Holding Down the Fort: October 2012

So remember when we used to blog? We almost forgot, too! It was a busy summer that went right into the beginning of a busy semester, so we'll try to cover all the big stuff...

Jon's first year at CSU finished up very well, and now he's off to the races with a new school year and studying for his qualifying exams (Q.E.'s) that will happen in January.

Carrie finished up her temporary appointment with the Dept. of Communication Studies at CSU and is now working full time for the Dept. of Music, Theatre & Dance doing marketing/publicity and working with alumni and donors there - loving the chance to stay connected with the arts and be in the CSU environment. Using her employee study privilege, she's also started taking a class this semester to think about in what area she might like to pursue a Master's degree.

But as we look back on our first full summer here in Colorado, there is much to tell!

High Park Fire smoke from near our house

Carrie's brother, Joe, and his fiance, Shelby, got married at the end of June down in Colorado Springs. As a small side-track, earlier in the summer, we learned just how volatile the climate out here can be. It turned out to be one of the worst summers for wild fires in Colorado. The High Park Fire was one of the largest in the state's history - located only about 15 miles west of us here in Fort Collins and burning about 90,000 acres and several homes.

With several other fires all over the state, the Tuesday before Joe and Shelby's Saturday wedding, a fire just west of Colorado Springs burned down the Flying W Ranch (their wedding location). In a mad scramble by Joe, Shelby, and the families - some friends offered their church in Colorado Springs where the wedding was held and turned out just beautifully! It was a wonderful time, and the two of them could not have been happier that they were just able to get married - even through trial by fire! We were blessed to spend some time with Scott and Lisa Brady (Scott is the pastor that married us). They flew out here, and having them be part of our family for a couple weeks was a wonderful time.

We are SO incredibly happy for Joe and Shelby, and enjoyed a chance to have dear family and friends visit us out here. Joe and Shelby are now living in Laredo, TX, while Joe is finishing up a construction job - hoping that they come back to Colorado soon!

Houtz and Smith families at the wedding!

Feasting in Estes after a day in Rocky Mountain National Park

Grandma Smith enjoying her dinner


On the train up Pike's Peak with Pearse

Moving into July, Jon's parents came for their second visit to Colorado. We picked them up at the airport in Denver, whisked them into the car, and immediately left for a long drive up to Wyoming that day for a few days spent in Yellowstone & Grand Tetons National Parks. What an amazing vacation! Scenery and wildlife - some of the most beautiful parts of creation we've ever seen! A couple of the highlights were seeing the bison RIGHT next to our car, the amazing hot springs, hiking in the Grand Tetons, hidden waterfalls, and our wonderful lodge with the hot tub cabin!

As always, it's hard to say goodbye to family, but we live for times we get to spend together! Now that we're getting to end of October, starting to think about the holidays, we are looking forward to being home in PA with everyone, and promise to better about updates!