I spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Fort Collins, Colorado visiting with a vendor. The good news was that the meetings proved far more valuable than I had anticipated. The bad news was that I had no time for photography. I grabbed this shot of a dirt bike course just off the highway on the return to the airport. 

Niece Sophia practicing her kissing technique on my brother. 

A little something from the garden (actually taken a few days ago). The day flew by with no chances for photography. My summer soccer league started today and I had a game after work. It is an open division which means no age restrictions. I got 60 minutes of playing time (on sore legs from the Monadnock climb) against kids easily half my age on a very hot day. It is very satisfying when you beat the 18 year old kid guarding you after he has assumed anyone older than his father has got nothing he can’t handle. I am travelling on business for the next two days and may not post again till the end of the week. Maya is in Texas visiting her Aunt Susan and I am missing her every day. 

Not sure who was prouder, father or son. Either way, a day I will never forget. 

My hero. 

All the hard work pays off as Nico stands atop the summit. 

This climb includes a lot of rock scrambling. Nico spent 30 minutes of our two and a half hour ascent on hands and knee working his way up the rocks. This was the most exhausting part for him. He was able to conserve much more energy when he could make use of his crutches. 

Today, Nicolai and I climbed Mount Monadnock which rises to 3165 feet above southern New Hampshire. Here we take a rest once we have cleared the tree line. Nico is so able I sometimes forget how hard he has to work to do what is easy for others. We ascended a total of 1800 feet (2 miles up, 2 miles down) in about 4.5 hours. With 50 feet of ascent remaining, Nico hit the proverbial wall. We rested and had some food after which he decided to make a final push for the summit.  

Today was largely spent gardening. I noticed this dragonfly and was lucky enough to snap a quick shot before he flew away. 

Nicolai choose to take some of his fiends to Six Flags for an early birthday celebration before they leave for the summer. Along for the fun was Kyle and his friends supervised by Jeanine and another mom. 

While the boys appeared a bit awkward in their suits, Kyle’s female friends appeared totally at ease in their outfits. 

This evening, Kyle attended a formal end of the year dance and I took advantage of the opportunity to get a photo of the guys he hangs out with. 

I believe Kyle took this photograph capturing his sister’s true spirit. 

Happy Birthday Maya!!!