The Front Range

Loveland Ski Area
Driving along.

Beautiful houses.

Skyping with Ryan while in Colorado.

He LOVES Colorado.

The I25 Interstate that travels North and South in Colorado is referred to as the Front Range. Why? I personally never asked but it was one of the first things we learned living there. Everyone talks about the Front Range.

Flying back to Colorado was almost like flying home for us. Having lived there 3+ years, we learned the state pretty well and found our niche of family and friends.

Flying directly into the Springs was new for me. If you have the chance, and the prices are better, DO IT. The airport was so simple. We grabbed our little go cart rental and off we went. Lots of sites were expecting us. From exhisting buildings to pad sites, we toured the newer area of Colorado Springs. I forgot how big this place was. Lunch at Rock Bottom Brewery, a local favorite. I had the Sonoma Chicken Wrap, super yum but C's prime rib sandwich was even better.

After site seeing, it was off to downtown Denver, or LODO as most call it. If you haven't spent time downtown, it is another must. 16th Street is filled with a mall, shops and dining so what better place to spend the night and the company pick up the tab. Being President's Day weekend, the hotels were pretty expensive but we scored a last minute deal on Expedia for 40% off. The Crowne Plaza was a block away from all the excitement and we were pleased with the hotel. Dinner with Lyndsey and Sergio, one of the sweetest couples around, a little walking and a stop at The Yard House before calling it a night. If you are familiar with Colorado at all, you know that most everyone loves beer there. Not your basic domestic brews but rather from many of their local breweries. We spent many lazy afternoons sipping local beers on their patios. The Yard House combines great food and beer in an upscale environment. I was more than impressed and couldn't wait to actually eat there. But as all good things must come to an end, we were all beat and needed some rest. Lyndsey had to wrangle an entire kindergarten class the next day so we all know she needed some rest.

Dinner with great friends. Two of the sweetest gals, Cindy and Ashly.

Tuesday, we were back to viewing sites and I bet we spent 8 hours in the car. From one side of Denver (Aurora) to the other (West Lakewood) to down South (Lone Tree), I don't think there was an area we didn't touch. A few impressed us, others didn't but that is expected. After many, many hours in the car we headed North for the night. Missing our scheduled dinner time of 6, we coasted in a little before 7 due to being very SW Denver. A wonderful dinner with many friends (Lyndsey, Cindy, Mike, John, Sarah, Gabe, Jill, Lisa) and sad that many others couldn't make it on such short notice. The Bent Fork holds many memories and we made life time friends. Lyndsey and Sergio are also part of the Ben Fork crew. Once we all said our good byes, the two of us stuck our head in Old C's to see who was around. One of our old GM's had previously been the GM there and we always like to surprise people so in we went. Nope, she was in Longmont. Bummer!

Casey, Eddie, Jessica and I on Main Street Breckenridge.Eddie the Longhorn and I.

(I promise he doesn't normally look stoned, sorry Eddie.)

Wednesday, we were up and at 'em bright and early. One last site to be seen in West Denver and then we were heading up the mountain. Breckenridge was calling our name. We were lucky enough to be invited to stay at a house belonging to C's boss. It was amazing. Beyond amazing. Sits at a little above 10,000 feet on peak 10. Yes, you can begin to imagine what it was like with 6 bedrooms, a steam shower and lots of wine. Justin, Meghan and Jessica were already there and eager for us to arrive. The trip was entirely too short. Shopping consisted of one shop, no crepes because we were running late the next morning and no slopes. BUT, we did have a lot of fun. Eddie (another Bent Fork friend) and his friend came to see us after dinner. It was a nice surprise! Eddie is a UT graduate/fan so he likes to mess with Chris.

The Love birds.

(Meghan and Justin)

As we woke on Thursday, the snow began to fall. Beautiful scenery as far as the eye can see. We did not want to leave. No sir! But, when the boss comes a calling, we go a running. Lunch at The Yard House out at Colorado Mills sent excitement through my body. I was thrilled to be trying lunch at this super busy place and to meet the wife. Fun, exciting and yummy lunch, we were airport bound. Already? Four days is never enough in Colorado or any vacation for that matter. We missed it before we left. We did miss something even more so at home, our little HG. Two trips back to back would be a little much for our traveling Princess.

We are really sad we missed a handful of friends and family (Uncle Larry, Aunt Marlena and cousin Grace) but promise to be back sooner than later. Who knows, we might be neighbors and Gracie and HG go to the same school.

No decisions as to where we are going. Closer? Yes, of course we are. We would be thrilled with Colorado if we can find the best location. A few more stops in March and we hope to have a decision made.