More on Colorado: After arriving in the mile high city on Sunday, J, Henry and I took Tuesday as a family day and ventured up through the mountains to Estes Park. I’ve wanted to travel there ever since my sister first talked about her own visit a few years back. We weren’t totally sure about Henry and more altitude changes, but we figured it was worth a shot. Bridget had suggested a route through Allenspark for great views of the mountains and a picturesque little church called the Chapel on the Rock at Camp Saint Malo. My goodness, what a treat! Apparently this little spot (with Mt. Meeker in the background) is one of the most photographed locales in all of Colorado–and it’s no wonder:

Once through Allenspark, Estes Park wasn’t more than a half hour further down the winding road. We drove into the valley past beautiful houses on plots of land we only dream about, parked the car, then set out on Main Street for an afternoon lunch and a little sightseeing.We dined on the third story rooftop of a quirky building, enjoying Mexican fare amidst unparalleled views and good bit of sunshine. Henry slept as we strolled, and we capped off the day with an iced mocha (for Jason) and an iced latte (for me!) before driving back through the mountains to have dinner with Bridget and mom (who arrived Tuesday afternoon). Later that night, we jumped back into tasks like program hole-punching and collage organizing at Bridget’s before turning in…a perfect segue into the rest of the week’s wedding-filled activities.

On Wednesday and Thursday, more and more family arrived in Denver and we checked more off the list for wedding prep. We collected Dad and my step-sister Cassidy from the airport. Bridget made a lovely dinner for Teddy’s immediate family and ours at her place Wednesday night. We ran errands, folded programs, rocked the baby, stayed up late. Jason and his entourage made the rounds to Target, Hobby Lobby, Costco. He picked up Bridget’s wedding dress, delivered things (and people) all over town and earned a few bonus points and a gold star for being such a trooper. I fed Henry. A lot. And when Thursday night arrived, it was finally time to begin celebrating. The guys headed up to Lyons for Teddy’s bachelor party at Oskar Blues while we (Bridget, her bridesmaids, our moms and the little man) all met in Boulder at The Med for tapas. Afterward, we paid a visit to Ben and Jerry’s for ice cream, then wandered Pearl Street and enjoyed the cultural variety one might expect to find there on any given weeknight. We retired to our new home away from home, the Courtyard Marriott near Boulder, and tucked in to rest up for the busy weekend ahead. Side note: I’m considering taking Henry out on the town a little more often–he slept like a champion that night!

Friday morning we were up in time to drive to Bridget and Teddy’s for a 10am Mass and blessing of their new home. From there, we traveled back to Boulder where the wedding party had nail appointments through the afternoon. It was so lovely to have time with Bridget, side by side, as we got pedicures and talked about her marrying Teddy the very next day! Once appropriately polished 🙂 , we were off to the hotel, then the church for the rehearsal. I enjoyed having more time to get to know Bridget’s other bridesmaids a bit better–they’re all so wonderful, and such great friends to her! Teddy’s parents hosted a delicious rehearsal dinner at the Courtyard, complete with a Spanish menu and all kinds of celebrating. Bridget and Teddy were as thoughtful as always as they acknowledged many of the people who would join them in their ceremony the next day. In true sister/bridesmaid fashion, a few of us stayed up late with Bridget, talking, praying and getting a few last details out of the way before bed. To have shared this time together for my wedding a few years ago meant a great deal to me, and to do so with Bridget on the eve of her wedding day was just as special. I am so blessed to have a best friend in my sister!

The wedding day most certainly warrants a post (and photos!) of its own, so I’ll be adding a third installment to the CO report in the next day or two. It was a full week, but a memorable one, and now my dear sister is married and off having the time of her life with the love of her life. What a beautiful thing!!

thinking about the mountains,

mm