Old Man's Cave 2012

Sonya and I made our annual trip to Old Man's Cave yesterday. We 

usually hike to the lower falls and back.  This year we made the hike to Cedar Falls and back. About a 5 mile hike with some pretty challenging parts to the trail. All in all, a very enjoyable day. 

Columbus Clippers and The World Famous Chicken

Braving a game starting tempurature of 101, Sonya, Grant, Aunica and I ventured out to Huntington Park to enjoy a night of baseball with added entertainment from the World Famous Chicken.   

Very Practical Gift

The boys got me this great bottle opener and cap catcher for father's day.

As you can see, it's doing it's job admirably!

Father's Day Fun

Despite the weather we all had big fun at this year's Father's Day cookout.

I don't know if these kids are still growing or I'm beginning to shrink!

Double Dutch Fun

Faces of Cornhole

A few shots from an intense corn hole game

Happy Birthday Grant!

As usual around here it can take many weeks after a birthday to find a day when we can all get together for a celebration. We finally managed to recognize Grant last weekend.

Happy birthday Buddy!

Invasion of the "Aunts"

Wow!

What a Mothers Day weekend we just had.

Mom and her sisters, Aunt Barb, Aunt Becky, and Aunt Judy came for a visit Fri and Sat.

We had a great dinner Friday night at Max & Erma's after which we came back to the house to play poker 'till the wee hours.

After we said our goodbyes Sat. afternoon, Sonya and I decided we could never keep up with these women all the time! Thanks for a great weekend!

Seeing Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in Orlando

Back on May 3rd Sonya and I packed more fun, adventure, and chaos into a 36 hour period than we usually experience in many weeks.

We flew to Orlando to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Amway Center. After delays and a missed connecting flight, we barely made it to the show on time. But make it we did and what a show. TP is truly the coolest bad-ass in rock and roll!

High Adventure in Lancaster

A couple of weeks ago, Aunica and I were sitting around on a lazy afternoon and I asked her if she would like to climb a mountain. After giving me a slightly puzzled look, of course she answered yes. Soon thereafter we were climbing the trail up Mt Pleasant at Rising Park in Lancaster. After taking in the view of Lancaster, we had some fun at the playground at Rising Park.

Brush with Celebrity

Last night my sister and her husband, Mischele and Fritz, enjoyed the Paul Simon concert at the Fox Theater in Detroit. This morning I got a text from her that said "Paul Simon shook my hand" how exciting is that?

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Sonya and I celebrated our 22nd anniversary last night with an amazing concert by Jamey Johnson at the Bluestone in Columbus. What a show and what a venue! 

Sally was nice enough to be our driver and enjoyed the show with us.

It was a great month for concerts as we saw Bob Seger at Nationwide arena 2 weeks ago. 

Half Marathon Fun

Aaron, Michelle, and I participated in the 2011 Columbus Marathon/Half Marathon last Sunday. Sonya and Grant came along and cheered us on as we all reached our individual goals.

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

Sonya and I spent most of the last week in Gatlinburg TN and visiting The Smoky Mountains National Park. (America's best idea) We arrived on Tuesday and after checking in at Zoder's Best Western we drove to Clingman's Dome to experience the highest peak in the Smokys at 6643 ft. Climbing to the observation tower, we enjoyed endless views in every direction. Truly breath taking!

   On Wednesday we set out to climb Mt LeConte, the 3rd highest peak in the Smokys at 6593 ft. We were a bit apprehensive about an 11 mile hike up and down a mountain, but we tamed it quite easily making it up and down in about 4 1/2 hours. Not bad for a couple of amateurs!

   Thursday dawned with rainy skies. We found a short easy hike to a lovely place called Laural Falls. We then took a drive around the roaring creek motor nature trail. A nice ride around what was probably a logging road at one time. We were very surprised to come upon a momma bear and her 2 cubs while circling the road!

After our drive we decided it would be a good day to go on a winery tour. We visited 3 wineries in the Pigeon Forge/Sevierville area that call themselves The Rocky Top Wine Trail. Sampling wines at all 3 stops on the trail earned us an engraved wine glass! Great way to spend a rainy afternoon!

   On Friday we hiked the 2 miles up to Chimney Tops.  Even though it was only 4 miles round trip, Sonya and I agreed it was our toughest hike. Being the steepest and most dangerous climb of the week, it was the most satisfying. But we agreed that Mt LeConte was the most fun!

 Atop Clingman's Dome

 Surprise!

 Hike-weary feet atop Mt LeConte

 Sonya descending Mt LeConte

 2 surprised bear cubs

  Sonya in front of Laural Falls

2011 Craft Family Reunion

Many of the usual suspects gathered in Bowling Green back on Aug 14 for the 65th  annual Craft Family Reunion. We all enjoyed some great eats and lots of hugs and laughs. See you all next year.