UNC

 Two weeks in Greeley, Colorado--home of the University of Northern Colorado bears.  Out of a three year online masters program, having to spend two weeks on campus is not bad.  But it was two weeks without the boys, my 35th birthday away from family and friends, and two weeks of roommates and sharing a bathroom with three other women.  Ahh, college life.  Let's just say this was definitely a different experience than my undergrad at BYU.  Boys next door, beer in the fridge, "personal items" sold in the bookstore.  College certainly has changed since I was a kid! 

 The campus was really pretty with beautiful old buildings.  The aroma of Greeley leaves a little bit to be desired as the big business in town is meat packing.  Mmmm!  We did have one weekend free, so some girls and I went to a concert at Red Rocks.  None of us had heard of the headliner--Brandi Carlisle--but thanks to Youtube, we decided it was worth a shot.  It was a fantastic venue and we had lots of fun. 

Gunter Hall where all of my classes were held.

Me and my roomie Linda

These sayings were on banners across campus.

Aren't I too old for a backpack that heavy?  And yes, I am bringing cupcakes to class for my birthday.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

 

College friends--Linda, Amanda, Me, Kresta

Family Reunion

 Happy Fourth of July!  We spent the week in Utah at Kathy's house in preparation for a Stott Family reunion.  Because I had to be in Greeley for my two weeks of on-campus work the day after the reunion, Josh, Jake, and I actually missed the extended family get-together.  But we were able to see every one in the immediately family except David's family in London.  We were able to go on a tour of the Sweets candy factory, go to a water park with Kathy's family and Grandma, visit Great-Grandma Stott, run/walk (depending on which child you were with) in Kathy's neighborhood Independence Day parade, and do lots of catching up with sisters and playing with cousins.  We were excited to set off fireworks since they were banned in Colorado due to the fires.  Kathy's neighbors set off ones so big we didn't even need to go to a show.  It was great!

Kaylee

Aunt Susan

Erin

The Bitners

The Duffins

Mom & Dad

Josh enjoyed playing in the fountains at the mall.

The boys took a break to warm up and dry off.

The reunion (that I missed)

Jake spinning at the park

Royal Gorge Bridge

Joel at the river with the bridge above

No trip to Canon City is complete without a visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge.  Josh and Jake REALLY wanted to ride the Skycoaster--the giant swing that flings you over the river.  We were able to convince Wyatt that it wasn't that scary and Jake made the height requirement by a hair.  All the boys thought the ride was amazing and weren't even nervous!

Wyatt and Josh on the Skycoaster

Karen and Jake--he really wasn't nervous at all!

Josh playing dead

Joel, Josh, and Jake

Wyatt

Dawson, Josh, Wyatt, Jake, and Alexa

Crossing the bridge (Skycoaster is in the background)

River Fun

 Our summer fun continued with some visitors from Arizona.  Joel brought his kids up to stay for a week.  I wanted to take them to Pike's Peak and Garden of the Gods, but the fire in Colorado Springs closed all the roads to those attractions.  So we headed south instead to see Bishop Castle and go to the natural rock slides.  Sarai was our personal tour guide and we enjoyed having her kids around to show us the ropes.

 Joel's kids loved going down to the Arkansas River by our house and went swimming there every day.  Water levels were pretty low this year but they loved fighting the current and Josh and Jake enjoyed jumping in. 

Jake, of course, did his favorite belly flops.  I'm guessing the life jacket absorbs most of the pain.