I grew up with a Mountain Man for a dad. In every way my dad is magnificent. He is the one I go to for any outdoor know how. He could tell you the make, model and year of any gun, the name of any bird flying high over head, the name of any mountain range in the Rocky mountains, how to tie any fly for fishing, what signs to look for while tracking wildlife, and so on. He’s that good. One thing I’ve loved the most is being able to spend time with him in and among his “element”. Quick insight: Fun vacations for my dad include the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, WY., camping out among the Coyotes along the Sweet Water river, visiting Bozeman, MT. where the movie, “A River Runs Through It” was filmed, fishing for Salmon in Alaska and hunting Antelope near South Pass, WY. (Do you get that he loves Wyoming)
My dad has always loved to share his passions. Especially with his family. From the time I was 8 or so I would go hunting with my dad. I’ve been deer hunting, duck hunting, Elk hunting, Antelope hunting, rabbit hunting and fly fishing with him. I remember the year I turned 14 I drew out my first deer permit. I was unsuccessful but I remember how exciting it was taking hunter safety and going to the Lee Kay Center for target practice to prepare for the big hunt. During my high school years I still went hunting with him, but I never made time to put in for a permit. My brother was his little shadow at the time and so I stepped aside for a while, mostly because I was busy with school stuff.
This last year I drew out for a permit. This was going to be my year to finally get my deer. Not only was this another great excuse to get out and be with my dad but to make him proud as well.
Opening day was beautiful. The sun rose and we were lucky enough to watch, father and daughter, as the breath taking beauty of the mountains were revealed. We spent the day hiking, watching, waiting and taking in the scenery. Our conversation was light hearted yet meaningful. We even had some unusual events take place along the way (see pics below) Even though we weren’t successful that first day, it wasn’t a waste!
The following Friday we were up and on our way by 5:30am. Today was going to be successful, I could feel it. Another spectacular sunrise. By 10:00am that feeling of success was realized! I had a buck in view and from 180 yards away and with my 7mm Rem. Mag. I shot my first deer. With just one shot, down he went like a sack of potatoes. (For you hunters you can relate to the excitement) I think my dad was more excited then I was. I finally had my deer, after all these years. My point in telling you all of this is to first brag about my success, and to more importantly express to you the importance of my relationship with my dad. I am thankful to him for all he has taught me, for the amazing stories he’s told, for the insights on things I never knew, and for taking the time to let me know how much he loves and cares for me.
The morning of the 17th we came across an old whiskey bottle. We decided to keep it. Instead of lugging it around with us my dad stuck it upside down in the sage brush so when we came back that way we could find it. This was about 7:00 am. At 11:30 am we came back and found the bottle. This is when we noticed the unfortunate demise of the little critter that must have been living inside. The Vole (kinds like a mouse) was using the bottle as a little home and we came along and disturbed it. Due to the bottle being in the sun for so long we think he got baked. Poor little guy. We had to get pictures though. It was sad, but kinda funny. If you look towards the neck of the bottle you can see, with the help of the sun, the poor little Vole's body and tail.
Dad pulled him out and propped him up for our picture.
Saturday's view of Eureka, UT. We were at the top of Godiva mountain.
Friday's (Oct. 23) Sunrise
Me with my deer. He isn't a trophy, but he'll do!
Me and dad. We had a great day together!
So much fun, it wore him out!
Kristen whipping up a yummy dinner for us. It was so great to stay with them.
The next morning we took a trip to see the Glass (Wayfarer's) Chapel down by the coast.
Later that night Scott made up for the Mexican we had on our anniversary and took me out to a really fancy dinner. The restaurant was called the "Coast"...and it did, it sat right on the coast. Thanks again Kristen for watching Awesome.
Disneyland here we come. The event we were looking forward to. A couple of Glenn animator friends and their families joined up with us. Glenn's friend Ben works for Pixar and got us all in for free or for a really low price. That is what made this work out so well. It was so awesome to have a group to hang out with. It made everything so easy.
If you look closely you can see Scott
We're in the Park people.....Yippy!
Our first ride, Space Mountain. 
Pirates of the Caribbean. 
This truly is the happiest place on earth. I know I was happy.
Awesome's first set of Mickey ears.
Awesome was a trooper. We were at the park from 7:00 am till midnight and he was a peach, all the kids were great. Even the grown-ups.
Our Rockin group.
Scott loves the High School musicals. We had to stop and listen. Scott was so excited he started singing the songs. 
Glenn, Kristen, Max and Jonas
Scott looked all day for this turkey leg and finally found it. It was pretty darn good.
Our last ride of the day, Splash Mountain. I was in the front and got soaked. It was awesome though.
Our last full day was spent catching up on sleep and spending time at the beach. 
Scott and Glenn doing some body surfing.
