Fires

Well hello there. It's been awhile since we've updated, but we've had a lot going on lately. I'm sure you have all seen the news - the wildfires in Colorado are out of control. Since I posted last, fires have broken out in Boulder, Estes Park, and Colorado Springs. The fire here in Fort Collins is almost contained, and we've had a little rain in the past couple of days. Still, my heart is breaking for the thousands of people who've lost their homes.

{the fire in Fort Collins}

Last week, M was in Estes Park for a youth conference. He said it was amazing, and I think all our kiddos who went had a blast. I got to go up there last Friday, the day of the beach volleyball tournament. Our kids took second place, which was pretty impressive, considering the fact that none of them even play volleyball. 

All this talk of fires and evacuation plans has got me thinking and realizing how incredibly blessed we are. Parents, you will be happy to know that yes, we do have an evacuation plan if this fire, or any other fire this summer, happens to cross the reservoir into our town. We will pack up our dogs and some clothes and maybe a few priceless possessions, get in the car, and drive. There is so much freedom knowing that, while it is so sad that people are losing their homes, we don't need all our stuff in order to be happy. If we are safe and healthy and have each other, that is more than enough. 

Nashville

Hey folks, we're home from Nashville! It was such a blast. I want to go back already. Here's a little recap of the trip...

We stayed in this beautiful house overlooking the lake. The sunsets were pretty incredible.

The groomsmen, doing some rehearsing before the big day. The wedding was held on this beautiful antebellum plantation... it was gorgeous!

Morgan with the groom, one of his roommates from college. Don't they look like they could be related?

Before leaving Nashville, we had to stop by the Opryland Hotel. It was just as I remembered it from when I used to go there as a kid. Frenches, let's go back!

So that pretty much sums up our trip. Back in Fort Collins, they are starting to get the wildfires under control. On the shuttle on the way home from the airport, we met one of the fire fighters who's been working 12-hour-plus days to put out these fires. He says its the worst fire season he's ever seen, but that they are making serious progress and saving lots of houses. Please pray that it would rain soon, so that these brave men and women can get a break and that the fire will go out! 

Weekend Recap

The big news around here right now is that we are in the middle of the largest fire our county has seen in a quarter-century. Basically, the entire fire is larger than our whole town. Fortunately, the fire is a little ways from us, but many people who live outside of town out in the foothills have had to evacuate. Not to mention, there is a HUGE cloud of smoke and ash covering the sky. It looks like a volcano erupted. Being from the South, we are not used to these crazy fires. I mean, sure we had forest fires in Georgia, but never like this. Please pray for the people who have had to evacuate. It would be so scary to leave your home and wonder if it will still be there after the fire has subsided.

This weekend, we took our kiddos to Elich Gardens, an amusement park in Denver. It was fun, but I got major sunburn.

Some of our friends had a cook-out / house-warming party, and they rented a septicycle. I have seen people riding them around Fort Collins, and while they are a little goofy-looking, they are really fun to ride... especially after a couple of drinks! (So I am told...)

Our friends also got four laying hens: Patsy, Bertha, Betsy, and Shannon. Dad: the darker ones apparently lay turquoise eggs... Did you know this phenomenon existed?!

Sunday night, we went to see Mat Kearney play in downtown Fort Collins. He was amazing, but the smoke was so bad that our throats and eyes were burning by the end of the show... I don't know how he was able to perform!

We are headed to Nashville on Thursday for a wedding. I am so excited to get out of town for a little bit and hang out with some of our good friends from college. 

Please pray that the amazing folks who are fighting this wild fire would be able to get it under control! Pray for the people who have been displaced by the fire. As of now, the fire is only 5% contained. That's better than nothing, but there is still a long way to go! 

Weekend Recap

Well hello there. Hope you had a fabulous weekend! Here's how we spent ours...

Feist / Bon Iver concert at Red Rocks...

... and fried chicken and waffles at Restaurant 415.