Awesome Colorado Week end

 David Finished his second semester of grad school! He had a candidacy meeting with his professors where they discussed if he was on track to graduate next spring. He was nervous because they reviewed the beginning on his thesis (which had just been ripped apart by one of his professors who wasn't at the meeting). He was pleasantly surprised when the professors present told him that he was a very good writer and that they were impressed with his lit review. They also said that he was a very good therapist. Anyways just wanted to share because I think David is awesome. So with David done with school we had some good ol' family fun and went hiking at horse tooth.

 Then we swam at the reservoir

 The next day one of my life dreams came true, I rode a horse!!!! Jill taught me. She is a wonderful teacher, and a great rider. Then she had me turn around and teach David how to ride. David had previously tried riding Jo's young horse "Twinkle" and got bucked off.  To bad we didn't get a picture of David on the horse.

On Saturday Jill got baptized! This is a picture of the two missionaries, Elder Cabrara, and elder Griffith who taught Jill the lessons, and also Jo who is our friend who would come to the lessons to support Jill. The whole baptism was so spiritual. I felt so good. Me and my friend Emily sang "I know that me Redeemer lives"

One year!

We have officially lived hear in Fort Collins for a whole year now. We arrived at our apartment on Monday May 1st. These are some pictures of us shortly after we arrived. When we first arrived I was about five months pregnant and Asher was only 18 months old. David wouldn't start his program for 3 1/2 more months.

I can't believe how much we have learned in just a years time. Our learning has been increased because we have been in an entirely new area. We are surrounded by people who think differently then us, this causes us to truly analyze our beliefs and make sure our faith is solid, this has caused great growth. I took a class my last semester at BYU-i called "Culture and diversity in education". I really didn't enjoy this class. I learned pieces of information about cultures all over the world. Learning this in Rexburg where there is hardly any diversity in culture it was hard for me to see when I would ever use this information. Advice like "Taking your shoes off before entering someones home" and "let the class know if your treats are made with gelatin" seemed unrelevant at the time. In the past year I can't count how many times I have had to be sensitive to issues just like those. Being in a class can only tech you so much. Living in culture and diversity is where you actually learn. So you might be thinking, Fort Collins? dose IT really have diversity? YES! We live in student housing and most of our neighbors are from other countries. China, Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Turkey, India, Sri-Lanka, Thailand, Pakistan, Iran, Ethiopia, Libya, Russia, Spain, Argentina, Honduras, Czech republic Mongolia, and Mexico. These are just the countries represented by the people that we have met, I know there are many more countries and cultures represented hear in Aggie Village. I love these wonderful people! They are so kind, whenever we go into a home we are welcomed in and offered food. We are shown so much gratitude for simple friendship. David has always had a strong interest for Maps, but even more so now. We have a world map and we love looking at it and learning what countries are where. David and I want to be world travelers one day, and see thee places that such great people come from. I am excited for this next year to come. I get to learn even more about the cultures around me while working on staff here as the spouse and partner coordinator staring in June.

This are some other things that we love about Fort Collins.

The Nature, There are so many trees here, and lots of bike trails, the foothills are close by and offer nice hikes and a reservoir to play in. We really enjoy just going on walks and looking around.

The Church- It is so strong here, we have such good example to look up to and we also have so many opportunities for missionary work. The Temple with be built here in a few years and everyone is really excited about that.

Family and friends- We love having Jennifer and Alex close by to hang out with. We also really enjoy the great friendships we have made here.

Lots to do- There are so many neat things to do here. Down Town is so fun, and the bike trails are great.

Good School- David is so busy, but it is worth it, he is learning so much and he is getting great experience.

We know this next year will be even better, we are glad to have another year left and if we are lucky maybe we can stay here even longer then that.