Welcome to Colorful Colorado!

This summer we finally made it up to "Colorful" Colorado to see Greg's parents' property in Pagosa Springs. The area is BEAUTIFUL and we had a great time...our only wish would have been to stay longer. We went hiking and horseback riding as well as relaxed at the natural hot springs the town is known for. Jennelle was even able to get her first professional massage. The hot springs plus other aspects of the area reminded her of Kinosaki, Japan: mountains, river running through it, the small town popular with tourists, and all the Japanese people walking around (just kidding!). This has "sister city" written all over it!

The hot springs resort along the river

At Treasure Falls

Oreo's first time seeing snow
(still can't believe how much snow was still in the mountains in July!)

We were lucky to be there over the 4th of July which meant we were able to attend and watch many of the local festivities including a rodeo, a parade, and a fireworks show. We had an amazing view of the fireworks from the property (apparently some locals know it's a great spot too since they snuck on the property to watch).

Oreo had a blast being off leash and unfenced for a week. We discovered she takes after her mom with sensitive skin issues though. She developed red spots all over her belly after running through the grass. After a quick call to the local vet, we found out it was nothing out of the ordinary and were told Benedryl would do the trick. Even though it was nothing, Jennelle still worried.

Like the saying goes, run like crazy and carry a big stick

Views from and of the property:

Greg, Jennelle, and Pagosa Peak

Each evening started with a gorgeous sunset:

Oreo's favorite spot indoors was by the sliding glass door where she had a great view. You may think the photo below is of her and Traveler enjoying that view but in fact they are standing guard...

...because we were under attack from killer-stealth hot air balloons!!! AHHHHH!!!!!

We took lots of photos but don't have the time or patience to post them all here so if you want to see more, let us know and we'll send you the Snapfish link.

Oreo saying "goodbye" for now to Colorado

We like boats (hint hint)

We spent Memorial Day weekend at the Edwards' lake house on Lake Livingston and while we always enjoy spending time there this visit was extra exciting: it was Greg and Oreo's first time to actually go out on the lake and not on a kayak! Linda's boyfriend (!!!) Nick and his brother happened to buy a boat that afternoon and we were lucky enough to share the maiden voyage. We spent Saturday afternoon tubing and skiing...or at least for the girls, attempting to.

Jennelle holding on for dear life!

Greg handling the ride quite well...at one point he got cocky and

was no handing it! (that's what she said ;) )

Nick patiently giving Linda a quick lesson on how to get up (ahhhh that's what she said! ;) )

Jennelle's first attempt at continuous spray suntan lotion...I did it myself the rest of the weekend

I love boats...grandad, will you please get one?

Oreo was very active on the boat...she tried to share seats with everyone including Nick who was trying to drive!

Lap #2

We had lots of fun but can't remember the last time we were so sore! Don't quite remember that same feeling when we were younger. We also celebrated Greg's birthday and introduced Nick to the world of Settlers (I don't think we scared him off with that since he and Linda are still together...whew!)

This trip also marked the first time Oreo went swimming on her own. She wore herself out fetching balls (that's what she said!...last one I promise).

The biggest thing Greg caught all weekend :)

A San Francisco Treat

In April, we visited San Fransicso for the first time. We were also lucky enough to be able to meet up with few of our friends and visit wine country. Since Jennelle had just started her new job, we were only able to go for a long weekend. Even though we were only there a few short days, we were able to squeeze in a lot!

Jennelle and "The Painted Ladies" or as she likes to call them "The Full House houses!"

Jennelle & Molly at Frog's Leap

No, we are not drinking Starbucks...mmmmm, Ghirardelli hot chocolate!

Jennelle, Greg, Travis & Jenny at Chandon

Alcatraz Island

Making fun of tourists who wear their San Fran gear while still there!

The always entertaining sea lions

Is it really July already?!

Time sure is flying and as you can see from the recent posts, we have NOT been very good at updating our blog regularly (surprise, surprise). The lack of blogging certainly is not because we don't have anything to blog about. On the contrary, we have LOTS to blog about and take LOTS of photos with the intent of posting those. The key word here is "intent".

There is a backlog of "blog ideas" in my head and they must come out!!!

So, without further ado, here's a recap of the last 6 months:

In February and March we had the pleasure of attending the weddings of two good college friends/sorority sisters. Both were beautiful events and we had a great time. One of the best things was that each was like a mini-reunion as we got to catch up with friends that we had not seen in a long time. And, of course, both brides were gorgeous and the cakes delicious! Congrats to Margaret & Erich and Shifi & Vidya!

Jennelle, Margaret, & Molly

Shifi and Jennelle

We celebrated Easter in Austin. Oreo got reacquainted with her cousin Saffy. Talk about two peas in a pod:

In March, Jennelle started her new job with PCI Educational Publishing. She's working in the Sales & Marketing Dept. and REALLY LOVES IT! (Thank goodness, I was getting tired of hearing about all the drama at her old job.)

The company hosts lots of employee appreciation events. One was a paper airplane contest which our department won thanks to Greg's help. We also attended a Family Picnic soon after I started. Everyone enjoyed meeting Oreo...oh, and Greg too.

In June, Jennelle took part in her dance studio's spring recital. The theme was "A Salute to Texas" so each class performed a routine related to something or someplace Texan. Her routine was the Bracken Bat Caves.