aHillOfBeans

Frost

2012-02-04T14:20:00.000-06:00

Fall Traditions

2011-10-30T16:56:00.003-05:00

Little Leader Night

2011-09-23T21:27:00.001-05:00

Balboa

2011-06-21T08:57:00.001-05:00

The Balboa Boogie

The Happiest Place on Earth

2011-06-20T11:48:00.002-05:00

We got there early and made it through the fireworks. Alondra started her day on Space Mountain, but Tinkerbell was the best.

Surf City USA

2011-06-18T11:01:00.005-05:00

A day at Huntington Beach with Scott and the Hanson clan.

California or Bust

2011-06-14T21:21:00.005-05:00

It was a long drive, but we made the best of it. Highlights included an evening in Vail and a nice visit with Uncle Lonnie and Aunt Linda. But we're here now and there's already been time to sit out by the pool. Should be lots of California type things here in the very near future.

Sweet 16

2011-04-24T13:43:00.002-05:00

A Couple of Regulars

2011-01-22T09:26:00.002-06:00

Santa's big hit, and one more from Halloween

2010-12-28T16:10:00.004-06:00

Carving

2010-10-31T12:56:00.004-05:00

White Flower

2010-08-22T16:12:00.000-05:00

Lake Plantagenet

2010-08-20T16:10:00.000-05:00

The Bog Walk

2010-08-18T16:07:00.000-05:00

Guess Where Alondra Is

2010-08-16T16:04:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Alondra and Matt

2010-07-31T20:38:00.006-05:00

Alondra got a little too close to the candles. Luckily Mom had quick reflexes and there was only a very brief puff of smoke as Alondra's hair was about to catch fire. Gotta love the enthusiasm.

Matt got a pretty pink car for his dollhouse!

Happy Birthday Lauren

2010-04-24T06:06:00.000-05:00

Full Squad Stunt

2010-02-27T08:24:00.002-06:00

Go Big Blue!

2010-01-30T09:44:00.009-06:00

Christmas Snow

2009-12-24T14:29:00.003-06:00

Faces of Thanksgiving

2009-12-04T20:09:00.010-06:00

We were blessed with a houseful of family for Thanksgiving dinner again this year. It's always a day I look forward to. This year Matt took some portraits for a school project. Some I thought turned out quite well.

Leafless Trees, Geese, and the Moon

2009-11-08T19:29:00.001-06:00

Meadow Sunset

2009-11-07T17:27:00.000-06:00

Jack O' Lanterns

2009-10-31T20:50:00.005-05:00

Pumpkins

2009-10-17T14:53:00.004-05:00

Sunrise September 27

2009-09-27T12:20:00.003-05:00

Why is it called the Garden Wall?

2009-08-23T18:22:00.000-05:00

I think the picture answers the question better than any words I could come up with. It was a spectacular walk. Thanks for showing it to me Paul.

The Garden Wall

2009-08-22T17:51:00.001-05:00

photo by AHOB staff photographer Paul Ollig

After a refreshing lunch in the chalet's dining room with it's cool granite floor, we begin the end of the day's walk. Over my shoulder is a great look back at the Garden Wall. That morning we enjoyed a nice stroll with spectacular views of the glacial valley. We traveled from the ridge on the far right of the picture to this point hardly breaking a sweat. Though the distance we had left to cover was less than 4 miles - all downhill, that was all about to change.

We arrived at the loop where we had left Paul's car early that morning hot, sweaty, and plenty tired. We passed several hikers heading in the other direction that afternoon. The look on each of their faces reminded me things could have been far worse for me. I could have been headed up like they were.

Granite Park Chalet

2009-08-21T20:39:00.000-05:00

Here we are enjoying the balcony at the Chalet. Paul met the staff doing some ranger training stuff at the beginning of the season. So we got the red carpet treatment. If you are familiar with Night of the Grizzlies, the place the young woman in the book met her demise is just over my shoulder. Below is the view from one of the rooms.

Even More from the Highline Trail

2009-08-20T20:06:00.004-05:00

This may give you a better perspective on the steepness of which I blogged yesterday. See that rather visible line that looks like a switchback hiking trail? Well, that's not a trail. That's the going to the sun road. Turn your attention to the red circle on the left. That's 2 hikers on the trail a few hundred yards behind us.

More from the Highline Trail

2009-08-19T19:18:00.007-05:00

When I got my first look at this section of the trail the day before the hike, I have to admit my fear of heights started to get the better of me. I even expressed my concern to Paul that evening. He convinced me it was only the first couple of miles that would be like that. So off we went.

Well, the trail hugs a very steep slope for most of the 9 miles to Granite Park Chalet. But after the first couple of miles I was fine. The feeling I had reminded me of being on the side of a mountain on downhill ski's. Probably because most the time I've spent on steep slopes like that were while skiing. It was all sort of oddly familiar. And during the descent to the valley, I would have welcomed ski's and snow over the pounding of the dirt on the switchbacks.

(photo by AHOB staff photographer Paul Ollig)

Another Stump Pic

2009-08-09T21:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Alondra

2009-08-08T05:05:00.000-05:00

Resting Trailside

2009-08-07T21:37:00.000-05:00

Ranger Paul Rangering

2009-08-06T21:33:00.000-05:00

Hidden Lake Overlook

2009-08-05T21:29:00.001-05:00

Deanna at Logan Pass

2009-08-04T21:25:00.000-05:00

Hanging Out at Paul and Sonja's

2009-08-03T21:23:00.001-05:00

Bowman Lake

2009-08-02T16:20:00.000-05:00

The Other Kid Lakeside

2009-08-01T21:17:00.001-05:00

Kids Lakeside

2009-07-31T21:15:00.001-05:00

Lunch

2009-07-30T21:13:00.000-05:00

Helping Hand

2009-07-29T19:11:00.000-05:00

Mountain Goat

2009-07-28T01:41:00.001-05:00

OMG! A baby goat! He's so cute. (had to beat Lauren and friends to the punch)

Follow the Guy in the Funny Hat

2009-07-27T20:50:00.002-05:00

Ranger Paul did finally show up. This is the trek from Logan Pass to Hidden Lake where we were promised a baby mountain goat sighting. Come back tomorrow to see if the promise is fulfilled.

Bighorn Sheep

2009-07-26T13:28:00.003-05:00

We got up early to meet Ranger Paul at Logan Pass one morning. He was going to film some mountain goat for work (hopefully a baby goat). While waiting for Paul (he sleeps late) we were greeted by 7 bighorn sheep.

We were among the first to arrive at the pass that day. It was quiet and a wonderful experience. The early morning people at Logan Pass are the sort with whom you don't mind sharing the splendor. Far different than the hustle and bustle that starts around 9am each day. Come back tomorrow for an update on the baby goat.

Look Who's Mug Made the Featured Story

2009-07-25T18:34:00.006-05:00

Photo by MC3 Walter M. Wayman

You can read the story that goes with the photo on the official John C. Stennis website here.

If you saw the new Transformers movie, rumor has it Eddie was driving when they shot the Optimus Prime walking on the deck scene. (OK, maybe not)

Happy Birthday Son

2009-07-25T06:56:00.000-05:00

Skipping Rocks

2009-07-24T20:49:00.002-05:00

A very familiar spot to many of the regular readers. It's still the same as I remember. Eerily so, given it had been a quarter century since my last visit. Far too long to be away from such a special place.

Saint Mary

2009-07-23T19:57:00.001-05:00

Two Medicine Valley

2009-07-22T19:56:00.000-05:00

Riverbank Surprise

2009-07-21T13:45:00.000-05:00

Riverbank

2009-07-20T20:11:00.002-05:00

Highline Trail

2009-07-17T19:06:00.001-05:00

A Day at Many Glacier

2009-07-15T21:41:00.000-05:00

Waterfall Day

2009-07-14T19:52:00.010-05:00

We hiked 4 trails and saw 5 waterfalls. Or more precisely four and a half waterfalls. We didn't make it all the way to Virginia Falls. We only saw the lower portion. We started at Running Eagle Falls (last pic). Then we hit Appistoki Falls, and took a break to toss some rocks into the lake at Two Medicine campground.

After lunch we headed up to the St. Mary area where we saw Baring Falls, and finally the 2 falls in 1 hike - St. Mary Falls (the pic with Matt in it) and the lower portion of Viginia Falls (part of which is immediately below).

What I Did On My Summer Vacation - Post #3

2009-07-13T20:46:00.001-05:00

What I Did On My Summer Vacation - Post #2

2009-07-12T21:15:00.003-05:00

What I Did On My Summer Vacation - Post #1

2009-07-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

Hornets or not?

2009-07-06T18:50:00.002-05:00

Do I dare remove them myself or do we call the Orkin man?

Minnehaha Mask

2009-07-04T02:38:00.004-05:00

Lauren took 2 of these as well. The mask, and the one of Matt and Alondra. It's more like Minnehaha Trickle than falls this summer.

Summer Night

2009-07-03T10:45:00.005-05:00

Dilly Bars in the Early Evening Sun

2009-05-24T09:56:00.002-05:00

NSPSL Tournament

2009-05-16T21:29:00.008-05:00

They had to play with only 8 players today (taking 2 outs each time through the batting order). Still made it to the final game of the consolation bracket where they lost to St. Raphael's. And I think they had fun doing it. Even though Alondra looked bored with it all.

Special thanks to Vicki for the pics!

Story of Stuff

2009-05-11T20:15:00.001-05:00

StoryofStuff.com

Playoffs This Week

2009-05-10T13:40:00.001-05:00

Root for us!

Softball 2009

2009-05-05T18:30:00.010-05:00

Photos by AHOB staff photographer Matt Ollig

The Best Part of the Whole Party

2009-04-25T18:40:00.002-05:00

Nostalgia

2009-04-15T19:07:00.002-05:00

This brings back memories. One of the few games that nearly became an addiction. Chosing play rather than sleep, eat, or shower. The only break my roomate and I would take all weekend was to hit the local Toys'r us to get pointers from the kids when we were stuck on a level. We didn't know about that customer support line. Those were the days.

Brown Bug

2009-04-11T23:49:00.002-05:00

The Snow Is No More

2009-04-10T16:00:00.004-05:00

Spring Puddle

2009-04-10T15:58:00.002-05:00

Spring Waxwing

2009-03-16T18:48:00.002-05:00

Portrait of Alondra

2009-02-15T12:41:00.008-06:00

It's been a while since my youngest daughter has appeared here. I was in a portrait sort of mood this morning, as was Alondra apparently.

Thursday morning she decided to spice things up and put a good scare into Mom and the preschool staff. She suddenly spiked a fever, then as Deanna was getting her coat on to head home, began to choke. An ambulance ride and an hour or 2 later, the theory is that the fever caused a bit of an upset stomach. Some spit up down the wrong pipe is what likely caused the big scare.

Alondra's airway history combined with the sudden fever led the ER doc to admit her for the night. I spent the afternoon with her sweating in her sleep, waking long enough for a few pages of a book and a sip or 2 of juice.

Deanna took over for the night shift. As soon as I left, Alondra decided she was all done being sick. The fever broke and she was ready for playtime. Late that evening she had worn out her welcome and I got the call to pick my girls up.

Alondra did get Bear out of the deal. He's her new best friend. From how she's been running around the house since, you would never guess she was sick on Thursday.

Extra Credit for Spanish Class

2009-02-07T16:00:00.003-06:00

That's my kind of extra credit assignment - home made salsa! Something the whole family can enjoy.

I also finally got a shot of one of the elusive blue jays.

Lauren 2005

2009-01-31T19:00:00.002-06:00

Shoot to Thrill

2009-01-20T17:56:00.010-06:00

Me and several thousand of my close personal friends relived the music of our youth yesterday. Once the headliners came on stage, we were all on our feet rocking the rest of the evening away. Special thanks to Eric for securing the great seats and who's cell phone took a far better picture than mine. The highlights for me were Angus's guitar solos in Shoot to Thrill and Whole Lotta Rosie.

The crowd was decidedly older than the last AC/DC show I saw in 1984, and thankfully much less intoxicated - older and wiser. Many even brought their school age kids. From the smiles on the faces of the crowd as we filed out of the X, it seemed like a good time was had by all.

The band showed their age though. Angus only did a single 360 on the elevated platform during his Let there be Light solo. But they still sounded great, even if it was a little on the loud side. But as my new friend Chuck would most certainly point out, that problem had more to do with my age than the volume of the music.

Slow Trigger Finger

2009-01-04T12:42:00.003-06:00

We've had 3 blue jays frequenting the feeder in the morning. This was my second attempt to get a shot of them. I failed again. The first try was new years morning. I even had a great title in mind for that post - Happy New Years Jay.

Since I'm too slow to catch a decent shot of the jays, you'll just have to settle for the less skiddish and fuzzier chickadee. Here's a stationary maple seed as well. Those I can do.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T17:44:00.002-06:00

Light Graffiti

2008-12-14T15:07:00.000-06:00

Saw some cool light graffiti shots on a blog last week. So the kids and I gave it a shot.

Christmas Card Photos

2008-12-11T19:13:00.001-06:00

A few that didn't make the cut...

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T09:34:00.000-06:00

CPHS Fall Band Concert

2008-11-23T16:36:00.000-06:00

This is from Matt's first performance as a member of the CPHS Concert Band.

Another Cloudy November Day

2008-11-16T16:25:00.000-06:00

This cloudy November day put me in the mood to seek out some sunshine. Here's some early morning sun from a not so long ago trek to the mountain bike trail.

Frosty Morn

2008-11-15T17:15:00.000-06:00

All Hallows' Even

2008-11-01T10:30:00.000-05:00

Public vs. Private Schools

2008-10-24T19:18:00.007-05:00

I've noticed something different about our eldest child since he left the small private K-8 school he attended for 9 years. Now that he's attending one of the largest public high schools in the state, I haven't seen his ears in weeks.

I admit there are a couple variables in play. We have the middle vs. high school thing. Then there's the private vs. public school thing. My observations indicate that missing ear syndrome is far more common in public middle schools, while most ears remain accounted for in private high schools. So this leads to my hypothesis. Our public schools ear retention programs aren't working. Lets learn from the successful ear retention programs in our private schools. Whatever they're doing, it works.

Autumn Goodness

2008-10-18T15:47:00.001-05:00

Do I have Photo Editing Software?

2008-10-07T18:25:00.001-05:00

Is that what you meant about bringing out the color Ranger Paul?

Autumn Morning in Champlin

2008-10-04T10:12:00.000-05:00

The pre-blog

2008-10-01T16:44:00.000-05:00

Purely by coincidence, I ran across this in the web archive today. The website is long dead, but as you can see, nothing on the internet ever goes away. No matter how obscure. It's like a decade old scrap book, complete with embarrassing commentary for the whole world to see. Not that more than a small handful of people living in that world is even remotely interested.

One thing I found really interesting- this pre-blog even had a blogroll. You would think in a decade I'd find more than 1 additional blog worth linking to. Guess that's the kind of guy I am. Discriminating and loyal. So Paul and Chris - you should consider your inclusion in that blogroll to the right quite an honor.

First Day of Preschool

2008-09-24T17:54:00.002-05:00

It was a big day for our youngest daughter. I admit I was concerned when I learned the school district planned to let her ride the bus. But she was certainly bright eye'd and ready to go. The bus arrived at 9:30am and returned our big girl safe and sound by 12:30. We even got an email from her teacher before the bus got back letting us in on the important events of the morning. Like the pizza song Alondra requested at circle time.

Alondra was excited to show Lacey all the fun things she brought home in her backpack. Lacey however, wasn't too keen on the whole idea.

Buddy Walk #2

2008-09-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

A whole lot of people showed up at the Buddy Walk today. The weather was perfect. It wasn't all walking though.

There was some dancing and sliding too.

And a chance to cool off after the long walk. Thanks to everyone who donated!

The New Toy

2008-09-14T13:42:00.000-05:00

Here it is Janine. The trail was a little wet this morning.

Portrait of My Girls

2008-09-13T10:25:00.000-05:00

This one is a year old now. But for some reason it struck my fancy on this rainy Saturday morning.

Alondra's Second Buddy Walk

2008-08-31T10:22:00.000-05:00

That's my Alondra Rose reminding me, her Dada, to get the word out about her second Buddy Walk. This is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota and it's only a few short weeks away. They do good things. If you can help this year, Alondra thanks you. Donating is easy. Same as last year.

Officially Hitting the Dirt

2008-08-16T14:29:00.000-05:00

Finally got around to checking out the official mountain bike trail at Elm Creek with my new toy. Mapped it out on Gmaps Pedometer here. So it turns out over 2 thirds of my route is paved trail just getting to and fro the fun part. But I shouldn't complain. Only 10 miles of pavement is a small price to pay. The fun part is the loop at the bottom left.

The 4 miles of dirt is more fun than I had anticipated. I had only seen small sections of the trail from points that intersect with other trails. And that didn't look too interesting. So I had been playing closer to home on some unofficial trails all summer. Those offer many more opportunities to practice my bunny hops. But I think I'll be a regular on this route now. Even ran into a few unexpected grunts that got my heart pumping pretty good.

Sunday at Andrews Park

2008-08-11T18:31:00.000-05:00

Alondra spent a nice quiet Sunday afternoon at the park. It was such a nice afternoon that Matt even tore himself away from Mario Kart for some entertainment that didn't involve electricity.

Though there is a downside to having the big brother influence around. It's a small price to pay.

Suburban Summer Sunset

2008-08-10T13:43:00.000-05:00

Another Big Day

2008-08-02T15:46:00.000-05:00

It's good to be 3. Especially when it means you get your own laptop. It was getting to be a pain having to share Mom's.