The Upshaw Family

Johnny, Brittany, Colton & Jack
  
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New photos added here December 6, 2023 and here January 4 and here January 7, 2024 (captions in red)
  

In May, 2008, Johnny graduated with honors from California State University, Fresno, with a double major in  forensic anthropology and chemistry. He continued his studies at CSUF and completed his dissertation for a masters' degree in the fall semester of 2011. On June 20, 2008 he was married to Brittany Morris, who graduated from CSUF in December, 2007, with a teaching credential. They met in 7th grade, and have been together as a couple since their junior year in high school.

Brittany teaches elementary school in Sanger, a small town near Fresno. In September, 2010, Johnny started working as a criminalist for the Department of Justice lab in Fresno, putting his training to use.

On December 12, 2012, they became the parents of Colton James Upshaw, who weighed in at 7 lbs 4 oz; 20 1/2 inches long, and cuter than all the other babies born that day. The brood grew by one more on October 8, 2014, with the arrival of Jack Morgan Upshaw, who weighed a full pound and four ounces more than his big brother, and was equally cute. Both boys now play soccer and baseball, and Colton played football and joined the wrestling  team. They are students at Cedarwood Elementary, a short distance from their home.

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JD, August 18, 2000 (16th birthday) Graduation Day, May 2002 On the road again Brittany's first 4-wheel ride

JD, August 18, 2000 (16th birthday)

Graduation Day, May 2002 On the road again Brittany's first 4-wheel ride
Captain Panther Fresno Lightning travel team JDbaseball The barrel jump
Captain Panther Fresno Lightning travel team  JD's baseball career was
short and best forgotten
The barrel jump
Pine needle boarding The Master Climber With Brittany, December 2003 The new wheels
No snow? Try pine needle boarding The master climber With Brittany, December 2003 The new wheels
Johnny & Brittany, January 2005 Hockey with Aunt Jen & little brother Mikie An intense foosball contest Flashback to age 2
Johnny & Brittany, January 2005 Hockey with Aunt Jen & little brother Mikie An intense foosball contest Flashback to age 2
Johnny & Grandpa Dick Estel about 1987 Birthday party, probably 1988 First backpack trip, probably 1986 Johnny, spring, 2006
Johnny & Grandpa Dick Estel about 1987 Birthday party, probably 1988 First backpack trip, probably 1986 Johnny, spring, 2006
    
Johnny & Brittany at the Sharks-Penguins game in October 2008 The newest family member, Crosby Exercise time - Johnny, Brittany, Crosby & Faith Sidney & Crosby, February 2011
Johnny & Brittany at the Sharks-Penguins game in October 2008 The newest family member, Crosby Exercise time - Johnny, Brittany, Crosby & Faith Sidney & Crosby, February 2011
   
Johnny & Brittany, Thanksgiving 2012 Johnny's short-lived "cheesy mustache" Colton James Upshaw, born 12/12/12 CJ with great grandpa Dick

Johnny & Brittany, Thanksgiving 2012

Johnny's short-lived "cheesy mustache" Colton James Upshaw, born 12/12/12 Colton with great grandpa Dick
Fist pump! Doing what he does best The Upshaws, December 2012 Johnny and Son
Fist pump! Doing what he does best The Upshaws, December 2012 Johnny and Son
   
CJ and Grandma Teri Learning to smile CJ and Sidney Napping after a hard day of "turning over" exercises
Colton and Grandma Teri Learning to smile Colton and Sidney Napping after a hard day of "turning over" exercises
   
CJ with mom CJ with great grandpa Dick CJ and grandpa Tim watch dad (Johnny) play hockey CJ "standing" between mom and dad
Colton with mom Colton with great grandpa Dick Colton and grandpa Tim watch dad (Johnny) play hockey Colton "standing" between mom and dad, five month birthday
   
Ready for a bath - June 2013 Surrounded by color Learning to eat solid food At six months, CJ can roll backward in the walker
Ready for a bath - June 2013 Surrounded by color Learning to eat solid food At six months, Colton can roll backward in the walker
    
A smile worthy of Facebook for his six month birthday TJ just past seven months Learning to crawl Bringing back the Mohawk!

A smile worthy of Facebook for his six month birthday

Colton just past seven months

Learning to crawl

Bringing back the Mohawk!

    

The latest family portrait

First Halloween

It's all happening at the zoo!

At the zoo with Grandma Teri

The latest family portrait

First Halloween

It's all happening at the zoo!

At the zoo with Grandma Teri

    

CJ exploring the great outdoors

What's more fun than a wheelbarrow ride!

"I gotta spread these leaves around like they belong!"

Colton and Great Grandpa Dick December 2013

Colton exploring the great outdoors

What's more fun than a wheelbarrow ride!

"I gotta spread these leaves around where they belong!"

Colton and Great Grandpa Dick December 2013

   

Chowing down on pizza

"Hmmm...not sure about the olives"

CJ & Dad Johnny at Uncle Mike's hockey game

CJ and Grandpa Tim

Chowing down on pizza

"Hmmm...not sure about the olives"

Colton & Dad Johnny at Uncle Mike's hockey game

Colton and Grandpa Tim

  
Colton and his grandparents at this first birthday party, December 14, 2013 Getting a grip on the birthday cake Just diving right in Hiking the trail at Aunt Jennifer & Uncle Rod's property

Colton and his grandparents at this first birthday party, December 14, 2013

Getting a grip on the birthday cake

Just diving right in

Hiking the trail at Aunt Jennifer & Uncle Rod's property

     
Herding geese Swinging with Grandma Teri Relaxing on a rock
Rocking out on the keyboard Herding geese Swinging with Grandma Teri Relaxing on a rock
   
Ridding the world of dandelions In the sandbox Johnny, Colton & Brittany, summer 2014 Pinecone hockey at Tahoe
Ridding the world of dandelions In the sandbox Johnny, Colton & Brittany, summer 2014 Pinecone hockey at Tahoe
   
An outing to Red Robin "Can I borrow the backhoe tonight, Grandma?" "Driving" the backhoe First visit to the Mariposa County Fair
An outing to Red Robin "Can I borrow the backhoe tonight, Grandma?" "Driving" the backhoe

First visit to the Mariposa County Fair

   
On the Merry-Go-Round with Russell, Grandma Teri, Uncle Mikie, and Great Aunt Jennifer Riding the train with Uncle Mikie Feeding the goats A favorite lunch - fries and hot dog
On the Merry-Go-Round with Russell, Grandma Teri, Uncle Mikie, and Great Aunt Jennifer Riding the train with Uncle Mikie Feeding the goats

A favorite lunch - fries and hot dog

   
Jack Morgan Upshaw Jack at home Colton in Nelder Grove Johnny and Colton up a stump
Jack Morgan Upshaw Jack at home Colton in Nelder Grove Johnny and Colton up a stump 
      
Johnny and Colton A closer look Looking WAY up Colton is an expert wall walker
Johnny and Colton A closer look Looking WAY up Colton is an expert wall walker
   
Care must be taken in selecting the proper stick First, break off any small branches Finish up by peeling off some of the bark Brittany and Johnny help Colton celebrate his 2nd birthday

Care must be taken to select the proper stick

First, break off any remaining small branches

Finish up by peeling off some of the bark

Brittany and Johnny help Colton celebrate his 2nd birthday
    
Last year face full, this year just at tiny spot of frosting Reading with Grandpa Tim Jack enjoys Christmas breakfast with Grandma Teri Watching Uncle Mikie play hockey in San Jose
Last year a face full, this year just at tiny spot of frosting  Reading with Grandpa Tim

Jack enjoys Christmas breakfast with Grandma Teri

Watching Uncle Mikie play hockey in San Jose 
   
What's more fun than a balloon at Red Robin? Jack was mostly an observer at his first Christmas Johnny and Colton in the snow Climbing on mom

What's more fun than a balloon at Red Robin?

Jack was mostly an observer at his first Christmas Johnny and Colton in the snow Climbing on mom
Colton watches while dad rides the sled The littlest trespasser The perfect item to put in your entertainment center On the shelf

Colton watches while dad rides the sled

The littlest trespasser The perfect item to put in your entertainment center On the shelf
   
Colton's first camping trip 1 Colton's first camping trip 2 Colton's first camping trip 3 Colton's first camping trip 4
Colton's first camping trip, April 2015 at Black Rock Reservoir, on the North Fork of the Kings River
    
Johnny ready to register for hockey camp, Banff 1998 The amazing Upshaw! Youth hockey days Contemplating the view above Pine Flat Reservoir
Johnny ready to register for hockey camp, Banff 1998 The amazing Upshaw! Youth hockey days

Contemplating the view above Pine Flat Reservoir

  
Jack with Grandma Teri A wood pile W Colton playing in the Sierra Nevada's natural sand box Discovering Rock Creek
Jack with Grandma Teri A wood pile W Colton playing in the Sierra Nevada's natural sand box Discovering Rock Creek
   
Jumping the creek while great-grandpa Dick watches Four generations, entering the Wilderness A well-earned snack

Dirt can't detract from the cuteness

Jumping the creek while great-grandpa Dick watches

Four generations, entering the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness    A well-earned snack

Dirt can't detract from the cuteness

   
Fun at home Jack has the family cuteness gene Colton meets Rita Burrito... ...and gets a free ride
Fun at home

Jack has the family cuteness gene

Colton meets Rita Burrito... ...and gets a free ride
   
Fun in the gravel pile Jack on the tractor Its all happening at the zoo Taking a rest
Fun in the gravel pile Jack on the tractor Its all happening at the zoo Taking a rest
   
Let's go that way! Reptile rider Jack's first birthday Jack and the coyote Great grandpa Dick got in Arizona
Let's go that way! Reptile rider Jack's first birthday

Jack and the coyote Great grandpa Dick got in Arizona

   
The Upshaws - Fall 2015 All the Upshaw's, Thanksgiving at San Joaquin River Gorge Jack with Grandma Teri Lunch time for Colton
The Upshaws - Fall 2015 All the Upshaw's, Thanksgiving at San Joaquin River Gorge Jack & Grandma Teri Lunch time for Colton
    
Jack is ready to hike the Clovis Old Town Trail Colton on the trail bridge across Dry Creek Canal Johnny could not resist this de facto climbing wall Colton celebrating his 3rd birthday

Jack is ready to hike the Clovis Old Town Trail

Colton on the trail bridge across Dry Creek Canal

Johnny could not resist this de facto climbing wall

Colton celebrating his 3rd birthday

  
Jack also got something to open Colton at the Parkfield Bluegrass Festival, May 2016 1 Colton at the Parkfield Bluegrass Festival, May 2016 2 Colton at the Parkfield Bluegrass Festival, May 2016 3
Jack also got something to open Colton at the Parkfield Bluegrass Festival, May 2016
   
Cowboy Colton on a hay bale And with his collection of "ropes" Steering the pirate ship Finally too much fun
Cowboy Colton on a hay bale And with his collection of "ropes" Steering the pirate ship Finally too much fun
   
Anticipating Animal Crackers Great Grandpa Dick with Colton and Jack at camp Fun on a huge sand pile Jack and Colton at Black Rock Reservoir
Anticipating Animal Crackers Great Grandpa Dick with Colton and Jack at camp Fun on a huge sand pile Jack and Colton at Black Rock Reservoir
  
Selecting rocks to throw into the bushes Keeping busy in camp Jack gets a close-up look at the cheetah at the Fresno Zoo "Driving" the Range Rover into the elephant compound
Selecting rocks to throw into the bushes Keeping busy in camp Jack gets a close-up look at the cheetah at the Fresno Zoo "Driving" the Land Rover into the elephant compound
      
Riding the sea lion Jack arranges Grandpa Dick's marbles in neat piles Big thrill - standing in the fire truck at the Mariposa Fair Colton goes for a "ride"
Riding the sea lion Jack arranges Grandpa Dick's marbles in neat piles

Big thrill - standing in the fire truck at the Mariposa Fair

Colton goes for a "ride"
  
So does Jack Favorite ride - bumper cars with Dad Jack meets the turkey Jack at swim school
So does Jack

Favorite ride - bumper cars with Dad

Jack meets the turkey Jack at swim school
   
Colton at swim school graduation Sharing a post-pool snack Colton knows the proper way to eat Oreos Jack's not shy about helping himself to a snack
Colton at swim school graduation Sharing a post-pool snack Colton knows the proper way to eat Oreos Jack's not shy about helping himself to a snack
   
Dirt can't hide the cuteness Helping Grandma Teri stay hydrated How Jack hkes The delights of a patch of shooting stars
Dirt can't hide the cuteness Helping Grandma Teri stay hydrated How Jack hikes The delights of a patch of shooting stars
   
"I wonder how I got so muddy" A careful bridge crossing, with a nervous dad right behind Such a tempting puddle! Jack could not resist this one
"I wonder how I got so muddy" A careful bridge crossing, with a nervous dad right behind Such a tempting puddle! Jack could not resist this one
     
Colton, Kentyn and Jack on the raft at the Small Fry Trail near friant Jack is caught like a trout! Stump jumping at the San Joaquin Gorge Acrobatics
Colton, Kentyn & Jack at the Small Fry Trail near friant Jack is caught like a trout! Stump jumping at the San Joaquin Gorge Acrobatics
   
"On stage" in great grandpa Dick's motor home How thoughtful of PG&E to provide a climbing tower Jack at a creek with Uncle Mike and Lizzie Lizzie and Colton on the fence
"On stage" in great grandpa Dick's motor home How thoughtful of PG&E to provide a climbing tower

Jack at a creek with Uncle Mike and Lizzie

Lizzie and Colton on the fence
      
Colton and Jack inspect a worm Slime fishing at Bass Lake Colton, Jack and the weird snowman
Colton and Jack inspect a worm Slime fishing at Bass Lake Colton, Jack and the weird snowman Family barbecue at Upshaws: Colton, Brittany, Johnny, Anne, Jack, Teri, Linda
   
Jack prepares to scatter dandelion seeds Climbing a downed sequoia log Catching sunshine Every muddy trickle must be poked
     
Sailing on Bass Lake with Grandma Teri Swim school graduation 2017 Colton on the rotten log pile at Bear Creek Camp Colton and Jack "hiking"
      
Colton explores The Castle, a broken off sequoia stump on the Big Stump Trail in Kings Canyon National Park Exploring a huge boulder at Panoramic Point On top of Buena Vista Peak
       
Colton in camp at Grant Grove King of the Campground On the trail to Grant Grove The Notorious Upshaw Brothers, Jack and Colton, on the San Joaquin River Trail
   
Snack time at the San Joaquin River bridge Colton had a great time opening, climbing on, and swinging on this gate Jack on the fence by the Dry Creek Canal Dispersing dandelion seeds in the park
     
At the walk-through log in Grant Grove Fun on a resting bench Snow near Kings Canyon National Park, just right for jumping Jack and Colton, December 2017
     
Jack's 3rd birthday Batman really can fly! Ready for Trick or Treat
    
Wayne and Garth ride again! Colton got the whole world for Christmas Jack rocks his new garbage truck t-shirt One of Grandpa Dick's whimsical Christmas gifts
     
Colton and the new fire truck Climbing the bracing inside the Covered Bridge at Wawona Taking a peek inside one of the restored pioneer cabins What better climbing toy than an old, rotting log?
    
Colton checks out Uncle Rod's newest toy In Grandpa Dick's motor home in January 2018 Jack coming down the slide at Hensley Lake Colton has his own technique
       
Johnny's first camping trip, at Concrete Flats near Pine Flat Lake Colton and Grandma Teri at San Joaquin Gorge A favorite use of the hiking pole This is the only place Colton slows down
   
Jack and the frog Rope climb at the Discovery Center Teri helps Jack on a gate on Trimmer Springs Road Jack and Colton at Camp 4 1/2 Cabin
    
Jack and Colton swinging on a frame at Ahwahnee Hills Peserve Gathering wet sand at Camp 4 1/2 Cabin Colton on the "Waterworks" by Big Creek, near Pine Flat, 2018 Johnny at the same location in 2000
      
Colton Upshaw, trick rider One of the best things about hiking - crossing creeks Jack with a "tree star" Launching it down Dry Creek
    
Colton gathering pine cones for kindling Jack at full speed Bandana Boys
     
Colton stands on top of Colton's Dome after his first visit there Jack, Johnny and Colton on the big boulder at the top of the dome

Jack's favorite 4th birthday gift, a Power Ranger robot

Wild ride at the pumpkin patch
   
Jack on a gate in the Nelder Grove campground Colton in the apple tree at Nelder Grove Jack and Brittany, November 2018 Jack and Colton in the Madera County foothills, November 2018
     
Colton starts construction of a gingerbread house Jack is eating his house Jack "cooking" Jack climbing a big boulder near Mill Flat Creek
  
Ice cream at Scoop's in Old Town Clovis Jack at Dry Creek Park, April 2019
         

Colton with Mr. Bibs, Aunt Jennifer's new kitty

Colton at Rancheria Falls Colton scores a run! A rare quiet moment
   
Camping in Nelder Grove, July 2019 Ready to hike the Bull Buck Loop Lunch in camp Fun in California Creek
      
Johnny at Don Hall ranch in Oregon, 1991 Johnny at Courtright Reservoir, 1991 Grandma Teri with Colton and Jack in Yosemite, September 2019 And great grandpa Dick with the boys
   
Jack at McDonald's on his 5th birthday In the hot tub at Grandpa Dick's Why parents get gray hair Spiderman and Deadpool (Jack & Colton), Halloween 2019
      
Jack playing video games at the mobile home in Greeley Hill Colton, Jack and ther buddies in the mobile home park Jack carries wood for the fire pit Lila, Olivia, Jack and Colton
get a tractor ride from Uncle Rod
      
Jack's Christmas wish - a Luigi outfit The two Jacks enjoy Gingerbread House Day at Cedarwood Elementary Riding by the Lewis Eaton Trail Exploring the replica Mouse House
    
Jack gives the bridge at the San Joaquin Gorge the "thumbs up" Colton enjoys it too This live oak was made to be climbed Colton in his perch
     
Colton sticks the landing Jack in the rocks above Lake Millerton Jack and Colton ready to ride
the Eaton Trail
Jack helps hatch the giant eagle eggs
at the Center for River Studies
   
Jack, Colton and Johnny enjoying Willow Creek
The happy fisherman "I caught one!" Colton creates a
Hershey/M and M Sandwich
Crossing a wet place on the
trail to Fresno Dome
  
Brittany, Jack, Colton and Johnny
on top of Fresno Dome
The Notorious Upshaw
Brothers on the dome
Cleaning dirt out of concrete blocks
on Grandpa Dick's patio
Sculpting with dominos
is a favorite activity
    
Colton and Jack on the
Rancheria Falls Trail
With Great Grandpa Dick at the falls Jack at Lost Lake, June 2020 Colton at Lost Lake
   
Colton and Jack at
Courtright Reservoir
Colton on the lake with Grandma Teri Scrambling up the rocks Jack on the Rock
    
Keep some fruit snacks stuck to your face in case you need energy Colton at the Pine Logging
Camp sawdust burner
Jack and Colton in the
surf at San Simeon
Nothing like a sand burial
     
Colton is a truly scary scarecrow
(Photos by Brittany Upshaw)
Jack emulates one of his favorite characters from Fortnite Engrossed in a video game Jack is six!
   
Jack, all stuck up Birthday money! Colton gets air to launch
the stomp rocket
Write your own caption
      
Colton and Jack on the Pohonichi
Trail at Hensley Reservoir
The Mighty Jack Jack and Colton at Pine Flat Lake Jack hits
     
Colton bats... ...and scores from third Colton and Jack at Big Stump Basin
in Kings Canyon National Park
Jack on the stump
   
Ready to explore the Pine
Logging mill site
Captain Jack scans the horizon Jack joins the SWAT team for Halloween Perhaps he can arrest this character
      
Jack got a behind the scenes tour of
the Fresno Zoo for his 7th birthday
Colton on top This ride is technically intended
for only one kid at a time
A huge fallen oak makes
a great climbing toy
    
Colton & Jack walking the log Just kicking back Jack on the rock -
"But how do I get down?"
Colton has a new friend
       
The Upshaw boys handle cooking duties
for breakfast at Arrow Lodge in Wawona
Jack and the mini-horses Popcorn time
     
Air bubbles trapped in the pumice at the time of explosion
makes it possible for boys to perform amazing feats of strength
Upshaw Brothers at Obsidian Dome Jack & Colton hiking with Grandma
Teri and Great Grandma Jackie
       
Colton & Jack at a little creek beside the Dusy-Ershim Trail 8/8/2022 Jack climbs the wall Jack at work in the Discovery Center lab
    
Colton, Halloween 2022 Jack is fascinated by a chunky icicle Colton tries his hand at ag labor Cool dog
     
Jack, Colton & friends,
camping in the Sierra May 2023
Rock climbing in Dinosaur
National Monument
Paddleboarding on the
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Colton jumps in the lake
    
Brittany & Johnny hiked several miles to fish in this beautiful spot Colton and Jack climb
the side of the wash
Jack does his lizard push-ups
   
Colton and Jack in the Old Schoolhouse Museum in Lee Vining Jack is a budding photographer Pointing out the beauty of
Yosemite at Tioga Pass
        
Jack floats in the highly
saline Mono Lake
Jack and Colton with great
grandparents Jackie and Dick
Jack and his baby sequoia tree Grandpa Dick with Colton after
his first football game (they won!)
     
There's norhing scary about a 10-year old with a chain saw, right? It was puppy love when Colton
and Juniper met for the first time
In December Upshaw's planted 50
trees at their property in the mountains
Snow at the cabin, January 2024
   
Black oak and cedars in the snow Sunset glow
(Snow photos by Johnny & Brittany)
        

The Making of the Sand Alien

Colton Rock Climbing Colton Whacking Bushes Upshaw Boys Bench Jumping
Jack and the Stomp Rocket Jack in the Skate Park Hamster Kids Fun with Toy Drones
Jack on the Rings Pool Fun at Grandma Teri's

   

 

Updated January 7, 2024