This past weekend we had the distinct pleasure of my parents coming to visit, which was so much fun from start to finish. They arrived Friday morning and I spent the day getting them acquainted with Denver...learning neighborhoods, seeing some sites, all the usual out of towner goodies. Sadly I had class Friday night (the final stage in my IV class which was practical night - two hours of putting IVs into classmates - great times!). Katie held down the fort with the parents and took them to a great Chinese restaurant down the street, while simultaneously watching game 7 of the World Series. I got home earlier than expected and we finished Day 1 off in the best way possible: the Cardinals completing their improbable run to be World Series champs! Katie was decked out as you can see below.
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| I wish the photo captured the red long underwear as well... |
Saturday we were up and at 'em early so we could cram as much stuff in as possible. We started the day off with some bagels and a scenic drive out to Red Rocks so Lowell could live out his rock n roll dreams on the stage there. (Ok, his dream would have included a crowd and fans cheering for a drum solo, but we did what we could.)
After a trip down Red Rocks history lane we went downtown to walk around and tour LoDo (lower downtown). We had lunch at Ted's Montana Grill - Ted Turner that is - and it was delicious. But not before we witnessed a gorilla parade...the annual running race that is. Sadly, we didn't get footage of the guy riding the mini-tricycle.
The ladies went for afternoon manicures while I popped out for a quick run sandwiched between man time watching college football. We finished the day with another great dinner and Katie and I went out for friend Matt's birthday party. It being Halloween and all, we threw together some costumes (I know, unlike me that I wouldn't have planned my gear out months in advance).
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| This ballerina is an absolute babe. |
Sunday was another jam packed day with some house viewings in the AM and then an 11 o'clock kickoff for the Ravens. We spent the first quarter at the Ravens bar in town - which was sadly disappointing not only because of the play but because the crowd was weak...likely a post-Halloween sleep-in for many. We relocated to a slightly classier venue and watched a great comeback by the Birds. Not thrilled with the first half obviously, but a W is a W. In the afternoon, we went up to Boulder to see the firehouse where I volunteer as well as watch some exciting cyclocross racing at the new Valmont Bike Park. Cyclocross is off road riding on road bikes with obstacles, i.e. sand pits, mud, stairs. We positioned ourselves at the top of the stairs and saw lots of action.
It was awesome! The weather was also incredible and what I consider to be true Colorado weather...65, sunny, and perfect views of the mountains.
We finished Day 3 with some carry out as everyone was pretty tuckered out. Pizza and Sunday night football...fine by me!
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| Worn out parental units |
The parentals left Monday morning and it was sad to see them go after such a great visit. It went by so quickly! I think they saw a lot of what makes us so happy living here and we can't wait to have them back out for the next visit. Thank you both so much for coming out. We're off to St. Louis tomorrow for the rest of the week and I am fired up for some toasted raviolis!!!
