Colorado, Kansas and Back

We're barely a week into July and it's already off to a jam-packed start. As is my habit most years, the 4th of July holiday was spent in Colorado. The plan was to be tourists in Denver. We had a charming apartment in an Airbnb located in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood in Denver. Although I've been to Denver many times over the years, I've actually never spent much time there exploring the city. Kelly and I were excited to play tourists there. 

The trip started with taking in a long-awaited concert featuring Old Dominion, Thomas Rhett and Kenny Chesney with my sister, her boyfriend, my niece and her boyfriend. 

The exterior of our Airbnb

As it turned out, life threw us a curve ball with the death of Kelly's aunt the week before our trip. Our five days of relaxing and exploring the city turned into a bit of a whirlwind, with one night in Denver, a drive to Hays, Kansas for two nights to attend the funeral, then back to Denver for two more nights.

It wasn't the trip either of us planned, but there was still plenty of fun and lots of family time. It was my first visit to Kansas, and also the first time I met Kelly's family and cousins from his maternal side. Although I never met his Aunt Dora Lou, I felt as though I knew her a little from all the stories Kelly has told me about her and times spent with her family over the years. Her obituary details some of her accomplishments, including earning her pilot's license at the age of 16!

Hays, Kansas and Kelly's warm family captured a piece of my heart. I felt like I was in a bit of a cocoon while I was there. The slower pace of life, family meals, and sharing laughs and stories on the patio while the sun set and cicadas chirped was just what my frazzled nerves and anxious mind needed. 

We finished our trip with a quick visit to my sister's in Erie for a 4th of July celebration and a Rockies game on the 4th. We only sampled a little bit of what the Mile High City has to offer during our time there. There's still plenty there left to explore and experience. Denver, we'll be back!

Keicha, Evan, Hannah and Amy

Tailgating with Jewett & Amy's friends before the concert

Powering through after what had already been a 14+ hour day!

The view from our seats.

The Clark family

Kelly's Uncle Russ and a long-time friend.

Dora Lou was married in the same church that her funeral was held in. 

Trying to keep things together to prevent my skirt from 
blowing up and my hat from blowing off!

Kelly outside Coors Field.

Our first Rockies game!