We flew out west on Wednesday evening, and arrived in Boulder at 10:30, after a shortish walk from the bus station to our hotel we pretty much passed right out because we were incredibly tired.
On Thursday morning we woke up bright and early to go for a hike. We hiked the Royal Arch trail with Nora and Ellie, and had a blast! It was warm, but a lot of the hike is in the shade which is unusual for CO. Ellie was such a trooper, and really loved her first hiking experience in Boulder! We loved getting back out in those beautiful Foothills! After the hike, we met up with Joe to go to Mountain Sun (YAY!) and may have had a few beers with lunch...and then stopped at Ozo where I got my favorite vanilla latte. After relaxing for a bit, we biked to see Allison, Rob, and M. The hotel we stayed at had free commuter bikes to use, so between those and rides from Nora, we didn't have to rent a car. It was awesome! It was so fun to see the F's, and even though M didn't really recognize me, it was still great to see them. After that, we biked to Pearl and sat outside at The Kitchen Next Door and had a lovely dinner while watching all the people walk by. After dinner, it was time to get all dressed up for the 80s dance party for Colleen and Rod's pre-wedding party. We had an amazing time dancing to The Goonies cover band and dressing up! Those people sure know how to have a good time.
On Friday, we biked to Pearl to have Ozo and relax. Then we walked along Boulder Creek and had sandwiches at Snarf's. Then it was time to get ready for the wedding. Tim helped Joe set up the ceremony site, and I walked from our hotel up to where they were all staying. That was a long mile in my dress when it was so hot out! We picked up Wally (Colleen and Rod's dog) for the ceremony, and arrived with a minute to spare. It was held at the Flagstaff Ampitheatre. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, and Colleen was simply stunning. It was so cool to have such a God centered ceremony, and the Burke sisters (Sarah Kate, Nora, and Jen) sang an amazing version of 1000 Years with Joe on guitar. Their vows were wonderful as well, and I'm pretty sure there weren't many dry eyes! The reception was at Chautauqua Dining Hall, and the tent and tables were gorgeous. The cake was AMAZING - and totally gluten and dairy free, crazy! The speeches, dances, and everything else was so fun and wonderful. When Rod danced with his aunt with his cousin singing, everyone was crying - it was a very special moment. We all danced the night away, and had delicious food and drink! It was so fun to be in this amazing place with our best friends!
On Saturday, we went to the Boulder Farmer's Market and met Karin and Caleb - it is amazing how much that kid talks now, and I LOVED seeing them! After that, we headed to North Boulder Park for a post-wedding picnic. Some of the highlights were hanging with everyone, seeing Tony, and the Sweet Cow ice cream truck. JH totally bashed his leg playing a game of frisbee, and had to get 11 stitches, but the kid is a trooper and I think might even be a little proud of his battle scar! After the park, we got ready and hit Mt. Sun for dinner again, and Tony met us for a few drinks. It was a fantastic day!
On Sunday, we walked to our former church, All Souls, and got to attend church and have lunch with Cassy, Justin, Lora and Andrew. It was a blast to hang out with our friends again, I sure do miss them! I also sure do miss going to church every week - must fix this! After lunch, the Bohnets were so kind to get out bags and drive us to Colleen and Rod's. We relaxed for the afternoon, took Wally dog for a walk, and had dinner with Jeris and Melissa who so kindly brought Tim's bag from Denver!
On our last day, we awoke early to hike our favorite hike, Anemone, with Wally. It was so fun! I totally miss being able to walk to such amazing hiking. Then we got our stuff ready, went to Mt. Sun for one last lunch and beer, Ozo for one last vanille latte, and then we went to the airport and flew home.
It was an incredible trip - we realized just how much we miss Boulder, I def shed a few tears when we left. It just isn't everywhere that you can walk, bike, or hike to such amazing places. We miss our old home immensely, and need to get back more often!
Colleen and Rod - 80s style
Burke fam, 80s style
We are two hot couples haha
Me, Nora, Ellie at the Arch
Burke fam after the wedding
Gorgeous
Burned out trees on Anemone hike
Beautiful bride and proud dad
Mountain Sun Date Night burger and Annapurna Amber make me happy!
Flatirons!
Soooooo happy!
Hiking Anemone
Sweet Cow Ice Cream
Joe and Nora
Nora and I
Random, only in Boulder
YAY!
P loving his fudge
Beautiful placecard holders
Rod seeing his bride for the first time
Singing!
Our table
Where the ceremony took place!
At the reception
Wally!
Sorry so many pics - hard to choose!
