World's Tallest Clown

1/200 sec, f/7.1, ISO 200, 18mm (cropped to about 35mm)

This amazing performer made a surprise appearance at the Philmont Western/Patriotic Days Family Parade. He was a big hit.

Some new friends from Philmont loaned us this costume. They suggested that Catie be the "head" of this clown, but she wasn't in the mood when the time came. Cole was happy to fill in. The fellow who originally wore the costume with one (or perhaps many) of his grandchildren was probably 6-8 inches taller than me. Those pant legs are folded up some 15-18 inches underneath.

Truthfully, we got lots of fun reactions to this costume. EVERYONE wanted to take pictures. Happily, my mug was hidden from view (though I could see out well enough not to fall on someone or take a step into the pond).

Camp Face

1/80 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200, 105mm

Sometimes great pictures just happen. Cam smiled, I raised the camera and shot. No playing with lighting, no coaxing a smile, no editing, no post production... nothing. Just the sweet smile of a creative, kind, courageous boy. A camping face.

This was the second-to-last day of Philmont. Cam had made some friends who really understood him. He had been able to roam around to his heart's content, and he had done some hard things (a couple of longish (for him) hikes). He has every reason to look content. It was a good, good camp.

The game room... aka "the garage"

1/30 sec, f/3.5, ISO 200, 35mm

While at Philmont, we lived in the "South Tent City." In the midst of that city is a building with four overhead doors (two each on opposite sides). It's the supply room and gathering place for the residents. It was a darn fun place to play Connect Four, chess, checkers, Phase 10, and various other games. There was nearly always hot cocoa and hot cider (the nights do get a bit chilly), and someone looking for a game. Our boys spent a good deal of time there. I got my behind kicked a few times at chess. I should have paid attention when Dad tried to teach me some strategies.

Phase Three

1/80 sec, f/5.3, ISO 200, 62mm

The third thing we did on our 15-day vacation was spend 5 1/2 days at the Philmont Scout Ranch. The ranch is the largest youth ranch in the world--- some 137,000 + acres. It was a gift from Waite Phillips, an businessman and philanthropist who, along with his wife, determined, after they became wealthy, to give away half of their income every year. The Phillips' gifts to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), including the ranch land and a commercial building in Oklahoma (the income from which got the ranch off the ground as a scouting destination), made it possible for some 900,000 scouts (and counting) to enjoy high adventure and challenge themselves in the great New Mexico outdoors.

We were at Philmont for the annual LDS conference. The LDS Church has had a long and useful relationship with the BSA. The Church was BSA's first chartered partner in 1913, just 3 years after scouting was organized in the United States. The Church partners with the BSA to build boys and instill values and character. The purposes of scouting align very well with the purposes of the Church's "Young Men's" organization. The training we received at Philmont will hopefully help strengthen the Church's efforts to raise strong, value-driven youth in Twin Falls, and make the local council stronger as well. It was a wonderful week of scouting and church training.

Above is our family flag--made especially for the Philmont conference. Any guesses as to its significance?

Phase Two - Part Two

1/200 sec, f/16, ISO 200, 35mm

L to R: Jacob, Joshua, Caitlin, Bob, Keri, Colton, Cameron. Dad, of course, is behind the camera.

Here's the crew on the day we visited the downtown Denver aquarium. I was a little leery of spending $15 a head to get in, but it turned out to be a very enjoyable experience. Lots of different kinds of exhibits, the kids really enjoyed themselves, and we were indoors--- out of the sun. This, of course, is still Phase Two of the trip. Phase Three soon.

We're in Denver again, at the moment. We're going to Dad's ward for church this morning (take a look at the Gospel Doctrine lessons this fine fellow prepares ahead of time for his ward) and then we'll hit the trail for Neola. 

USA... USA... USA

1/30 sec, f/3.5, ISO 2500, 18mm

Yesterday's picture was of Phase One of our vacation-- my mom's place in Utah. We tested out the swings and hiked around the place. Josh and I took a nice walk up to the old house (an abandoned cabin circa... I dunno... 1930) and took a bunch of pictures.

Phase Two was one to Denver (Lakewood, really) to spend a day plus with Keri's Dad. We went to the aquarium downtown and then Jake, Keri, and I went to a Rockies game. Because it was 4th of July weekend, they had fireworks. Our view was a little obstructed, but it was an awesome show nonetheless. At the end, the crowd began to chant "USA... USA... USA..." BTW, the Rockies beat San Francisco.

More soon about Phase Three.

High Summer

1/800 sec, f/3.5, ISO 800, 18mm

We've just ended a week at the Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico. (This picture isn't from there. More on the scout ranch in another post.) This picture is of Josh and Cam at my mom's place in Neola, Utah. My excellent brother, Kyle, repaired the swing set and all our kids had a grand time testing it out.

We've had a wonderful family vacation (and we're not done yet). I've taken almost 800 pictures. I'll post a few of the better ones over the next week or so. We've spent some restful, enriching, and much-needed family time together.

So... welcome me back to the land of blogging. ;-)