A Year in Pictures

"Happiness is reflective, like the light of heaven" - Washington Irving

Y'all must be pretty happy, because we are reflecting a lot of joy this year. One of our favorite pastimes throughout the year is talking to, and about, all of you. Thanks for keeping us informed and involved whether it be via phone, blog, email, or experience. No matter how busy we get, we often find our greatest satisfaction in knowing that we are connected to lots of amazing people out there. So, there is a good chance you are in one of the pictures to come, or were present during the journey. And if not, let's make plans for 2008!



What is now becoming our annual hut trip took place in the Tetons this year. Conditions were nice and the keg of beer Carl (with a little help) dragged to the hut was much appreciated.


A few other winter ventures in 2007- Katy and I visited Mindy in the Butte for a long weekend. Chad, Emily, Chip, and I climbed and skied Mt. Timpanogos. And, Chip worked his last year as a full time ski patroller at Snowbird.















During our visit in February, Mindy convinced me to do this race called The Elk Mountain Grand Traverse with her. Yes, Mindy wore the pink wig all 40 miles of skiing from Crested Butte to Aspen. It must have been that wig that helped us stay focused through the blistering winds and led us to be the first women's team to finish. We are training this year, so hopefully we can defend our title in 2008!


In May, I finished my master's in social work. My mom, Mindy, the DuRoss', and friends were in to town to help celebrate two years of hard work. On the topic of academia, Chip has been hard at work with prerequisites for Physician Assistant school. So far he has applied and interviewed with programs in CT and OR, and is two for two. He will interview in UT at the beginning of Jan. Is there a move in our future? We'll see....


In the meantime, Chip is working in the University of Utah ER as an EMT. He comes home with lots of interesting stories about the daily traumas taking place in the valley. He has become an expert at putting in IVs, charting traumas, and rounding on patients. I am working in a Child Behavior Therapy Unit. I do the individual and family therapy for the junior high and high school units. It is challenging and draining, but has added a fun new dimension to my previous experience in schools.








After all that diligence, Chip and I took a break and went to Oregon to visit friends, ski Mt. St. Helens, walk on the beach and in the cloud forest, visit a PA program, and scope out Bend.















In June, my college roommates reunioned in Denver. We do this about every other year. Good times.


















The DuRoss family gathered at Nana and Papa's house in Chautauqua, NY this August. We swam, water skied, ate great food, and had lots of quality time with our two new nephews, Judah and Finn (both born in June), as well as Selah, our niece. The DuRoss clan is growing fast!


Alright, well, we are not having any human babies yet, but if you have looked at our blog before you know that we love the newest addition to our family as if she were our baby. Kessler was also born in June, is growing up fast, and fills our house with love and affection.


Chip and I joined Mindy and some of her friends for a weekend of mountain biking in Moab this November.





One of Chip's best friends got married in December. We have the pleasure of knowing both Jon and Sarah well and were honored to be involved in a week of events and fun.












Chip and I spent the Christmas long weekend with the pup in Driggs, ID. The fresh and plentiful snow made for beautiful touring and walks through town. We made it home in time to have another delicious meal with Chris, Erika, and the DuRoss' this time for Christmas evening.


There were other highlights in our year, but if I make this entry any longer, no one will make it to the end. So, if you are still with me, thanks for sharing in our fun for a moment. We love you and Happy New Year!