Ouray-- "The Switzerland of America"

We went to the prettiest town in Colorado over UEA. It is this quaint, little town completely surrounded by tall mountains. It is about 90 miles south of Grand Junction. We were expecting to be cold --its 78oo ft and its the middle of october-- but we were spoiled. The weather was warm and sunny. We spent the weekend exploring ghost towns and waterfalls, playing at parks, hot tubbing, and enjoying the fall leaves and good food. We went with our good friends, the Jones. We always have a great time with them.

My little bro is the coolest nerd!

I got an unexpected call from my youngest brother Matt saying he was coming into town to do some recruiting for Rice and give a Colloqium (fancy word for lecture on his research) down at BYU. Me and my aunt Julie decided to go and show our support. (No, we were not the only females in the room)

I was so proud of him (even though I had not idea what he was saying). He was so poised and confident. He was so worried about the questions they might ask and being able to answer them. I told him to use the Sarah Palin strategy, it seemed to work for her. But he was able to answer all their questions. The picture in the middle is him talking physics geek talk with some guys after. I asked his former professor if the average 3rd and 4th year physics major would have been able to follow this presentation and he said no way. Each time I have Matt explain his research to me on a dumbed down scale I understand a little bit more. maybe by the time he graduates (in a year hopefully) I will be able to say "my brother is graduating with a degree in atomic physics from Rice University. He did he his studies on ......" So what does a guy with a PhD in atomic physics do for a living you ask? They can get a job in the industry working for an oil company doing research on alternative energy---that is so cool. I am so proud of you Matt.

Big Boy Mo

We decided it was time to potty train Mo. Once Mo learned he could poop for candy he was on board. After he got the hang of things he looked up at me while on the toilet and said "Mom, can you give me some privacy?" He is doing so well and in true Mo style-insisting he do it all himself. This has been his outfit of choice for the last month-underwear and his superman cape. It has been nice to leave the house without a diaper bag. I may go buy myself a smaller purse.