Trip Part 2: Colorado

Our trip continued as we journeyed to Colorado, stopping over in Minnesota during a snowstorm. We met up with our former youth pastor, Rob, and his family in Denver. That evening, we took Rob's girls to Casa Bonita, the most unique restaurant I have ever been to. Matt had some fond childhood memories of this place, which featured a maze of sights and sounds, (so-so) Mexican food, cowboy shoot-outs, a cliff diver, a 30 foot waterfall, and all-you-can-eat sopapillas. It was definitely more than I expected. Wow.

Nate, Rob and Matt at Casa Bonita. We stayed the night at Rob and Kendis' house, and Nate had some play time with Kendis and Alia the next morning.
Our little cowboy.

We enjoyed having breakfast and catching up with one of Lesley's old college friends, Willy.

Then it was off to the mountains. We stayed three nights in a cabin about halfway between Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. This area is right on the Continental Divide, and is stunningly beautiful. It was also pretty cold!

Matt with Long's Peak in the background.

Pushing Nate over snowy trails was challenging!

But he loved it!

My handsome husband.

Can you spot Matt in this one?

Fester and Fatty hats (old high school nicknames).

Matt taking needless risks on a bridge railing with frigid water below. Sigh.

The whole family on a hike around Lily Lake.

Nate and I on the porch of our snug little cabin. We enjoyed a roaring fire in our fireplace each evening. A bear got into the garbage dumpster two nights we were there. Yikes!

We took this Old West shot at a little place in Estes Park. Don't mess with those cowboys! We then headed up to Fort Collins and visited Matt's childhood homes and walked around the CSU campus. Nate and I took this shot on the CSU oval in front of the administration building.

We borrowed my friends the Kuhlman's bikes and trailer and went for a bike ride around the neighborhood with Nate in tow. It was super fun. We had Nate in somewhere around 10,000 layers to stay warm.

Then we had a BBQ that night with Lesley's college friends and their kiddos that still live in Fort Collins. Thanks to Jen and Tim for hosting such a fun evening!

Lastly, we stopped by to see Lesley's paternal grandfather in Denver. We are so glad that Nate got to meet some extended family. In the picture are Lesley's Aunt Judy, Aunt Jeannine, Grandpa McBane, her cousin Lisa, Lisa's daughter Athena, and Lesley and Nate.

We had such a wonderful trip and are so glad that we got to see so many dear friends and family members. We are now back home and celebrating Nate's six month birthday today!