Pickle's Place

Snake Creek March 2011

2011-03-30T22:33:00.002-06:00

Sometimes the fishing is too good to worry about pictures. All bows, smallest 10" & largest 18". I seldom walk away from Snake Creek disappointed.

Con and Cal

2010-09-07T23:42:00.002-06:00

Caleb Video

2010-09-07T20:32:00.006-06:00

Baby Caleb

2010-09-07T20:10:00.002-06:00

Connor Birthday Table

2009-09-13T22:34:00.002-06:00

Day 2

2009-09-13T22:05:00.002-06:00

When Katy asked me last night how I planned to keep Connor entertained today, I wasn't planning to go on the mountain again. I considered heading south and picking up some tying supplies and getting a double double fix. But the weather was way too hot to even stay in Cedar, so I packed another lunch and we headed back to higher altitude. The weather was calm today without the threat of rain and lightning.

I tied up a few #16 Butch Caddis last night. I used some of the cheap antron from Robert's Craft; it made a great segmented body. These things float like a cork!

I took Connor to the spot I fished yesterday while he watched his DVD. The water is shallow and the banks are low. It was tough to find holding water, but I was able to get a few little Brookies coaxed to my fly. I spent more time watching Connor then fishing. He is such a joy to have along.

We moved spots and Connor took a nap while I fished the Brook Meadow. When Connor woke up, we went on a short hike.

We ended the day on the Meadows and I rigged Connor's DVD up while I made a few casts. A couple smaller browns and a decent one before it was time to head home. I met a guy from Vegas just as I got back to my truck. He said yesterday there was a strong PMD hatch and he caught a lot of fish. We swapped stories and I excused myself to get Connor home for bed.

Day 1

2009-09-13T22:05:00.001-06:00

I took Connor and Oakley up on Cedar Mountain for a boys' day out. Katy left this morning for SLC to visit friends and go to a wedding. Luckily I brought along Connor's favorite DVD to keep him entertained enough to let me fish for a quick moment.

I took a little break and waited for the rain to subside. I think I replayed "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" about 12 times for Connor while I waited.

I got one quick shot before the lightning got too close for comfort. We headed home and rocked a pepperoni and mushroom pizza from Bruno's.

RR on Willow Creek

2009-09-13T21:57:00.001-06:00

Craig and I met at the Shell station and headed up the canyon. We've made this journey many times in the past three years and never once have we been disappointed. After a sour month of missed fishing opportunities, I was in dire need of respite. As we pulled up to the small, willow choked stream, we could see the flow had receded a substantial amount from just one month ago. It was second nature as we geared up and walked down to the first of many honey-holes. I tied on a Royle Wulff and immediately began catching fish.

After losing my fly to a small brown with a deep throat, I fumbled through a few patterns before I regained my momentum. I tied on a modified Boots Allen Emerger with a PT tail and body and the catch rate maintained from then on with about 90% Browns and 10% bows/cutbows.

Craig and I both had great success. I love catching fish on flies I tied and a rod that I assembled. Where these fish lack in size, they make up for in therapeutic value. With my batteries recharged, I'm ready for another week.

Truck Issues

2009-09-13T21:53:00.001-06:00

I inherited my '93 Toyota Pickup about ten years ago after my Pickle-Rocket ('89 Nissan mini-pickup) fell victim to a hit and run. I've had to do little in the past ten years to keep it running strong. But all came to a head when I took it in for a safety inspection. A big red FAIL was issued due to worn-out brakes and the hood was held down by a bungee cord. And on top of that, it was diagnosed with intermittent starting disorder.
I THOUGHT I was mechanically inclined and this little weekend project would only take me out of the game for a day. I started by cleaning the battery terminals in hopes it would resolve the starting issue...wrong. Then I placed the truck on MacGyver jacks stands found in my back yard and began tearing into the axles. The brakes were paper-thin and the rotors were scratched and covered in rust. My little helper helped me lose a few parts along the way, but he got a good dose of grease in the process. After countless hours, I got it going strong with new brakes, rotors, battery cables, and a hood that latched.

I felt about the same way before it was done.

2009-09-13T21:48:00.000-06:00

Connor Sings "Twinkle Twikle Little Star"

2009-09-11T22:24:00.002-06:00

Katy Connects on the Bean Stream

2009-06-02T12:13:00.005-06:00

Katy and I made a deal that if I would exercise with her this summer, she would fly fish with me. I held up my part of the bargain for the past few weeks and now it was time to cash in.
After work, we loaded up the car and headed out for a fishing adventure. I've fished Bean Stream a few times, but haven't been back for a few years. As we got close to the stream, we saw a turkey with its two chicks in tow.

I set Katy up with an "Amy's Ant" and a SJW. I had her make a few practice casts to get the feeling of the rod. Katy has gone with me a few times and she can place the fly where it needs to go. But she's never connected with a fish by herself on a fly rod. Katy made some good casts and we went to the first hole. It was a tough cast with many branches to tango with. But Katy was able to get the fly in the small current running into the pool. She had a few takes, but her timing was off. I stood behind her and helped her cast right up into the head of the pool and showed her how to hold the rod tip and take up line to avoid drag. We caught a couple fish tandem. Katy made a few more casts and the hole seemed to go stale. While Katy walked up to the next hole, Connor and I found "big rocks" to throw in the stream. Conner was not happy when I would stop search for throwing rocks to snap a picture of him or mom.

I began flipping rocks in the stream and showing Connor all the bugs that live under the rocks. This stone fly's older brothers and sisters were flying around taunting the fish.

Without waders, Katy and I were limited to only a few accessible runs and pools to fish in this area. We went back through the best sections and tried to pick up any fish still hungry. Katy had many takes, but her timing was still off and they would disappear before the point of the hook could settle in their mouth. We loaded back in the car and drove along the dirt road a little further. The stream meandered through thick brush and hid in deep slots cut into the mountainside. We came upon a meadow where the stream slowly curved around its edge. I re-rigged the rod and handed it to Katy. There was only one pool with good current and the light was beginning to fade. I coached Katy as she tried to get a drag-free drift. Connor was still in the car munching on gold fish crackers. Connor realized he was alone and the jig was up. I ran back to the car to entertain Connor as Katy continued her quest. "Mike, I got one!" The rod was bent and Katy had a grin from ear to ear. I grabbed Connor in one hand and the camera in the other and ran to see her prize.

Katy's first fish on a fly rod by herself! I was so over-joyed. I helped her release the fish and it swam back to its home. As we drove back to our home, we couldn't stop talking about how wonderful this evening was. "That was fun! Now I'm going to be jealous when you go fishing without me." I think Katy is converted to a fly rod on small streams.

2009-05-30T17:39:00.001-06:00

Pale Force Episode 2 w/ Conan O'Brien - watch more funny videos

Woods Ranch Outting

2009-05-27T13:49:00.004-06:00

Before heading up the mountain, We spotted a caterpillar scooting around. Connor was not amused.

Connor takes his fishing seriously and was zen with the little tikes rod.

But Connor quickly found the light and picked up a fly rod. Connor patiently waited for the fish to come to him.

After some false casts and missed hook-ups, we retired for he evening on the swings. Connor is quite the daredevil and loved to swing as high as the swing would take us.

Connor is Growning Up So Fast!

2009-05-24T23:25:00.004-06:00

Many Firsts on Second Creek

2009-05-16T21:56:00.002-06:00

Craig and I made it to 2nd Creek tonight. We planned to go last week, but Craig had some last minute work to complete. Last year around this time, 2nd Creek had perfect clarity and flows. The road was rough getting in and snow drifts threatened a long hike to the stream. When we arrived to the stream, it was higher then we'd hoped and a little off-color. The wind howled through the pines as I started rigging up my XP 5. These fish aren't very big and the 3wt is so much nicer for these little creeks, so I changed paths and opted for the DC SigV 3wt. Craig rigged up the Rx7 3wt I built for him last year.

I rigged a #14 Grumpy Frumpy with a lime-green belly. Below that I had a #16 copper CJ. Within the first couple pools, I had a small Brown rise to my offering. This is the first fish I've caught on a Grumpy Frumpy. I hope to have many more this summer.

After loosing the dropper to some under-water hazard, I fished with the dry for awhile. Below one of the many beaver ponds that line this creek, I tyed on a red with black wire rib chironomid. I was able to coax a small Brookie from the depths. This is the first Brookie I can remember catching on this creek.

Above the beaver dam, there is a deep pool with a slow riffle down the middle. The first cast into the pool is met with a feisty Cutbow. After some bursts of speed and a few aerials, the fish comes to hand.

I catch a few more fish with the red/black chironmid before sacrificing it to the river Gods. After many failed attempts to find another winning combination, Craig and I hike back down the creek below where we started. I decided to try yet another fly I've never seen action on, a San Juan Worm. I've heard of the magical abilities the SJW has to attract fish, but I was yet to believe. Below a #14 red CJ, I placed a bright pink SJW. But a failed cast dislodged the worm. After a couple more pools and a couple more lost worms, I question the myth of the SJW. But I tie on another SWJ and cast it to a likely riffle next to a solo willow bush. My indicator drops and I set the hook. It is a 11+ Brown with anger issues. I get it to the bank and reach for my camera, but I let too much slack in the line and the fish unbuttoned. I didn't get my first fish on a SJW documented. But soon after, I catch another willing participant and snap a quick shot before it swims away.

After my third fish on a SJW in one spectacular run, I chase after Craig to share my findings and a couple SJWs. I bring a couple more to hand before I meet back up with Craig and head to the truck to go home. Although we hit 2nd Creek before it was in its prime, we were able to have a fun day in the wilds of the 2nd Creek drainage.

Connor is a little man now

2009-05-16T21:50:00.004-06:00

Its amazing to witness someone gain a personality and knowledge. Connor amazes me every day by the things he does and says. I am so happy to be able to raise such a fine boy. Connor and I have had a few "fathers and sons" outtings. I look forward to many more as I have the blessing of looking over this "angel sent from heaven".

Backyard Dinosaur

2009-05-05T13:22:00.000-06:00

While watering the fruit trees in the backyard, Katy spotted a Horny Toad. We put him in a box and planned to keep him as a pet. I Googled how to take care of it, but it seems like these guys don't fair well in captivity. I decided to take a few shots and let him (or her) go back into the wilds of our backyard. I've been studying how to take better pictures. Fly Art Studio has some great tutorials on how to take good pictures, even if all you have is a point-and-shoot camera. I finally found a use for the $5 tripod I purchased from Staples. I've been looking for a Gorillapod around town, but I think I will be ordering one on-line soon.

Little Tikes on the Little Reservoir

2009-04-23T22:14:00.007-06:00

Katy, Connor, and I went to Little Reservoir. on Beaver Mountain for a well needed reprieve from my 55 hour work week. I guess "fish eat metal" too. I lined up my XP, but between the micro-bursts and Connor in my back-cast, I decided to put it away. Plus Katy kept catching fish after fish and I couldn't seem to find any awake...except this small shad taken on a #16 zebra midge.

Between the three of us, we caught over 20 fish in a couple hours. It was a fun family outing to start out the spring.

Connor takes his business serious. There's a couple spots I have in mind for Connor to catch a Brookie on his own (Connor didn't hook this fish, but he did a good job holding the rod while it tried to get away).

We ended the day at Wendy's. Connor loves hambuagas. When we got home he didn't want to put his fishing pole down. He had to take a bath with it and then he ran around the house until 11pm yelling sheshe. I think he's got the bug.

2009-04-18T22:04:00.001-06:00

One of Connor's favorite things is the throw rocks. Even better when he can throw them into water!

Montana Trip

2009-04-02T14:26:00.010-06:00

Katy, Connor and Mary went to visit Jess in Montana a couple weeks ago.

2009-03-14T18:24:00.004-06:00

I went to a local brush choked stream yesterday. I was in heaven casting dries to little naitive Bonneville Cutthroat trout. I picked my battles, avoiding pools I couldn't see fish in or couldn't cast into without a 95% chance of tangling my line into a web of dispair.

Same fish, differnt lighting. This little guy was about the norm for this stream. I cast to this fish over 20 times until I finally hook 'em (or her). Most of the fish in this stream, I could see. After about 3 changes in position, and three fly changes, I finally got a solid hook-up. Each time the fly drift over this fish, it would nudge it with its nose. Persistance paid off and I finally hooked it.

This was the largest of the day. I saw a little stream of water running down the hill into the stream. I followed the water up until I came to a small pool at the top. A small amount of water was flowing from a water diversion canal. I cast my fly right where the water came out. Right away my fly was slammed. But I missed the strike. I cast a few more times with a couple more missed strikes. I think this guy thought manna from heaven was flowing down to him. He never caught on I was about to catch him.

Many Firsts

2009-03-08T22:49:00.003-06:00

I have been taking care of Connor while Katy was in California helping her friend after surgery. On the way to pick Katy up from the airport, Connor and I made a detour to fish a litttle stream I've been meaning to try for a while.

Connor was eager to explore the area while I put my waders on and strung up my new 3wt fly rod I finished a couple weeks ago. I kept catching him and bringing him back to the car until I was geared up and ready to go.

I was about ready to take Connor to catch his first fish. I put him in backpack and went to grab my stuff. In the meantime, Connor got inpatient and tried to get things moving a little faster. Connor tipped the pack over with him inside and he landed face first in the dirt! I snatched him up, but knew he wasn't going to go back in the pack. I wiped the dirt from his mouth and carried him down the stream to start working the small pools back to the car.

As I neared the stream, I realized there was no way to hold Connor and cast in the thick brush at the same time. I dropped my rod and fanny pack off and walked back to the car to put Connor in the pack for a second try. This time I bribed him with a sucker. Connor was content to sit in the pack while I tried top make a decent cast into the small pools. With a pack on back and the fanny pack on my chest, I struggled to move. I didn't see a fish until we neared the last pool. I missed a couple bites and finally hooked into a nice little 8" cutthroat. I released the fish from the hook and set him in a small pool blocking him from getting away. I took Connor off my back and held the fish up to him. Connor yelled, "Fisshie!". I put the little trout back where I caught him and tried to catch one more from the top of the pool. Connor kept yelling instruction to catch him another pet to look at.

First time to fish this stream, first fish on my new 3wt, and most importantly, first fish for Connor!

2009-03-04T23:55:00.003-07:00

I love this picture, it looks like Connor is posing for the picture of an expose' detailing his rise to the top of the bob-sledding circuit.

Connor looks like a Hobo!

2009-02-25T17:06:00.001-07:00

He looks like he is a character in a play with a fake beard to look like a Hobo.

Here's a few videos for you mom. Get well soon!

2009-02-23T23:33:00.004-07:00

Connor has a green thumb...well atleast a brown bum!

2009-02-21T22:55:00.003-07:00

Connor helped me turn soil over for our garden. He loves beiong outside and playing in the dirt and rocks.

Weekend Fun

2009-02-21T22:50:00.004-07:00

We went hiking in the Gorge South of SG last Friday. Connor could have stayed all day throwing rocks in the river.

We stopped at the outlets in SG on the way home and turned Connor into a little cowboy. As you can see he is a pleased participant.
I wish everyday was a weekend!

Maggy Mooshach

2009-02-14T17:44:00.001-07:00

We had a new business open here in Cedar similar to "Coldstone" called "Maggy Moos"...dangerous!

Connor is a Coke-head

2009-02-10T19:07:00.001-07:00

This is what happens when Mommy goes out to lunch and leaves Connor with his dad.

Better late then never

2009-02-01T09:26:00.002-07:00

Its been a busy few months and I haven't had a chance to update this thing. Here are a few pictures i had in e-mail from my phone. Hopefully I can include a few pictures from Christmas soon.

Milestones in Fishing

2008-11-30T21:22:00.009-07:00

I've loved the sport of fishing for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Northeastern Oregan, I was surrounded by great places to fish. Although I don't remember the names of the lakes and streams I fished, I have still remember some of the fish I caught. I even remember some of the fish Orman caught! I spent 6 weeks at my Grandparents in Georgia. I spent most of the time catching brim off the dam.
Price did not have much in the way of fishing. But when we moved to Orem, my passion turned into an obsession. I began by riding my bike with friends to the Lindon Marena at Utah Lake and catching white bass. We found other places to fish within the distance we could ride our bikes. At about 12, I learned how to tie a few flies and tried to learn how to fly fish. I caught my first fish on a fly I tied on a week hike in the Unita Mountains with my scout group. I think a bare hook could have given the same result, but it was rewarding still the same to haved tied a fly a fish saw fit to taste.
I didn't catch a single fish on a fly rod until many years later. I caught an eight inch rainbow with a flashback pheasant tail nymph while fishing a side canyon that ran into the Provo River. I began fly fishing solely with wolley buggers at the inlets of lakes and catching a fair share of fish. I loved to fish Twin Creeks at Fish Lake just before summer. I spent many days battling with the bait chuckers for the prime realstate left of the inlet and 20 feet out.
I avoided fishing streams and rivers (except the trashy section of the Provo where I caught a fair share of White Bass) because I didn't know how. That was until I began dating Katy and starting fishing with Craig. Craig and I started fishing together at Baker Res. and then Pine Valley. I think this was all in his master plan to turn me into a dry fly purist on a stream.
A trip to the Oakley cabin changed my fishing perspective forever. The water was high, but that didn't stop Craig and I from trying our hand at catching some fish. Craig had found the honey hole while I kept flogging my rod at ill attempts to catch a single fish. Craig guided me to the hole and laid out the plot to catch my first river-trout on a fly rod. I hooked a smallish trout that nearly came unbuttoned from my Royle Wulff and I was a new man. Subsequent trips to the cabin reinforced my new passion for fly fishing rivers and streams.
A summer camping trip with my dad was the catalyst for my next stage in fly fishing. I spent a few days camping, fishing and riding ATVs on Beaver Mountain with my dad. I had just purchased a 12' aluminum boat as my own celebration of obtaining my BS in Psychology. I had just received another graduation gift from Craig, a very nice Sage XP 5 wt fly rod. I was too paranoid to fish with my new fly rod in the boat on this trip. So I fished with my spinning rod the whole trip.
On the way home, I was listening to the soundtrack to "The Horse Whisper". I was overwhelmed with the desire to wave a fly rod. There was a small stream running in the middle of the valley I was passing through. It was choked with willows and couldn't possibly hold any fish. I suited up anyways and dawned my new stick. The first spot I came to was the end of a long, slow pool created by a beaver dam. I stood at the end and cast my fly to the other end of the pond. The fly landed just inches from a stand of willow branches and began drifting down towards the dam. At just that moment, my fly disappeared in a splash of water. I lifted my rod, and to my surprise, I had hooked my first small stream trout. I brought the fish in for inspection. The brown and red dots were unforgettable. I had proven myself wrong, there are fish in this stream! This was the turning point from becoming the guided to the guide.
I began exploring the Southern Utah landscape for water that held fish. I shared my findings with Craig. Our fishing trips became more frequent and my ability to catch fish increased. A trip to Jackson Hole humbled me to realize I didn't know as much as I thought. But my main goal was to catch as many fish as possible and that's what I did.
Ever since I began fly fishing, I dreamt of catching a bass in my Grandpa's pond in Georgia on a fly rod. This last summer, we planned a family trip to Georgia. I didn't have a rod that would easily travel all the way from Utah to Georgia, so I built one. I had a couple weeks between completing the build of the 4 piece 7wt fly rod and the trip to Georgia. I went to Sand Hollow to test the rod out. I caught my first Large Mouth Bass on the fly. It was a scrappy seven inches with the heart of a champ. Now I was ready for the trip to fly fish in my grandpa's pond. When we arrived at Grandpa's house, I could barely contain my excitement to go fishing. After consulting with my cousin, I was on the water casting my fly rod. I hooked and release a number of 1-2lb LMB and a couple really big brim. I later found out that I may have been the first person to ever fly fish in that pond!
As I explored new waters, I kept hearing stories of "the big ones". But as hard as I tried, I only caught the little ones. I came up with the goal of catching a 20"+ trout on a fly rod. I spent many trips pursuing this goal. A year went by and I still hadn't completed my task. It finally happened this Spring. I skipped out of work early and headed to Minersville Resivour. The ice had just receded from the edges and I was there to usher the trout into the new season.
Now that I completed this goal, I changed it a little; "catch a 20"+ trout in a river or stream". A few weeka ago, I almost completed this goal, but I was .5" short. Craig and I only had a few hours to fish and I wanted to take him to a spot on the East Fork of the Sevier I have been frequinting for the past month. We had to leave by 2:30p so Craig and I worked the pools and runs together as the day went on. about 30 minutes before the deadline, we came upon the next section of fishable water. Craig took the bottom of the pool and invited me to fish the main section. I hesitated at first, but Craig insisted. I hiked up and around the pool and after a little bush-whacking, I came out at a perfect angle to fish the pool. I cast my nymph rig with a red copper john and copper scud into the pool a couple times along the edges of the current. My first cast into the main current produced a strike. I didn't see my indicater, because I could see the fish take my fly. And it was big! I yelled to Craig I had a good one, but he didn't realize how good until it jumped out of the water. Craig coached me as I faught the beast for what seemed an eternity. The fish went up and down the pool without any sign of tiring. The worst thing that could happen now was for it to become unbuttoned. It began to show signs of defeat and I pulled it into the bank. I was beaming with excitment as I picked the fish out of the water and Craig snapped a picture. I had forgot to repack my tape measure, so we placed the fish next to my rod and marked the spot the fish's nose came to. When I got home, the first thing I did after bragging to Katy of my accomplishment was go into my office and get out the tape and measured. No matter how I held the rod, the tape, or my hand; the fish was 19.5". Just shy of my goal.
This past week, I decided to go solo on another trip to Kingston Canyon. I had to complete my goal. I woke up early and was on my way out of town by 7:15a. I go to my turn off and began setting up my gear for the day. It was cloudy, but I figured it would warm up soon once the clouds burned off. I rigged two rods. I figured since I was going solo, I could take my time and there wasn't as much of a chance for my other rod to get stepped on. the first rod I rigged with a streamer, the second with a nymph rig that I caught the rainbow on. As I hiked down the road, I thought to myself that maybe I should have worn a jacket. But I still thought it would warm up and then I would be left packing the extra bulk of the jacket the rest of the day. I shivered to the first hole and immediatly hooked into a 14"+ rainbow on the streamer rod. A lot of frog water was ahead. I caught a few fish as I worked upstream and lost my big black streamer in some brush in an ill-attemp to backcast in a tight area. I fished an Olive version of my Black articulated leech for awhile. But decided to go back to black. I fished a run that empied into a C shaped pool. I cast my nymph rig to where the water entered the pool. My inticater went under and I felt tension in the line. At fist I thought it was a branch I snagged in the head of the pool. But the was splashing. I figured I had caught a fish and it snagged me into a branch. As I stripped the end of the line closer, I could see what it was. I had snagged a muskrat by the tail! I wasn't sure what to do next. I brought the ugly thing closer and snipped the line at the top fly. As the muskrat came free, it turn around at me and looked as if it was going to attack. I reared back and was about ready to boot the little guy when it jumped in the water and swam away.
I came up to a long, deep, slow pool and decided to desect it piece by piece. I missed a lot more then I caught. I stopped for a lunch break and warm up from the chill in the air. The pool was so large that when I finished my lunch, I continued to fish my way up to the head of the pool. I stood at the top of the pool in the shallow water just above. I cast my black streamer over the current, by a boulder. I gave the line a few quick strips and let the streamer swing accross the current. My line came tight and a large Brown Trout came to the surface. I kept my rod high as I walked around the pool to get a better spot to land the fish. All I could think was I had to get this fish in! I can't say the fish gave an extaordinary fight, but I was happy to get it in before my heart blocked the air from passing down my throat. As it came closer, it looked like a shark swimming back and forth just below my feet. I swept the fish onto the bank and let out a howl! I tried to take a picture of the fish with one hand, but I couldn't get it all in the frame. I dislodged the hook and dipped the fish into the water to catch its breath while I caught mine. I snapped another quick shot of the fish next to my rod and pulled out a measuring tape I was sure to bring this time. The fish easily passed the 20" mark. Although it wasn't very fat, it measured out to be 22"! I took the fish out to clean water and held it by the tail as I revived it from the quick fight. It flipped out of my hands and swam off into the depths of the pool.
I'm not sure what my next goal will be. But I'm happy for now. These arn't the best shots, but not much I can do solo...

Park in Washington (not the state, the town south of SG)

2008-11-30T21:19:00.002-07:00

Kingston Canyon Fishing

2008-11-12T09:11:00.006-07:00

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-05T09:16:00.003-07:00

2008-10-23T16:41:00.001-06:00

Connor Walking Sarge

2008-09-26T13:23:00.001-06:00

Connor enjoys holding Sarge's leash on walks.

Beans Beans The Magical Fruit

2008-09-25T20:38:00.002-06:00

Connor has quite the affinity for black beans.

151516...I just missed it

2008-09-21T18:21:00.003-06:00

I noticed my odometer about a mile too late.

Connor Don't Like No Sizzler

2008-09-19T09:09:00.004-06:00

Birthday Wypaz!

2008-09-11T17:29:00.006-06:00

I went out to New Castle last week for a birthday favor to myself (1 of 3 that weekend). I ended up going solo after a friend had "technical difficulties" with his health. I got there a little too early (5:40am) and it was still pretty dark. Another fly fisherman got there shortly after me and we ended up fishing the morning together swapping stories and flies.

Katy and I went on Cedar Mountain the next day and I watched Katy fly fish while Connor and I played in the grass and rocks. It was great to see how well Katy is picking up casting and had a couple fish hit her fly.

The next evening, Craig and I went to our favorite small stream and had a great time as always on that stretch of water.

I'm spoiled!

Muka the Monkey

2008-09-11T17:24:00.003-06:00

We stopped by Old Navy in SG the other day to check out the "Baby Sale". We (meaning I) couldn't resist dressing Connor in one of the many animal costums they were selling. That crazy kid!

I would have said "1986" but close enough

2008-09-11T10:26:00.001-06:00

You Belong in 1985

Wild, over the top, and just a little bit cheesy. You're colorful at night - and successful during the day.

What Year Do You Belong In?

This was on our Friend Camillia's Blog. Katy took this last night and she was "1972".

2008-09-10T09:26:00.008-06:00

Here is some recent pictures of Connor, including his birthday party on August 28.

Wipers

2008-08-22T15:23:00.011-06:00

I grew up fishing for White Bass with my friends in Orem. We would ride out bikes to the Geneva Steel cooling ponds and catch bass to our hearts content. I always enjoyed fishing as a kid, but this was the start of my obsession with fishing. I went every chance I could get to pursue those spunky fish in the nasty water. I looked forward to late May, not only because it was the end of school, but that White Bass would spawn in the river running into Utah Lake. My friends and I would ride our bikes down every day to catch fish after fish. Its been a long time since I caught a White Bass. But the other day, I went fishing for a species of fish that is a tweeked out White Bass on steroids! It brought back memories of times past and all the fun I had with friends fishing for White Bass. Wipers are a cross between a White Bass and a Striped Bass.

This is the first wiper I have ever caught

I ended up catching close to a dozen fish!

Here is a nice Smallmouth I also caught

Messy Boy!!

2008-07-31T09:20:00.002-06:00

Go Jan!!!

2008-07-31T09:16:00.002-06:00

I found this video of Jan practicing his dancing skills

2008-07-14T21:31:00.002-06:00

Connor is starting to form wings above his ears. Gangsta'

Connor has been under the weather the last few days. We ended up taking him to ER the other night to get checked out. It is never fun to see him in pain. We hope he passes this virus soon.

The Old Stompin' Grounds

2008-07-07T22:38:00.002-06:00

We went to Jacob Lake on the way to and from Flagstaff. It was a little wierd being back to the place Katy and I met.

North Rim of Grand Canyon

2008-07-07T22:35:00.002-06:00

On the way back from Flagstaff, we went to the North Rim with John, Camilla and their girls.

Bryce Canyon Trip

2008-07-07T22:15:00.000-06:00

Katy went to Bryce with her family a couple weeks ago.

Cabin Trip

2008-07-07T22:02:00.002-06:00

Here is a trip from our visit to Katy's family cabin near Oakley. You might notice the lack of fish pictures...the river was WAY high and I had to resort to going hillbilly on the pot guts. I will omit the gruesome pictures

Connor is a Little Froggy Boy!

2008-07-07T21:57:00.001-06:00

Connor got a frog pool to cool off this summer. He enjoys the water spray...but he is a little afraid the fromg might get hungry and eat him.

It's Been So Long

2008-05-28T16:34:00.002-06:00

Well, life gets crazy some times and I haven't been taking the time to share our family fun the last few months. Here is a bunch of pictures of our activities the last few months. Sorry for the format, but this was the easiest way to get caught up on this blog. Summer is around the corner and we hope to share more pictures and stories of our family fun.

Cereal Stock-up

2008-05-27T16:29:00.004-06:00

We got a great deal at our local Albertsons on General Mills cereal. $1 a box! so we loaded Connor in his fire truck shopping cart and filled out cart up with killer deals.

Connor Carrier

2008-05-27T16:24:00.003-06:00

We got a nice carrier for Connor last week. We have already used it a couple times.

I'll Turn'em Into a Fly Fisher Yet

2008-02-17T19:24:00.003-07:00

I haven't been able to post anything on the blog lately. I don't know what was wrong, but I couldn't load any pictures of videos. But I decided to try it again and it worked.

...anyways, this was a pic Katy took a while back when I was re-stocking my fly box for the upcoming season. Katy is wonderful to allow me to tie my flies in the living room so I can be with the family and still tie my flies. Women aren't the only multi-taskers!

Connor had a STINKY!!

2008-01-14T08:39:00.000-07:00

Connor had a nasty stinky Sunday night. I think its backlash from putting him on rice cereal. Katy and I tag teamed it, but not until we coated our noses with menthol and wore protective masks. Even then it was dangerous and we both about lost our stomachs a couple times.

First time Eating Cereal

2008-01-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

I got home for lunch just in time to witness Connor's first try at cereal. He did surprisingly well.

Connor got a new high chair

2008-01-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

Feed the Fish!

2008-01-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

Connor gets his first dental hygiene treatment

2007-12-31T11:39:00.001-07:00

Little Jan

2007-12-31T11:31:00.001-07:00

Connor was trying out the "Jan look" when we went out to eat while in Orem

We didn't get many pictures of Marg holding Connor, but here's one from my phone

2007-12-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

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2007-12-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

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2007-12-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

Connor hard at work in his workshop

2007-12-18T10:59:00.001-07:00

Proof of Dedication

2007-12-13T19:53:00.001-07:00

Craig and I braved the cold Wednesday and fished our newly discovered oasis of the Sevier River. you can see a few posts down when we went the first time. But last time we ventured out there, we got there too late and only caught numb cold fingers. this time we headed out early and it turned out to be a beautiful blue bird day. We both found fish that were awake enough to bite. And we had a wonderful time fishing. It was a whole new technique...we used water ballons as strike indicators and let the fly drift VERY slow.

Connor's Blessing

2007-12-04T16:10:00.001-07:00

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2007-12-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

Red Rock Recreation Video

2007-12-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a video I made out our trip to Red Rock Recreation Area a couple weeks ago.

Connor Has His First Cold

2007-11-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

Red Cliffs Recreration Area

2007-11-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

Connor had such a blast at Zions last week that we decided to take him on another hike.

Marysville Canyon

2007-11-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

Craig and I ventured two hours away to fish the Sevier River above Marysville. We had a blast on what will most likely be one of our last trips of the year.

Zion's in the Fall

2007-11-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

We met Katy's parents and went to Zions for the day. We hiked the trail to the bottom of the Narrows. The fall colors were brilliant and this was Connor's first hike.

Sarge is a Dirty Stinka

2007-11-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

Sarge has taken it upon himself to litter our house with leaves and dirt as punishment for making him wear a sweater.

Heyo!...It's Halloween

2007-11-01T09:46:00.000-06:00

Baby Boy Packin' on a Few

2007-10-30T18:52:00.000-06:00

Connor Visits Daddy at Work!

2007-10-25T16:49:00.000-06:00

Connor is 12.5 lbs now! He got his shots yesterday, but you couldn't tell that from this picture...

Halloween Connor

2007-10-23T16:18:00.000-06:00

It's Getting Colder!!!

2007-10-21T20:13:00.000-06:00

Connor ready for a night out on the town

Mike and Craig at Baker Reservoir

2007-10-21T20:11:00.000-06:00

Tigger and Alfalfa

2007-10-19T14:15:00.000-06:00

2007-10-09T15:40:00.001-06:00

2007-10-07T21:23:00.000-06:00

2007-10-03T16:21:00.000-06:00

The Joy of Parenting

2007-09-30T21:06:00.001-06:00

Connor was nice enough to share his blow-out with me.

Bath-time Baby

2007-09-30T21:04:00.001-06:00

Big Boy!

2007-09-24T17:22:00.001-06:00

I met Katy and Muka at the pediatrician today. Connor's "hip click" is gone! and he gained over 1.5 lbs in the last 2 weeks.

In the spirit of stealing pictures from family member blogs, here is a picture from Mish's blog of us at the "Vida". Hannah and Rylee put Sarge to work doing trick after trick. It was fun to see the Yeates.

Jess came to visit

2007-09-23T20:43:00.001-06:00

Katy's sister came and surprised her last week! I stole these pictures off her blogspot: http://robertsmeadow.blogspot.com Katy was so happy to see her! Thanks again Jess.

Con-diz and Sarge

2007-09-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

Both Connor and Sarge love walks.

15" Brown

2007-09-14T20:14:00.001-06:00

This was from the second trip out fishing since Connor was born. I went on Beaver Mountain with Craig last week, but I don't have the pics on my jump drive. Our internet isn't working at home, so when I have time, I can upload at work. This fish was the biggest one I caught this day. Its a hog compaired to the 8-10" ones I caught before this.

Muka Man

2007-09-14T20:12:00.001-06:00

Connor is a very dramatic baby. His attitude is starting to come out. Its fun to get to know him better, but I think he might be a little "Over-dramatic".

Muka vs.Skoot

2007-09-07T15:58:00.000-06:00

Katy and I are trying to agree on Connor's nickname. I saw "Muka" she says "Skoot". He shopuld be called "Muka" because he is going to sport a mohawk until he decides to change things. I'm not sure why "Skoot" he doesn't do any of that. He can't even hold his head up yet. So I must win!!!!

Con Con

2007-08-31T17:02:00.000-06:00

Bishop Jan and Grandma Marg

2007-08-31T14:00:00.000-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa Anderson came by to visit. Their vote is that Connor looks like Talyon. They will stop by again on Saturday on their way home from partyin' at Lake Mead with the Perrys.

Connor isn't sleeping much at night. Katy isn't getting much sleep either. She got a good nap in (about 2 hours) when I had Connor in his car seat, inside his stroller rocking him when he would squawk. Hopefully this is the key to Connor.

We went to the pediatrician today. Connor was only an ounce below his birth weight and measured 21.25". I think he will be a tall boy. I better start digging the hole for the basketball standard.

Thank-you all for your love a support with Connor. I must say it's nice to have older siblings to pass down baby stuff. And to buy us baby stuff. Thank-you again for your generosity.

We are about to leave the hospital

2007-08-29T08:48:00.000-06:00

Katy and Connor had a rough night last night. They must have missed me when I went home to sleep. Connor loves to he held constantly and that's fine with us! He is just getting checked before we go home. I'm not sure if the internet will work at home, but I will keep adding pictures when possible.