Fact: Autumn is the Best Season.

We got a somewhat last minute visit this weekend from dear friend Laura. You might remember her from such episodes as Liz's college years, Liz and Doug's wedding, and every trip Liz ever takes to Boston. This time it was her turn to come to Colorado. She arrived at the Denver airport Thursday just a few hours before our local boy-less weather balloon landed (ridiculous).



We took full advantage of the sunny warm weather without working too hard. There was the (new and improved) New Belgium Brewery tour, mini golf, lunch in Boulder followed by tea at the Dushanbe Tea House, games of cribbage and Settlers of Cattan. Friday, I finally used the two fondue pots that I have had for over 3 years without ever pulling out the boxes. Zach and Ashley added their fondue pot to the mix, and voila! Cheese fondue with bread and apples; beef, chicken, and mushrooms in a beer batter, and caramel with apples and cookies for dessert. Fondue makes you work for your food, but also makes for a pleasant hour sitting around the table eating.



Saturday brought friends Jevon and Becky (another roomie from Gordon) up from Denver. We lost ourselves in a local corn maze and picked out some sweet pumpkins for carving. I've never been able to carve much more out of a pumpkin that a triangle features and a very angry looking smile, but we were inspired by this creation at the farm.



Here are our renditions: Joanna's monster, Becky's haunted house, my owl, and Laura's recreation of some obscure painting (how sophisticated!).



It was the kind of fall weekend that rekindled my love for fall (after last weekend's early winter blast).