Visit IV: Shopping & Rocky Mountain National Park

We finally arrived in Fort Collins, our final destination for the week. This is my hometown, and where my parents live. There are many reasons why I personally love visiting the city, but one of the greatest benefits are the restaurants and shopping. I dragged my poor husband all over town to go shopping. I can only speak for myself, but I had a great time.

I am learning that it is give and take in marriage so the next morning to went to Rocky Mountain National Park with my parents Steve and Kathy. This is a park I have visited on more than one occasion, but it is more stunning now then it was when I was young. We drove around the park, stopped to see the elk, and went on a great hike to Emerald Lake. Nick was thrilled to get out of the car and literally get within feet of a small herd of elk. I joined him on the venture and realized that elk are huge animals. The hike to Emerald Lake was great. There were three other tiered mountain lakes on the way up. The day came to an end with dinner at Vern's Restaurant, an all time favorite restaurant of my dads.

I think that is safe to say that although Nick and I have different interests we both ended up having a good time in the store or on a mountain top.

Visit III: The Denver Zoo

Nick and I arose the next morning in Taylor’s wonderfully restored 1920’s home and ventured to the Denver Zoo. My mother, Kathy, decided to come on this leg of the adventure and we met her at the front gate. I had wanted to visit the zoo for sometime, so I was ecstatic about the day and seeing all the animals. Just like a little kid, I know, growing-up is overrated. The three of us had a blast wondering around the zoo observing animals from around the world. Polar bears, monkeys, flamingos, snakes, elephants, and zebras, we saw them all. My personal favorite was the Hippopotamus. Nick was just as intrigued by the Mallard Ducks and Canadian Geese that were on the grounds as he was about the exotic reptiles and fish. We came prepared with lunch and thoroughly enjoyed the all the animals of the zoo.

Visist II: Denver

The Girls

Elaine

-Bandstand in Background-

Guess Who?

Kristen, Taylor, & Brooke

The Jazz Crew

We drove up I-25 to visit some friends in the metropolis of Denver. Our first stop we were able to visit with Mark and Lynette and their new baby Mason. We saw their new home and had a great time chatting and catching-up on their back patio.

After our pleasant, although far too short visit, we were off to Taylor’s house to BBQ and see a bunch of old friends. Mostly from my college days, we caught-up on life and reminisced about the past. The backyard was filled with laughter and good conversation. That evening we walked to Denver City Park for some fun entertainment, Jazz in the Park at the wonderful historic bandstand. We came prepared with Key Lime Pie and some red wine. The music was great, the weather was fine, and the company was amazing. We had a really good time!

Visit I: Fowler & Family

Nick and I have returned from a week long trip visiting family and friends on the Front Range. We ventured over the mountains to the eastern slope and had a very pleasant, fun-filled week.

Our first stop we visited Nick’s father, Gary, and his stepmother, Bonnie, in Fowler, CO a small farming community thirty miles east of Pueblo, CO. Their home has become my favorite country retreat. They have a beautiful piece of property on the Arkansas River with acres of hay fields and pastures full of horses.

Bonnie was unfortunately out of town, but we had a very nice visit with Gary. We enjoyed dinner, great conversation, and a restful night’s stay at their home. In the morning after a hearty breakfast we moseyed around the property visiting the new baby horses, saw their delightful budding garden, and ran into other creatures on the farm. It was a great visit before we headed off to our next stop in Denver, CO. Thank you Gary for your wonderful hospitality!

Bragging Rights

So my wonderful husband picked some flowers for me and delivered them in true Nick form...in his water bottle. It was very thoughtful and the sweet gesture made my week! Here are a few photos to share my joy.

Big Kid

This week was filled with excitement and opportunity. I had two interviews just like a big kid. I will elaborate on the interviews later. I had the best group of people surrounding me, encouraging me, and praying for me. It was truly awesome! I was able to raid my dear friend Tammy’s closet. Thank God for great girlfriends! While Nick, believe it or not, was very helpful in picking out a professional outfit. I felt totally prepared and encouraged going into both interviews. Nick took some photos of the totally prepared, totally encouraged me.

Home Sweet Home

Well all good things must come to an end. This is our little home of two years, our first home as newlyweds. We have a lot of fond memories in this place. We have found a new place out in the country. For those who know me well, start praying for me.

Actually, I am very excited about our new home and the opportunities that it will bring for the future. We have been very blessed to find a place that has a shop on the property for Nick’s business. It was truly an answer to prayer. Our new home is on 50 acres near the Pine River. It is located about 25 minutes east of Durango. Nick loves wide open spaces, so you can only imagine his excitement. It is a pretty piece of property, and we are fortunate to have found a place that suits our needs so well. We have everything we need from the three bedrooms that I desired and the shop for Nick. I think we will be very content in our new home once we are settled.