Part of my Heart is in Colorado

Published Tuesday, June 29, 2010 by Elisha Larsen

Well, we did it (as Evelyn would say – taken from Dora of course)! After 3 years, we finally made it back to Colorado, and we promise we’ll be back more often than 3 years in the future. Many of you know that I grew up in Colorado. In a very small town near Vail called, Eagle. I lived there most of my life until college. I remember when I left my grandma was so sad. She said, “you know what’s going to happen? You’re going to go to school in CA, fall in love with a California boy and stay there.” To which I replied, “Oh, I sure hope so!” For two reasons. One, I had always wanted to live in California. Mostly because it was total opposite of Eagle. Beaches instead of snow and a lot more people. Which would also mean civilization. You know, grocery stores, malls, STARBUCKS…and two, there were no decent guys in Colorado. At least not ones I could take seriously. In Eagle I’d known everyone since we were all in Kindergarten together. That worked for some…but not for me! Besides, in high school I hadn’t really been what you would call a decent girl who might find a decent boy who could take ME seriously. I didn’t start living my life for the Lord until after high school. Anyhow…

So we made it to Colorado. I learned a lot about my perception of things on this trip. I also saw how quickly little Eagle had grown. We didn’t actually spend much time in Eagle, but we did stop through there to see my dad. It was sort of a quick trip considering all the people we wanted to see and all the driving we would have to do in order to make it happen. I haven’t really even had time to reflect yet. I just know that I love my family and miss them very much. I didn’t realize how much things would change yet how they would always be the same. It was actually a really emotional trip…looking back…I didn’t let it sink in until now. I will actually need to write more about that at a later time because at the moment, I am an emotional basket case. Probably because I got to see a few of the people I treasure and have treasured in my heart for my entire life! So…on to pictures and emotional stories later.

There are a lot!

We went to Colorado to see one of my cousins graduate. As far as cousins go…we were and are still pretty close. Even though there has been distance. People leaving, people coming and people speaking their minds or not speaking their minds…everyone still remains fairly close in heart.

So here is Stacey’s graduation. Stacey’s family lives in an even smaller town than Eagle. It’s called, Meeker. Since I was a child we spent a lot of time there, and since college it’s been the place we visit most in Colorado. You’ll see that my aunt and uncle have a beautiful home on a lot of acres. Like 90 something acres. They have horses, pigs, steers, guns, dirt bikes, fishing poles, 4 wheelers, snow machines and anything else you can imagine to work with or play on.

We also spent as much time as we could with grandma and grandpa Fyler. We’ve missed them so much.

I will have to post more next week…ran out of time but enjoy these for now.

In Meeker they get to decorate their caps. Stacey’s rocked!

The Fitzgibbons home is a kid’s paradise! So many fun things to do and the perfect places to do them!!!! Check out this sun room/play room!

Aunt Cindy and Uncle Keith always have the best family meals!

The kids were so cute. That’s their land and their house! Amazing!

Graduation. The kids needed a little entertaining. Evelyn made the rounds. Starting with my dear cousin, Victoria!

On the left is my brother, Richard, Evelyn and me. On the right are two of Victoria’s girls, Psalm and Torah.

Evelyn of course made her way through the crowd, saying “hi” to everyone. She’s so friendly! I followed her and ended up saying hello to everyone as well.