Ball games and friends!!!

We are realizing just how fun it can be to live in a sports town and in a place that people just happen to pass through!!  We have become true Nuggets fans…especially Eli.  They are such a fun team to watch as there are no true superstars or drama.  On any given night someone different steps up.  They play defense and play with a lot of passion.  It’s great, because you don’t typically see that in a NBA team.  Living close by, you can find very affordable tickets and so we definitely have taken advantage of them.  On April 18^th, Cyndi, Eli and I watched the Nuggets beat the Houston Rockets 101-86.  It was an exciting win as it helped push them towards a playoff spot.  Before the game started, Cyndi thought we needed to be more decked out so bought Eli a Kenneth Faried jersey and the gals Nuggets t-shirts.  We had so much fun at that game, Cyndi bought us all club level seats for the game on the 18^th against the Clippers.  That same day Eli got an award at his school for $100 so we went all out for dinner and enjoyed our spot as the club level offers better food and a more relaxed environment.  We definitely felt big time!!   While it was a hard fought game, the Nuggets let their lead slip and lost 98-104.  It was fun and kept us on the edge of our seats although it was a disappointing end.

Final minute of the Clippers game...intense!

On Saturday the 21^st we went horseback riding in the Rocky Mountain National Park.  It was a groupon that Eli found.  It included a breakfast as well as the 90 minute ride.  At the top, our guides pointed out the real Oregon trail and several mountain peaks including Longs, which is a 14’er.  The ride was great although my horse gave me a few scares doing what he wanted rather than what I tried to tell him to do.  Eli was the true cowboy as he was much better at getting his horse to do what he wanted!!  We were a little stiff afterwards but loosened up following the ride by going hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park with the pups.  It was a beautiful sunny day with gorgeous lookouts.   

Elk up close in Estes Park!

Baby!

Rocky Mountain National Park

That same day Mary Beth Proctor, Erin Botkin, and Sarah Claffy Neilson had planned a trip to Denver to visit Sarah Young.  It was great as I got to spend some time with them also.  Saturday night we all met up as well as another of our friends from back home, Sas.We met at Pasquinis in Highlands for great company and pizza.  Eli spent that evening relaxing and cheering on the Nuggets from home!

On Sunday, the whole crew from the night before as well as Eli met at the Nuggets game to watch them beat Orlando (and most importantly JJ Redick) 101 to 74.  Erin and Claff left Monday but Mary Beth stayed a few extra days before heading to Napa with her Mom.   

On Monday, MB and Sarah met me in Boulder after work and spent the evening with us.  Even better, Lauren Eckard and her adorable son, Ian, came down also.  Once Eli got off of work, we all ate at our Boulder favorite spot, The Sink.  It was wonderful to catch up with such great friends.   

Our fun continued on Tuesday as two of our friends from North Carolina, Brittany and Matt spent the night with us.  I graduated PT school with Brittany and Matt was one year behind us.  They are just beginning their own adventure as traveling therapist. Their first rotation is in Idaho so they stopped in Boulder on their trip out.  They are situated in a gorgeous area with access to so many parks and beautiful sites.  It was so fun to catch up with them and hear all their plans and excitement for their upcoming year of traveling while we are just closing out our year and a half with fond memories.  Their trip was very short and sweet so we tried to show them Boulder with a hike to the red rocks, walk on Pearl Street, a drive through the campus and a roof top dinner at the Lazy Dog. 

On the 28^th our hometown sports marathon continued when a local friend, Alix, invited us to the Rockies game.  She has amazing season seats on the first row in right field.  We were honored as she is a legit Rockies fan from head to toe including keeping score while listening to the game via the radio!!  We enjoyed the game with lots of people-watching and food (including S’More nachos).  Unfortunately we were not good luck charms as the Rockies lost to the NY Mets.  We capped the weekend off going to see Wicked with Cyndi and Carole.  Prior to the play, we at at the Vesta Dipping grill which had a low-key modern atmosphere with amazing food all accompanied with special sauces.  We enjoyed the meal but had to race back to the play.  We got there just in time for the show to begin.  The music was phenomenal and the story was very fun!  We absolutely loved it!!  Now, back to a more normal week…maybe!!!  We are definitely enjoying our time here in Boulder and trying to do as much as possible before time to head back east!!