Going for Par!

Going for Par!, a photo by colorcritical on Flickr.

Lucas as a 5 year old playing a family favorite. Disc Golf! We were in Seattle.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Lu-Navajo Loop Trail
Originally uploaded by colorcritical

I have never been to Bryce and have always wanted to go. This year we all went. One of the most memorable hikes was this one called the Navajo Loop starting at Sunset Trail and ending at Sunrise Trail. It was a great hike up through slot canyons and switchbacks. At every turn there was something different to see. It was cold, in the low 50's and high 40's. Lucas is 7 years old here and in 1st grade.

Lu and me - Road Trip to Quartzite, AZ

Lu and me
Originally uploaded by colorcritical

Like me, Lu loves the desert - especially the Mojave. I rarely actually get to be in an image because I am typically the photographer. I begged Miss T to take our photo here and she obliged.

I am bummed I forgot where we stopped. I am usually good about these things but this time I spaced it. It is between the Borrego Valley and Mecca, CA.

Lu and I, Miss T and A all took a trip to Quartzite to visit some rocks, gems, minerals, and visit my dad.

Lucas and Me
Originally uploaded by colorcritical

During a recent camping trip to the Anza-Borrego Desert, Lucas climbed some boulders to a summit and was so proud of himself. Rock scrambling is so good for kids, it helps with coordination and challenges themselves to see how far they can go.

Lucas didn't go as high as some of the older kids but he did go far and he did so with no help at all from me. I taught him to plan his route, go slow, and never panic. Once we reached a part he was comfortable with, we stopped and realized we made it to a large boulder overlooking the entire campsite. Lucas was excited to see how high he actually had climbed. At that point I asked if I could shoot a self portrait of him and I to remember the event. This is why we look so happy. It's times like this that being a father is one of the greatest gifts one can have.