Visits from best friends are the best visits

I was so happy when Nichole came out to visit a few weeks ago. Not many things are as nourishing as spending time with someone you've known for 20+ years and having the chance to really talk and catch up on each other's lives. Not only is Nichole amazing for making the trek out to Denver once a year, but so is her husband for planning this trip as a surprise for her. What a great husband, right?

 We had so much fun going to one of our favorite fall beer festivals (Brew at the Zoo), touring the Molly Brown house, dining, shopping and our annual Rockies game together. Thanks for coming, Nichole! And thanks, Steve, for planning the trip!

Gotta love any beer with your name in it, especially when it's delicious

Brew at the Zoo

self pic in City Park in the middle of the night...totally normal

Trying on fancy Victorian hats at the Molly Brown House

Go Rockies!

4th of July Weekend With the Knight's and Sigmon's

Carter and I were so blessed to have BOTH sides of our family come out to visit from Virginia, California and Florida for the 4th of July. Since Carter's last day of residency was June 30th, everyone was able to join in celebrating him officially becoming a physiatrist. He has worked so hard throughout 5 years of medical school + 4 years of residency; I am so proud of him. His next step is to work at Balboa Naval Hospital as a Navy doctor treating the 1 in 5 returning combat troops with Traumatic Brain Injuries. We are so excited for this next chapter in our lives.

On Friday, the crew flew into town and we had the official Carter's End of Residency party at the Highlands Garden Cafe. It was a beautiful evening and we had a gorgeous dinner out on the patio. We came back to the house for champagne and delicious cake from Gateaux bakery around the firepit.

So proud of him!

Saturday, we drove to Estes Park and had a great hike at Rocky Mountain National Park. We even lucked out with some good animal sightings of marmot, elk and mule deer. That evening, we went to Coors Field to see the Rockies win against the Royals. Afterwards, we saw one of the best fireworks displays I've seen yet.

Mule deer

Elk hanging out in Estes Park

Go Rockies!

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

On Sunday, we spent the afternoon cooking out at City Park and enjoying Jazz in the Park. I made these amazing Chocolate Chip Brownie Pillow Cookies from the Picky Palate, which were way better than the ones I experimented with a few months ago. Some really fantastic slackliners set up nearby, and Eva convinced us to give it a whirl. Good grief, I am in such awe of people who are good at this! I could barely stand on it without help, but had a lot of fun trying it out. I can't believe this guy was doing flips!

Tally wore her patriotic scarf for the occasion

Eva on the slackline

On Monday, everyone in our group participated in the 4th of July 4-Mile Liberty Run in Wash Park. We put on our best patriotic gear and all finished - go us! I was especially proud of our out of towners, who weren't accustomed to our heat or altitude. Way to go, everyone! We celebrated with a post-race brunch at Snooze - always delicious.

Thanks for coming out, everyone! We had such a great time and hope you come visit us again soon :)