Recently, I returned from a visit to my home in Colorado. Brian was unable to travel with me due to his extensive greek studies, so I traveled back "home" on my own. My trip started on Tuesday, August 4. I drove from our home in Fort Wayne to Indianapolis where I flew non-stop to Denver, Colorado. My parents were there to pick me up; they then took me to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Stuffed to the gills, we then drove to Colorado Springs, the place I am proud to call home. After being greeted by Bailey, our maltese poodle (who was ever so excited to see me!), I unpacked my bags and called it a night.
Then the crazy busy week began! The next morning I awoke bright and early, got all dolled up, and drove to Castle Rock to visit with my friend from college-Rachelle. She was one of my bridesmaids, she lives in Denver, and she teaches 6th grade. She is such a great friend and I miss her so much. It was nice to sit down for breakfast with her and catch up. I then drove back to Colorado Springs and stopped to see my sister at work! She works at Starbucks, one of my favorite places on this earth! She managed to get me free drink, but Shhh! :) I had a little time to spare before meeting a friend for lunch, so I stopped at Mardel to browse and spend some time. It is a huge Christian store, and I loved to spend time in there periodically when I still lived at home. It was great, I wish we had one where I live now! For lunch, I met up with a friend from high school-Erin. She works with little ones, she is married to a great guy, and she is just wonderful. We sat and chatted over Noodles and Co. before she had to go back to work. It was great to see her again. I finished my afternoon/evening with my little brother-Josh. We met while working at Sonic together a few years ago and have been friends since. He just graduated high school and will attend community college in the fall most likely. We hung out at my house, my dad grilled up some hamburgers and hot dogs, and it was a great time.
The next day, Thursday, I met another friend of mine from high school-Jocelyn. She is now a nurse! We got to catch up @ Panera Bread before I headed off to dress shop with my sister! My sister is engaged, getting married in May 2010, and so we were on the hunt for the perfect dress for her as well as the bridesmaid dresses. We started our adventure at David's Bridal, where my sister found one she liked. We then continued on to Danelle's where she found one she really liked as well as a bridemaid dress. Our last stop was Something New (where I found MY dress!) but we didn't find anything we liked there, neither bridal nor bridesmaid. Very unfortunate! My sister then drove me out to see The Pinery, the venue that her and David have chosen for their special day. You can visit the website: http://www.thepinery.com/ to see more. So...my mom, sister, and I ended up going back to David's Bridal and Danelle's to see her two favorite dresses on her once again. Afterwards, we all agreed on one so I can say she has found her dress! YAY! And...we are thinking that the bridesmaid dresses will come from David's Bridal, but that is not official yet from the bride.
My fun continues in Colorado with breakfast with another friend from college-Anji. She stays at home with her son, who came to breakfast also! He has grown SO much, it amazed me. It was wonderful to see her again. Afterwards, Josh and I got together for some hoop action. We used to play basketball all the time when I still lived at home, so like old times we went to shoot hoops. That afternoon, my mom and I went to Happy Hour at On the Border. Sangria swirls-yummy! My sister joined us after she got off of work, fun times! That night, my dad and I went to a Sky Sox game. My sister and fiance, David, came along too. Awesome night!
Over the weekend, before I left town, my mom took me to a coffee shop in Black Forest (only 10-15 min away from the Springs). They make the most amazing drinks!!! It was really good to just have time with my mom, too. I miss her. That afternoon, my family and I drove to Aurora, Colorado for one of my good friend's wedding. Steph, the bride, is a good friend who I have known since high school but did not grow close with until college. She married her best friend, Mike, on Saturday the 8th. I had the honor of attending her guest book and being able to share their special day with them. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony/reception. She was absolutely beautiful! It was a fun time. :)
On Sunday, my last day in Colorado, my mom and I went shopping and spent the afternoon together. It was a day I will not soon forget in that I got to spend it all with my mom, my best friend. She is truly an amazing woman, and I love her so much. That evening, we grilled steaks and enjoyed an outdoor fire in our firepit on the patio. It was a great way to cap off my trip home. The next morning, I flew back to Indianapolis and then drove the long drive back to Fort Wayne. Brian was very happy to see me and welcomed me with open arms. :) I was glad to be home and back in those arms for sure.
It is a trip I will carry in my heart for a long time. Every day I miss my family and close friends and that beautiful state I call home. I treasure the time I got to spend with my mom, my dad, my sister, and my friends. They are priceless to me. Thanks to everyone who made my trip home so special. I love and miss you guys! XOXO
My friend, Steph, and I on her wedding day!
