Colorado Part 3!

I know I know I'm wayyyy behind on our Colorado trip... So here it goes!!

Thursday we had made plans to spend the day with Cory's parents who were working an hour and a half away. We had been looking forward to seeing them all week!

We woke up early and I went and got donuts at a local yelp spot! The box was so pretty and colorful =] 

Sorry for all the selfies on this trip.. But our hotel lighting was just so good haha Cor is going to kill me

Of course they had to bring Mr. Remi with them.. And we were so excited to see him too

He's just so stinkin cute!!!

After a costco run, we explored Vail Village and the area around our resort. 

The boys

Mar bear on a bear =]

Remi laid in my lap

Sean and Marian didn't stay too late as they had a long drive home and we had a big day planned for Friday...

WHITE WATER RAFTING!!!!

We woke up very early Friday and drove to Sean and Marian's Colorado home. We were rafting right near them. Lucky us we arrived to breakfast burritos! Now let me just preface with a little backstory.. All week we were planning on going rafting. Sean had already been twice on the same course, so he was itching to do a different one. The only problem was.. The other course we labeled "expert". I'm not going to lie, when I heard that my heart raced and I said to myself "uhhhh..." Sean called the company and they told him that they just wanted healthy people that would listen and could paddle hard. So with a little reassuring I was up for it. The entire night before I had trouble sleeping because I was excited/anxious/nervous/scared.. But nonetheless we suited up and were ready to go. 

I have to mention that during the safety briefing, I was really sweating it. I mean that talk did not, in any way, make me feel safer about what I was about to do. The speaker gladly pointed out that every time he gives the safety brief, one person has "that" look on her face.. While kindly pointing to me. Oh boyyyy...

I figured that if I was going to die I might as well have a cute wetsuit photo =]

JK but seriously.. That thing sucks you in quite nicely! 

So we get on river and I was pretty much instantly hooked! I had the BEST time and it was SUCH A THRILL!! I have to admit I was pretty much useless as far as paddling goes during the tough parts, but I sure had a great time!! Hehe.. 

We went through class III-V rapids and I just wish I could accurately describe it. It was not what I expected at all. First, you sit basically on top of the raft and stick your feet under the middle section to hold you in. The rapids are short, but feel pretty intense. 

In fact, we were riding along and the other half of our group FLIPPED, dumping the whole raft into the river, right in front of us. Cor and Sean went into hero mode and pulled two swimmers in our raft. We pulled over and luckily everyone was rescued safely. I was SO happy that was not us!!!

I didn't find out until after our trip (thankfully) that there had been a record number of deaths this year on the Arkansas river. And our original guide had called in sick, so we had a manager that had been out of the game for a bit. He turned out to be awesome though! 

Overall it was the most memorable thing I've experienced and I'm so thankful to have done it! I cannot thank Sean and Marian enough for the best vacation we've had!!!

All smiles after I looked death in the face =] 

After rafting, we headed back to Marian for some food and to spend more time together before our vacation ended. 

This picture pretty much can't get more perfect. And right outside their site

More Remi love

Love love loveddd talking and spending time with Mar bear!

The boys had cake but Mar and I had inside s'mores (it was raining so no fire)

Lays just like our Brucey

With much sadness it was time to say goodbye. It never feels like we get enough time with them and this visit was no different! 

Again- Sean and Mar we had the most amazing trip and we are so thankful. Also, thanks for graduating Cor!!

Back to our resort for our last night in Colorado =[ 

We woke Saturday morning pretty early to check out and get a little more time in Denver. It was a beautiful, cloudless day.. Which made it even more painful to leave!

Breakfast at a yummy biscuit place in Denver. 

After a last minute drive around downtown and picking up some souvenirs, it was time to turn in our rental car and check into our flight. 

We ate at Root Down in the airport (highly ranked yelp place of course).. The burger was delicious, but it was severely overpriced. 

We had a long wait as it was, but then our flight was delayed. Colorado was telling us not to leave =[ and we did not want to. 

Goodbye Colorado. Thanks for being so beautiful and everything we've ever wanted in a place to visit. I'm determined to call you home one day! 

 

We ended our vacation with free wine due to the delay! We'll take it!

Sad to leave and can't wait to go back!

You have a piece of my heart Colorado!

XO

Colorado Part 2!

Tuesday we decided to stay around the hotel because we knew we'd be driving into Denver on Wednesday. Luckily the vail area is so stunning, I could explore the area for weeks and not get sick of the views. 

I can't describe how beautiful vail village is. It does not even feel like America. The resorts are massive and it's green as far as you can see. I feel like everyone needs to go to vail at some point in life. 

We stopped for lunch at the only single $ place with 4 1/2 stars on yelp... Called yellowbelly.. And oh man.. It was heavenly 

Gluten free, lightly fried chicken.. All locally sourced. Hands down the best fried chicken I've ever had.. Not greasy, and not heavily breaded. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Not a bad view while we ate 

The weather was a bit rainy so we went back to the hotel to watch a movie and take a nap. 

When we woke up, we decided to take a drive and look for some wildlife 

Aspens

The largest dandelion I've ever seen

I just love the aspens 

On the way down the mountain Cor spotted this guy chasing some birds 

We thought it was a coyote at first, but it was a beautiful fox. We followed him and watched for a bit before we disappeared into his territory. 

Then we spotted countless deer... Over 10 for sure

Oops had to stop and selfie with the view

The last stop of the evening was a homemade ice cream shop in town 

Great service and yummy ice cream at Kiwi!

Off to bed for an early Wednesday!

We woke up Wednesday morning before the sun and drove 2 hours to Denver to go to the Broncos open practice. We arrived when the gates opened so we could get good seats. Unfortunately, it was POURING rain and in the 50's. I had not anticipated that so Cor was wearing a short sleeve shirt and shorts, while I had a light sweatshirt. Sure enough we were 3rd in line.... But unnecessarily early. 

 

Right before the gates opened, it got a little more crowded. 

Front row, 50 yard line.. The coolest view

Hadddd to rain selfie with the field

Taking the air out of the tarps 

Peyton's on the field!!

Luckily the starting offense started running plays RIGHT in front of us.. Sooooo cool

By this time we had been at the stadium for 4+ hours... Soaking wet and freezing. So we decided to depart. 

It was one of the coolest things because we got to see a basically empty mile high and watch our team from the front row. The energy in there just during the practice was so high, I can't imagine what it's like during a game. 

Bye bye mile high, thanks for the views!

Then it was time for what else.. Foooood

Another yelp recommended place was in order.. Kitchen Table Cafe. 

Divine comfort food 

And the most delicious strawberry chocolate pie.. So good Cor needed 2 slices!

We took a short drive around downtown after finding out the US Mint tours were full =[ 

On the way back to our hotel we stopped at red rock amphitheater.. I'd been bugging Cor all week to go and although it was raining, it did not disappoint. 

I figured I'd take a post-rained on ALL day selfie before bed =] 

On to the last part of the trip in Part 3!

Stay tuned.. XO