Boulder

We changed things up a bit this trip and only stayed in the Denver area for two days before heading up to Boulder. When we lived here in 2008-2010, Boulder was much more of a separate place than it is today. It feels more like a suburb of Denver now with all of the growth. Anyway, we stayed at a cool Hyatt right downtown Boulder and just loved it.

We hit some new trails we'd never hiked before and it was just gorgeous. We had such awesome weather in the middle of March!

Another day, another trail

Just a kid hiking barefoot!

I never get tired of the CO views

Flatirons!

Happy hikers. Again.

We love the walkability of Boulder. We meandered about 1.5 miles from our hotel with ease to grab breakfast at a local eatery. It was delicious and being able to walk there was just so fun!

Awesome breakfast at The Buff Restaurant

Of course Jackson was not happy just walking around town so we went up into the mountains. They were having wildfires (it smelled so good) so we had to change our hiking plans, but it all worked out.

Looks like we made it!

Nature.

New friends!

LOVE

A mountain carpeted by trees!

We really enjoyed being in Boulder. It just has such a different energy and the people are obsessed with the environment which is refreshing. We spent time at coffee shops and just kind of hanging out. It was a great time to relax and unwind during a stressful part of the year for me!

We spent a last afternoon in Denver hitting up our favorite park, Washington Park, before hopping a late evening flight back to Indy.

Excited for a blue Starbucks cup!

Unimpressed about going home

We love Denver and we hope to visit again soon! 

Denver days

We decided that we'd been home for long enough and needed a quick escape so we hopped a flight to Denver on Friday morning. We stayed out in Parker, where we lived when we first move out West. Parker is home to my very favorite Chinese restaurant. We went there. A lot.

First stop? Cherry Village.

We were pretty beat from the early flight so we both worked a bit and then went out for a quick afternoon hike at the Bluffs.

Nice view!

MacK spoiled at Uncle Aaron's

Denver did not disappoint. It is just so pretty out here. We love it.

Evening sunset from the hotel parking lot.

We were able to meet up with our dear friend Meg for dinner at, you guessed it, Cherry Village again. YUM!

Meg and Chinese food. It doesn't get much better!

We went to bed fairly early because we knew we had a lot of pack in the next day. We went for breakfast at an awesome place Meg told us about before heading out to hike.

So good!

It was a GORGEOUS day in Colorado. The sun was shining and the warmth felt amazing.

Happy hikers

VIEWS!

An open trail...my favorite! 

Still excited about the sunshine!

Ahh, a flat path! Lovely!

We did a pretty easy hike in the morning and then Jackson decided we needed more of a challenge. We hit up a near trail outside of Morrison and got our butts kicked by a trail that never stopped going up!!

More scenic views

We made it back to Denver in time to get a late lunch/early dinner at Tropical Smoothie. I tell you what, they've got all my favorite foods out here anymore! We enjoyed checking out all of the new developments in our old neighborhood and called it an early night.

This and that...tax season!

Tax season is in full swing around here which means I don't feel like seeing a computer at the end of the day to blog. :) Here's a brief rundown of the happenings...

Couch snuggles

MacKenzie continues to be the most adorable, spoiled dog we know.

Loves her sheep

We've gotten really into eating at home and trying new, healthy recipes!

Pot roast in the new pan!

That pot roast was amazing. I declared that we should have one each Sunday! HA!

Whole30 frittata! 

I've got a client who gives me farm fresh eggs- lots of them- so we needed a new way to prepare eggs. This frittata was SO good!!

A friend brought us these from NOLA
and we cannot wait to try them!

As soon as we aren't dieting for vacation, we'll be making these French doughnuts!

Cutest passenger I've ever seen

Guard dogs on duty! 

We took a quick trip to Upland to buy Jackson's new car from Guy. He got a 2008 Ford Escape. He has been driving a rental car for years that his employer pays for, but with the addition of his teammate he was not driving as much and the rental car agreement became too costly. He will now get paid mileage so he wanted a cheap, but reliable unit and Guy had just that! Jackson's always wanted a "little truck" so he's quite pleased. Whatever works. :)

MacK and Jack with his new ride

Pretty girl testing it out

Shoot my good side

MacKenzie has been coming to work with me at Bill's to keep the office from feeling too boring. :)

MacK hanging out with Bill

Waiting for me to throw the ball

Bill's pup, Toby, had been feeling ill and just wasn't himself. He ultimately crossed the Rainbow Bridge to puppy heaven. It has been very sad as he's been the mascot of Bill's since I've worked there (10 years now)! The last day Toby and I worked together he came and sat by me. I didn't realize at the time it would be our final day working together, but I'm glad I thought to snap a photo of him keeping me company.

Toby saying goodbye

Needless to say it was very quiet after Toby passed. MacKenzie continues to come in to bring a little joy. She still looks for her friend Toby and it just breaks my heart. Bill plans to get a new puppy once tax season ends so MacK's days of going to the office may be numbered. She doesn't exactly love young pups and their boundless energy. ;)

Taxes bore MacK