Monday, May 26, 2008

Ode to Colorado

I know it's been a long time since I last posted. Life has been a bit crazy on the Hook front the last few weeks. Here is a little update....

We arrived back to the states on May 10th and spent the following two weeks trying to fit everything we could into our last days in Denver. Here are a few things we did:

*spent lots of time (and late nights) with family & friends*moved all our belongings from the six separate storage locations (thank you friends and family) into one house & eventually the moving truck
*drove to Colorado Springs for an overnight w/ Andrea & an Australian celebration with her class
*went to my classroom at Bergen Valley for an Oz Presentation + clean-up & goodbyes
*took one last trip up to the mountains in Summit County, including a quick stop at the Silverthorne Outlets (one of my greatest downfalls)
*Had about a dozen breakfasts, lunches & dinners out with friends & family (two trips to the Rio...the greatest Mexican restaurant of all time...how I've missed it!)*took a few walks & runs around Wash Park
*Jonathan wrapping up school & GRADUATED. He's officially "Dr. Hook" now. Pretty impressive, huh?!*Enjoyed two home Rockies games...both were W's!*Hosted a little graduation/going away party

It was a whirlwind. We love Colorado. We love our friends and family in Colorado. We love the weather in Colorado. We love the mountains and endless opportunities for adventure in Colorado. I loved my job in Colorado (teaching at the best school in the history of the world:)). (Here's my school. I got to see the continental divide every day on the way to school)

So, in honor of the state we both love, here is just a SMALL glimpse of our lives in Colorado over the past three years. Just a few of our favorites.....So, we moved away from Colorado. You might have gathered that already (or know it already). Why did we move away from this state that we love, you may be asking? Well....it's because we love Spokane, Washington too. It may have really long, gray winters, but is has absolutely gorgeous summers & falls. There are amazing lakes everywhere in the northwest (including my favorite place in the entire world: Priest Lake - see first blog post ever, Leah's wedding). There are many amazing places within driving distance (the Oregon coast, Portland, Seattle, Leavenworth, the sound, Vancouver, Banff, Glacier National Park, etc.). Most importantly, though, it is "home" because it is near family (and friends too). We are happy to be back in the good ol' northwest.(Yes, we took the "long route" and drove through the Grand Tetons + Yellowstone. I love the buffalo picture. These massive beasts came about two feet from our vehicle. Wow!)

The next few weeks and months will consist of a few things...
*Jonathan studying for his PT board exam
*Jonathan starting his JOB at a PT clinic on the south hill on July 7th!
*Me looking for a teaching job
*Both of us looking for a house (hip, hip, horray!)
*Both of us trying to organize our out-of-control lives

I'm not so sure about my role in the blogging world at this point. The "adventures" of the Hooks will continue, but we are no longer living on foreign soil and we're childless (two blogging musts)...I'm not sure if I should keep this up. As you can see it's been a bit harder to post these past few weeks. Maybe it's just the MAD transition? Hmmm....

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

what a good post!:) i loved all the pics. and if you stop blogging, i will be mad...!

The Boggs Family said...

Great update and the pictures are absolutely breathtaking... no wonder you love Colorado so much! You both must be mega outdoor enthusiasts! :) I'm glad you're back in Spokane and gearing up for (what will hopefully be) an exciting adventure here with a lot of new firsts on home soil. I hope you do keep blogging -- who says you have to live far away or have kids to blog?! My vote is to keep posting, Girl! :) Besides, I want to be able to read up on your lives even if you are right here in the same town! :) Hope all goes well for you adjusting these next few weeks. You guys are amazing!

Anonymous said...

I loved this post and am sad about you having to leave all the wonderful things about CO, but am SO glad that you are moving back to WA! Don't give up blogging. Just keep writing about the things you guys do in Spokane! Also, I might have a job opportunity for you if interested. I need a job share .5 partner for next year at 5th grade. Interested?

McMurrays said...

What gorgeous pics! We need to make a trip to CO! So glad you are moving back and starting life at HOME! We love Spokane too. . except in Feb. March, and some of April. . but the rest FABULOUS!
Maybe we will see you at church with Leah!
Hope the transition goes smoothly and you find the perfect house and JOB! (let me know if you need any contacts with this in Dist. 81)
Darcy

The Boggs Family said...

One more thing... did you guys take all the pictures you posted?? Those are absolutely amazing shots!! I love the creativity you have and the places you've been (and the photos to show). Colorado is beautiful in your pictures. Makes me almost want to move there! haha.

Stephanie said...

Beautiful pictures. Beautiful. They make us love Colorado more.

We are glad you two are moving back to Spokane--we go home at least once a year, so we will make it a point to get in touch with you when we're in town. (i.e., Catherine's wedding extravaganza)

Please keep blogging. You have a knack for writing, Amy, and your pictures, Jonathan, are great.

See you soon!

Katie said...

I loved reading this blog and all the others so...the blogging must continue as far as I am concerned. Simply because it keeps your dear friends that live in other states and corners of the world up to date on the adventures of the hooks. Thanks for including me in so many of your latest adventures in Colorado. I am going to miss you both so much. I can't wait to come and visit. I am in Flagstaff teaching my heart out and loving it. I will call soon. Miss you!

Aunt Becky said...

Those pictures are absolutely gorgeous! I read some of your blog when you were in Aussie and just clicked from Rachel's to yours to read more.
CONGRATULATIONS to Dr Hook on a job well done! We'll be praying for his exam, for a house for you two and for a job for you Amy!
Love you,
A Becks

Rachel said...

You BETTER keep up the blog posts! I blogged for years before having kids, right here in the good old US of A. Now, whether I ever wrote anything worth reading is debatable...

Sounds like you've had a crazy few weeks. I absolutely LOVE your pictures of Colorado. You need to frame some of those!

Best of luck finding a house in Spokane. It'll be fun visiting you there someday!

The Stew Fam said...

Hey Guys!!! Good to read a bit of an update on you! Just missed you, like two planes passing in the night. We are now looking at the Southern Cross at Night, while you get the Big Dipper! (at least, I don't think we get that here?). So, praying for you readjusting to life there, looking for a house and starting the new job...wow! I think it may be a tie for who has more adjustments...no wait; we win, we don't know Portuguese fluently yet!
-the stews

The Boggs Family said...

It was the highlight of my night to see you guys tonight --- talk about random timing! :) I'm so glad you happened to come by when you did and could stop for a short visit. Sorry for the nervous energy - haha, I'm just thrilled to finally get to talk with you guys in person & have you HERE IN SPOKANE!!! Congratulations to both of you on your jobs and I really would love to hang out with you sometime. Hopefully I'll see you at church this weekend, but if not, I'm going to track you down & take you to coffee! :) You guys are such an insanely beautiful couple and I am so excited for what God is doing in your lives. This is such a fun time in life right now; praying God's hand upon you with all the excitement & changes... :)