From Kelly:
Wow, I am really awful about updating the blog. I'm sorry! I will just give you a brief overview of the highlights from the past month (yikes! has it been that long??)
At the end of September we took a trip to Alabama. This was the first of our 50-state tour (to be completed one a year, in order, for the next 50 years of marriage). The concept is that every state has some type of natural beauty or a fun thing to do or a cool thing to see. Alabama definitely lived up to this idea. We visited Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, AL and it was a great trip! We ate lots of southern cooking (fried okra, hush puppies, cornbread, green beans, black-eyed peas, etc.) at a variety of fun eateries. One of them was owned by Jimmy Buffet's sister, so it was quite a party. They had live music and it was indoor/outdoor with volleyball courts and an outdoor movie playing and all kinds of fun stuff. We also ate at a place that served Mike a full rack of ribs in a frying pan and the staff literally threw rolls at you. They also played practical jokes on me the whole time (fake mustard on my shirt, fake vermin in the stew, etc.) and I obliged by falling for it every time. On Saturday we heard it was supposed to rain (it didnt) so we spent the day seeing an old fort and doing some outlet shopping. The deals we found we amazing! I was having so much fun snatching up the super cheap clothes. On Monday, we layed on the beach that was out the back door of our hotel and swam a bit in the pool. Lounging and reading time was welcome and I even made it out pretty far into the ocean, though I was freaking out about jelly fish the whole time. The best thing we did, though, was a sunset cruise around the bay to see dolphins. I couldn't believe how close they were to the boat! They like to ride in the wake the boat creates (like body sufing), so they were flipping and jumping and doing all sorts of tricks for us. We even saw a mom and baby. So, all in all we had a wonderful time in the gulf and would highly recommend it for a cheap beach vacation!
Since we got back, we've been trying to slow down our hectic pace and have a more relaxed fall. A few of the highlights of the first couple weeks were: a celebration dinner with James and Jamila (newly engaged), baby showers for Stephanie and Brandy, a fall colors hike and dinner at Kacy and Tara's to meet their (adorable) new puppy, Stewie! Last weekend was pretty fun because Vince, Mike P and Nathan flew in from DC to go to the CSU homecoming game and also to participate in the Abby's Voice run/walk. Though it was great to have everyone together (Matt and Carter came to the game with us), it was also REALLY cold! The temperature for the game was around 17 degrees. After the game we met up with Amy and Lindsey M and I was very relieved to have some girls around after spending the day with five boys. It's amazing the grody stories they tell when they all get together. . .
Mike's grandmother (Bachan, his dad's mom) passed away on Friday, October 2nd. She was 92 years old and died at home, which really isn't a bad way to go. The services were held last Monday with a private ceremony and then we went to lunch afterward at her favorite restaurant. That afternoon we spent at Mike's aunt's house looking at old pictures and telling stories, which is always the best part of a funeral in my opinion. I enjoyed learning more about Mike's family and seeing pictures of his history, which is now mine as well. Bachan will be missed, but I think the services were just what she would have wanted--family getting together and reconnecting.
Last Thursday we volunteered for Chef's Event, which we love to do every year. It's an event where they invite all the top chef's from around Boulder (they also have a Denver one) and you get to sample all of their tasty treats. There was everything from ceviche to "sin bars" as well as beer and wine and chocolate bars and a silent auction. So much fun! Saturday we celebrated Anna's 30th birthday with a potluck party at her house of everyone's favorite dishes. Sunday we went to the Murphy's for pumpkin carving, which was a good time although I realized that I really just don't like carving pumpkins-- it's too much work! So maybe next year I'll let Mike carve mine for me :)
As far as travel goes, Mike was in Ohio last week, next week I'm in Orlando and the week after I'm in Tulsa and DC-- all work trips.
Whew! I think that about covers it! I hope you are all doing well-- send me an update of what's been going on with you when you get a chance!
