{Colorado}

This is the story of an anniversary weekend getaway to Colorado. 

The story begins in the beginning of September when Ben says to Leslie over lunch one day, "I have to be in Colorado over our anniversary weekend. Do you think you might like to join me?" It takes a little planning (and a lot of kindness from grandparents!), but soon that idea casually thrown out over salads becomes a topic of much anticipation. 

Before long, the day arrives. Since Ben is already there, Leslie has to travel solo. Not a big deal, really, but a little nerve racking for her since she had not been on a plane in six years. This is a picture of self distraction as Leslie waits to board the plane. (She is not above bribing herself with overpriced airport bookstore books and Starbucks.)

Once Leslie sits down on the plane, however, things are good. Ben has surprised Leslie by upgrading her ticket to first class- there have to be some perks to constant work travel, right?  This is a picture of first class- complimentary wine, free movies, warm chocolate chip cookies and warm almonds/cashews/peanuts, and huge seats. Not too shabby.

Upon arriving in Colorado, Leslie is greeted at the airport by her sweet husband where they jump into their rental car for the weekend- a white Jeep. This car upgrade is another fun perk of too much travel. Since it is midnight, they drive back to their nice hotel for the night.

Saturday begins with thoughtfulness from Ben. While Leslie showers, he runs to get breakfast. They eat Denver omelets (when in Denver...) and lattes in their huge, fluffy king size bed and life is good. After a relaxing morning, they head out on foot to explore downtown Denver. The day is spent covering dozens of city blocks. Among many fun stops, the two visit a Farmer's Market, Union Station, Oktoberfest, an arcade bar, an outdoor mall, and many shops. They have a second coffee at one stop and a late lunch outside on a patio in the hub of downtown. After much walking, the two head back to the room for a nap. (Parents of four very, very rarely get naps. This is quite an indulgence.)

Saturday evening brings a long drive in the mountains complete with a sunset. The drive is spectacular and ends at a charming little restaurant nestled into the base of the mountains. There are only twenty tables in the whole place and the food is delicious.  It is a perfect place to have an anniversary dinner date. They have wonderful conversation and are reluctant to leave.

After a long drive back to the downtown area, the two decide they aren't quite ready to call it a night but also aren't really in the mood to go to a bar. Since their dinner had not included dessert, they look up a dessert cafe on yelp and decide to keep the night going. They continue great dinner conversation over sweet treats and decaf coffees. (Three coffees and too much food in one day- definitely not the healthiest of days, but it sure is fun to indulge every now and then!)

Sunday is a picture perfect day. The two sleep in and spend a lazy morning at the hotel just relaxing. Finally by about 10:30 they decide they are anxious to get up in the mountains, and maybe to walk off some of the previous day's indulgences.  They eat apples for breakfast (courtesy of the Farmer's Market they visited the day before), pack a backpack, make a stop at the store for water and trail mix, and hit the road for Rocky Mountain National Park.

The entire day is spent in beauty. They lose track of the number of times one of them says, "This is unbelievable!" or "I can't stand how pretty this is!" They take the top off of the Jeep to drive around the park for the first hour, just trying to find exactly where they want to hike. Finally they can't stand it any more and just start exploring on foot. They don't stop for hours. It is breathtaking and the weather is absolutely perfect.

Sadly, they realize as the sun is setting that their weekend getaway is coming to an end. They find a BBQ restaurant near their new hotel (a switch from the previous two nights in order to be nearer to the airport for their early morning flights) and have one last leisurely meal together. It is 11:00 when they call it a night with a little bit of dread regarding their three a.m. wake up call for the airport.

It is a restless night of sleep as both are fearful of missing their early flight. All too soon it is time to say goodbye to one another and to their getaway.

The story ends with the return of reality for the relaxed couple. Ben arrives in San Francisco for a week of work and Leslie arrives back home in St. Louis. It is an immediate return reality for Leslie who steps out of the airport, turns back on her phone, and receives a phone call from Grace's school that Gracie is in the nurse's office and needs to be immediately picked up.

Overall, the time together was the perfect way to celebrate seventeen years of marriage and to reconnect after entirely too much time apart lately because of work schedules.