A backwards look at Denver

Due to time limitations and the fact that I am working on a computer that isn't mine and I'm not sure how to work everything, these pictures and stories are starting last night and working their way backwards over the past two days. Enjoy.

Last night Jake and I had an amazing dinner at Cafe Brazil where he used to work. It was a really interesting place as waiting on tables is a group effort and we had about 4 different people taking care of us.

It helps to know people who work there because after dinner, Jake's friends kept feeding us shots. Really good shots too of alcohol that I'd never heard of but that was really delicious and has left me not at all hungover. Now THAT'S how to do shots!


A look at my awesome dinner. Halibut with a mango sauce and grilled peppers and zucchini. So fantastic. I've actually done really well while here, not eating anything ridiculous or just go crazy. Lots of fish and fruit and veggies.
Before dinner, we swung by my Aunt Boopy's house to see her, Uncle Jim Bob and my mom. Isn't he a handsome devil?
Yesterday morning I set off for Colorado Springs (about an hour and a half drive south of Denver) to meet up with my friend Michele. She wanted to go hiking and I happily agreed. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. Her idea of a hike was to climb a mile long incline straight up a mountain! It starts at 6600 feet and inclines up 2200 feet until you reach 8800 feet.



It was seriously hard and intense. My hangover combined with the thin air made it really challenging for me but I am proud to say that I did it! I was able to keep up with Michele and her boyfriend and together we made it in an hour and 15 minutes. And when I say made it, I mean we made it to the top. Then we had to get back down. We took a different trail and ran for about a mile down a winding path with switchbacks and loose gravel. It was way different running than I was used to but I found that I really enjoyed it! You really had to pay close attention to where every footfall was landing so you didn't stumble and fall. Because I was running downhill, my quads got a great workout. I just watched my feet and the trees whizzing by and enjoyed smelling that awesome mountain air! I was in front of Michelle and John and really just enjoyed being alone while running through the mountains. After about a mile, we reconnected with the incline steps. The mile run down the switch backs had saved us about a half a mile of walking down the incline so we had another half a mile to go. Let me tell you, going down the steps is definitely easier on the lungs and heart than going up, but it's way harder on the legs. By the time we got to the bottom, my legs felt like jello and I wasn't sure how much longer they would agree to support me. Man, was I wobbly. We headed straight for some food and enjoyed some awesome chips and salsa with some truly tasty fajitas. After all that hard work, my body was ready for some food!! We kicked around Manitou Springs for a bit ducking into a few shops here and there before I jumped in my car to head back up to Denver. I'm so glad I did that climb but it seriously kicked my ass and I was SO tired afterwards.

The night before my climb, I hung out with my cousins. For dinner, my Aunt Marty, Uncle Terry, cousin Jake and I headed to Jax Fish House where my cousin Erin works. Erin ordered up some amazing cod for me to try while the rest of the gang ordered up some calamari and shrimp. After dinner, Marty and Terry headed home while Jake and I hung around waiting for Erin to get off work. After he did, we all headed to a bar right near my aunt and uncles house and just hung out chatting and drinking until it was time to turn in.

I brought the boys some treats from a sweet shoppe I had visited earlier in the day. Jake enjoyed his Juicy Mullet gum and later, there was some fun to be had with some pop rocks!
Jake with one of his candy cigarettes!

Earlier in the day, my girl Daisy aka Steamboat picked me up and we drove to Boulder for some lunch and fun. Daisy has the most adorable daughter and is also currently pregnant with twins.
We stopped by a sweets shoppe and paused for a balloon animal for Natalie.


Although I referred to her all day as Suri and kept asking her where Tom and Katie were. Isn't she so stinkin' cute???
It was great to catch up with Steamboat and I can't wait until I come back next time and get to meet her new additions. So that's it for now. Today is all about hanging with the family for the 4th of July. I hope you all have a great holiday. I'll be back with more pictures and stories soon!