Mesa, located just east of Grand Junction is one of the world's largest flat-top mountains. Below is a view of the Grand Mesa in the distance, from our upstairs bedroom window and yes, I took the picture through the screen.



The highest point in elevation is just over 11,000 feet above sea level. These two pictures are not views from the top, but just some of the beautiful views along the way to the top.





The mesa contains over 300 lakes, reservoirs and streams.


Matt is standing in front of Island Lake, a very popular lake frequently used for fishing, water skiing and other water sports, but there were very few people there when we were. It was so beautiful and calm. We didn't want to leave.

There are also hundreds of miles of designated hiking, biking, ATV and horse trails. There are many campsites, cabins, restaurants and even a ski resort atop the Mesa. One of the most popular spots on the mesa is at Land's End Observatory. At 10,500 feet above sea level, you can see several mountain ranges and the entire Grand Valley. On a clear day, you can see from Utah to central Colorado without turning your head.







The temperature on the mesa was about 35 degrees cooler than in the valley and the views were breathtaking. We decided to soak it all in by having a picnic lunch among the evergreens.



After driving along the entire 55 mile scenic byway we headed home, with a promise to return soon.



We can hardly wait to go back to fish, camp and hike. Anybody want to come along?

In our own backyard

Many of you know we recently moved back to the West. We thought you might enjoy seeing a few pictures of our new surroundings. Today we took the 15 minute drive to the Colorado National Monument and this is some of what we found:



A view of the Bookcliffs in the distance and Fruita/Grand Junction below.



This was taken from one of the beautiful viewing areas on the 23 mile Rim Rock Drive.

Just to prove we didn't just take pictures from the road, here are a few pictures of one of the hikes.



You can't tell how far up we've gone, so you'll just have to believe us that the hike was uphill.



A little farther along, we stopped to take another picture. We are almost there.



We made it! Matt spending time in Devil's Kitchen, a rock room formed by huge upright boulders.



Another view of Devil's Kitchen. In order to get the best view, you will have to make a trip down here to see us and we just might take you there. Just call before you come!

The big day is almost here!

Congratulations Bryan and Lindsay! We are so excited for you!

GO Cubs GO!

After four years in Iowa, we were finally able to attend a Chicago Cubs baseball game a week before moving. Matt was so excited to be at historic Wrigley Field.



The Cubs played against the Atlanta Braves, Matt's childhood favorite team. We were very excited to see how close our seats were and just how well we could see Chipper Jones hit.



Not quite. Our view was good but the zoom on the camera helped out quite a bit with that last picture.



It was fun to see some of the unique features that Wrigley Field is known for including the seats on top of the buildings across the street, the ivy on the outfield fence and the manual score board.



Leticia's favorite part of the game was singing the Cubs' song after the game. See how happy she is when the Cubbies win! It was so much more fun than the White Sox game we went to a few years ago.

Some of our last days in Iowa

When family comes to visit, how do we entertain them?



We taught the kids about catching fireflies at dusk.



We stored them in a small bottle that James found on a walk. Grandma tried to help us keep them alive by feeding them taco meat. They didn't survive long after that.



We took many walks over the pedestrian bridge near our apartment. This picture shows the Iowa River in Coralville on June 10th, much higher than normal.



Preparing for a walk along the path at the Mormon Handcart Park.



Fighting off gnats along the trail.



Later that day we celebrated Paul's birthday at the Cedar Rapids' Kernels game. The Kernels are the single A team affiliated with the L.A. Angels.



James and Paul after opening gifts.



Garrett and Pierce sure loved Mr Shucks.



Especially his tongue!



A day or two later in Illinois. You can't make a trip all the way to the Midwest without visiting beautiful Nauvoo.



Grandpa providing entertainment before the show begins.



James during the show, wishing he was catching fireflies instead of watching dancers.



Certainly not least, Matt's graduation. Congratulations Matt! We are so proud of you!