A Hike Up the Incline

Melissa was off of work today, so I suggested we hike the Incline in Manitou Springs. For those of you who've been here before, I've pointed it out to you and tried to convey just how tough a hike it is. Melissa had never done it and I told her she has to....willingly she said "yes!"

The Manitou Incline is a 0.9 mile grade that once served people who wanted to travel up Mt. Manitou to enjoy the beautiful view looking out toward the plains and city of Colorado Springs. In the early 1990's, the incline operation closed but the path and ties remain, becoming a popular spot for hikers, Olympic trainers or anyone serious about getting into shape. It ties in with the Barr Trail which you could take to the top of Pike's Peak -- maybe another time as they recommend you take 2 days to do it -- which means there's an overnight stay involved! Another day...

The Winds of Change...

Last night Caleb's football team had their first playoff game at 7pm under the stadium lights! Pretty cool, literally! A cold front moved in bringing the first winter storm of the season -- on game night! Now, they don't usually cancel football games, but you should have seen these poor kids. The first picture shows what it looked like Just two days ago...beautiful, warm, sunny Fall day.

The second shows Caleb and some of his teammates figuring out how they were going to keep their hands warm. At this point it was warm...compared to what it would be in about 20 minutes. They were shortly going to be worrying about much more than their hands. It started raining sideways, and then sleeting. The poor kids were miserable and they called the game at halftime.

And the third shows what the evening brought to the morning...not much here, but about 3 inches just a few miles north of us. Welcome to winter -- ready or not!

Our sad little garden...

So winter is about here and our little garden Melissa planted this year has been somewhat fruitful. Right now we have 3 small pumpkins about ready to harvest. We have had a stream of green beans all summer long, and they are quite tasty! A few bell peppers FINALLY started growing, but we're afraid it's just too late. A hard freeze did some damage to the plants even though they are covered. We'll see if we get anything out of 'em. We also harvested two caulliflower heads so far! Took forever to grow and these plants have consumed our garden. Good stuff though! Love to make mashed "potatoes" using the caulliflower. So here are some pictures of our stuff....

Tooth Fairy Comes Tonight

Today, after dinner, Cassidy lost another tooth! Hopefully the tooth fairy will make a visit and bring a special treat! Hooray for the tooth fairy!

Cassidy's Last Landsharks Race

After an amazing run in last week's race, Cassidy ran her final Landsharks Running Club race today at the Church of All Nations course with the hopes of doing as well or better. Running with all the 2nd through 5th grade girls again, Cassidy started off well in the front of the pack, but at about 1/2 mile into the race, cramps began to set in and she sadly had to come to a stop. She fought hard, stopping and starting, but eventually finishing the race. She was terribly saddened by her performance as she wanted so badly to be in the top again. But Mom and Dad were certain to tell her she's a champion nonetheless! Good job this year, Miss Cassidy! You did GREAT and you should be PROUD!

Caleb & Cassidy got to drive the Tahoe

After Caleb's football game today, Cassidy asked if it would be possible to drive the car. Of course I said "no", but then remembered a country song by Alan Jackson about how he got to drive his old man's car when he was a kid. So I thought, "we're in a parking lot....why not?" With me at the helm, and Cassidy on my lap (feet on the pedals no less), away she went. Ten laps later, around the parking lot and she did it all herself! She was so proud! Of course, Caleb needed a turn and he did equally as well. I'll bet they could both drive without me even sitting there. Amazing what computer games can teach these kids....way to go kids!

Caleb Earned His First Helmet Skull!!

Today, Caleb Fritz, Cornerback for the Stetson Raiders earned his first team skull to apply to his helmet. The accoplishment?? He made his first tackle of the year when the running back ran a sweep to his side and he pursued him. In the backfield, Caleb successfully tackled the 90lb running back behind the line of scrimmage for a 4 yard loss!!! That put the opposition in a 4th down and no option but to punt! Congratulations to Caleb...this is his first year of playing football as you may know! Way to go, son!!