Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Kickin' It in Colorado

We are having a wonderful time here in Colorado. Today, we went to downtown Boulder (Pearl Street) to meet up with Dave's cousin and her family for a quick tour/walk and a delightful dinner. We met them at the downtown outdoor mall area, and within minutes, Dave's cousin had us walking on a tree-shrouded, dirt-packed path beside a beautiful stream. We visited while we hiked, and I felt like we got to know her and her family better. We've not been able to spend much time together through the years, but we've always kept in touch through our annual Christmas letters, watching the kids grow up from year to year in the family photo. At least now when her kids get our Christmas letter, they'll know who we are! :-)

Yesterday, we met Nate, Heidi, and Dalin Lindskoog yesterday for lunch. They were gracious enough to drive up to Boulder, and we drove down from Loveland, to meet up at a new outdoor shopping area. We visited all through lunch (Dalin was a trooper!), and then we visited some more outside at a small kids play area. It was HOT, but in the shade with some ice water, it was manageable. It was so good to hear how they are doing, and what God is up to in their lives. God has great things in store for them, and we're excited to see what unfolds.
We were also able to connect with Ben, Kim, Jacob, and Megan Kemper in Highlands Ranch (below Denver) on Sunday evening for dinner; it was a great meal, by the way! We were able to see their home, walk around the neighborhood (trying hard not to be envious of the view), and visit and laugh together. It was wonderful to see them in their new surroundings, and if I had the pictures on my computer, I'd post them here for you to see. (I've got to get better at getting photos on here, but one thing at a time, right?)

We are staying with our friends, Gary and Jodi, in Loveland, at their beautiful home. They have been hosts-extraordinaire, spoiling us with great meals/snacks, tours, and good conversation. Dave and I have enjoyed spending this time with them, as they have been a special part of our lives for years. Gary was actually my boss when we lived in Fresno, and he and Jodi blessed Dave and me many, many times through my years working for them. Gary has also been Dave's "MacWorld" buddy for years now. Every January, except for this past year, Dave and Gary head to San Francisco to attend the MacWorld convention together. They are both MacFreaks! Just kidding, maybe! :-)

On Sunday, before leaving for Ben and Kim's home, we took Hannah up to Estes Park for the GMA Music in the Rockies Conference that she is attending with her band, Mathom House. Poor girl, she had to go to the Michael W. Smith concert that night. By the time all is said and done, she will have also seen (heard) Rebecca St. James, Shaun Groves, Aaron Shust, Mark Schultz, Sandi Patty, Tammy Trent, Natalie Grant, Brian Littrell, Sanctus Real, and many others. She is attending workshops during the day, and then they have these great concerts each evening. I can't wait to hear what God has spoken to her heart while she's been there. It is a fabulous opportunity for her to explore various aspects of music/creative arts ministries, and she called tonight to say she's having a great time. I knew she would!

We'll be back in time for church on Sunday. We were able to visit another church this past Sunday (Dave even made it to two churches), and although we love to visit other churches (to check out all that God is doing elsewhere), it's just not the same as being at New Life.

Oh, by the way, my cousin had her baby on Sunday, I hear. Congratulations to Jack and Megan on the birth of their son, Hayden Christian! I can't wait to meet him!

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