Catch Up: Summer in Colorado

So much for "busting out a bunch of posts to get up-to-date." Oh, well.

Summer is my favorite time of year, and it's just beautiful here in Colorado. As we move out of the last, few dwindling days (that already feel like fall), it's kind of nice to look back on the warmth and relaxation of summer.

While we didn't hike and camp nearly as much as I would have liked this year (we're too busy!), we were able to get out for a nice weekend up in Peaceful Valley a while back. We started by killing some time in Lyons at a small, outdoor market and a delicious restaurant:

Then we relaxed at our campsite, reading and enjoying the fire:

The next morning, we headed up the trail to Blue Lake in the Indian Peak Wilderness:

So pretty.

I love flowers.

Is that Blue Lake? No, it's Mitchell Lake. Not there yet.

The many other bodies of water we crossed/passed on our journey. Is that Blue Lake? No. Is that Blue Lake? No...

We made it! Oh, hooray!

Hanging out at Blue Lake with the marmots.

Ahh, nature.

The following weekend, we took Belle up to Fort Collins to explore her soon-to-be new home. We'd spent some time up in the city with friends, so we deemed ourselves experts. We aren't, really, but I think we helped Belle feel a little more aware of where things are. And if not, it was still a good time.

In Old Town.

Belle's dorm!

Ready to conquer CSU!

Campus things.

We also checked out Horsetooth Reservoir, which is beautiful, but we stupidly did not take pictures. Guess we have to go back up for a visit!

Belle has now been off living the college life for a few weeks, and I think she's having fun - and learning tons, I'm sure.

One of my favorite summer activities is not unique to Colorado, but I think we do it better here (even though I don't really have the experience to say that). It's the Renaissance Festival! My sisters and I traditionally go together each year, and it's especially fun when I can catch sight of the prince, aka: my hero from Dark Deeds.

Cheering at the joust, being abducted by Prince Edward, and hanging out!

The delicious food! Yum!

Lounging around watching shows (Washing Wenches) and the joust.

Saying farewell to the faire (and the random unicorn) until next year!

Reliving the fun, summer activities makes it even harder to think about going to work tomorrow. But we have lots of fun stuff coming up in fall, too! Of course, with the rate I'm going, you won't read about it until next year...