Happy Tuesday, friends! I love writing travel recap posts for my own memories. I have a lot of pictures, so I'll keep it light on the words part.
Travel outfit and some energy for the trip! My five a.m. wake up call came early that day.
Debi (on the left) picked me up at the airport, then we promptly met up with Lisa and Jaret (my nephew) for lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. Lisa had to work a lot while I was there, so I didn't see her again until Sunday night at dinner. Debi and I went to Nordstrom Rack and browsed before going back to her house for the evening. We both took naps, then had a "girl dinner" of charcuterie type things and watched a movie with my niece and her boyfriend. It was a terrible movie, but a fun night. My buddy Cowboy was so happy to see me!
I love the Colorado scenery! For the rest of the night we sat outside and watched tons of fireworks in the distant skyline of Denver, which you can see from her back porch.
I loved having my coffee out on her back porch Saturday morning! It was so cool outside, and I almost needed a blanket, but the day quickly warmed up. We drove into the Denver area that day for an art festival in an area referred to as Cherry Creek. We had fun browsing the booths! We got hot and walked to the mall to cool off; this would be the first of two that I went inside while there. We window shopped, and then I bought myself a Swatch watch at the store that was inside the mall. I love it so much! Debi took this picture of me to document the day; I love solo pictures of myself now that I'm single.
Sunday found us in Colorado Springs at Garden of the Gods! How stunning are these views? I've been before, but it's been eight years since I was last there. My dad loved this place!
And that night for dinner, we met up with Lisa, Erika, and my little girls! This did my heart so much good to be with them again.
I had my quiet time in Debi's kitchen Monday morning and said goodbye to my little buddy before leaving to meet with Erika. I transitioned to her house for the next two nights, which was exciting!
We went to grab the girls Chick Fil A for lunch before gymnastics; after their practice, we got ice cream at a place called Butterfields. It was so good! We stayed in for dinner that night; Erika had put red beans and rice in the Crock Pot for our dinner, and it was delicious. Jaret (her brother) came over and joined us, then she and I sat on the back patio for hours talking and catching up. Erika is my niece that feels more like a younger sister. I loved spending so much time with her!
We swam on Tuesday! This was so much fun. That night I got us pizza for dinner, and Lisa and Jaret joined us. Afterward, Erika and I sat outside again with drinks this time.
On Wednesday, the girls had appointments for evaluations at their homeschool tutorial. This was fun for me, since I was a homeschooling mom! They did great and are officially kindergarten and third grade ready! We went to the library next, then to get frozen yogurt. That night everyone came over for a cookout, and I left Erika's to stay the last two nights with Lisa.
On Thursday we met up with Debi at another mall! We went to a Mexican restaurant for lunch and had drinks with our meals and appetizers. That night Lisa and I went to dinner with her best friend Jan. I loved meeting her bestie!
And just like that, my trip was wrapping up.
I loved being there a full week! I felt like I had great quality time with everyone, and I loved the one on one time with each family member. It wasn't rushed, it was laid back, and great memories were made. I feel like I fully relaxed and loved all the moments of laughter that I had throughout the week. I also had a lot on my mind while I was there, so I was thankful to be away from home to sort it all out in my brain. Time away does a heart good, right?
I plan on doing this again next summer! I've already told my family members this, and they're all okay with this decision. One fun fact: I will always detest flying out of Denver because of the fact that it's in a bowl and is a bumpy ascent to 30,000 feet in the air. I always get sick to my stomach over this! 🤣
Thanks for being here to read today, friends! Love to all!
Jenn ❤️
