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First stop: Denver
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We kicked off our Colorado adventure with a delightful lunch with family near Denver. We all enjoyed reconnecting with cousins!
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Second Stop: Colorado Springs
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Colorado Springs was our next destination. The breathtaking natural beauty and nostalgic experiences were wonderful. We visited Garden of the Gods and hiked Seven Bridges. The boys had a blast climbing and exploring the unique rock formations.
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We also visited Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, a hidden gem that transported us back in time.. The boys loved the old-school pinball machines and racing games.
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We got to spend some time with a handful of friends and visit our former church. It was heartwarming to reconnect with friends and relive fond memories from our time there. The church service was uplifting, and seeing familiar faces brought back a flood of emotions.
Our visit was too short to catch up with everyone we hoped to see, but I’m grateful for time we had with the friends we did meet. Those moments with friends were truly the highlight of our time in Colorado Springs.
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Third Stop: Breckenridge
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Breckenridge, the quaintest mountain town, was our third stop. We strolled down the historic Main Street, lined with colorful buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. This was our first time staying downtown and I loved waking up early, getting coffee and sitting quietly by the river, overlooking the mountains.
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We rode the gondola, hiked and found the Troll, ate good food, relaxed at the pool, and enjoyed the 4th of July parade.The crisp mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding peaks make Breckenridge one of our favorite places to visit!
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Fourth Stop: A Visit to Boulder and Colorado University
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Our final stop was Boulder, where we ate lunch on Pearl street, then drove over to the Colorado University campus. The boys played football in the open space and hoped to be discovered by Coach Prime (Deion Sanders), the new head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team. While we didn’t see him, just being in the same vicinity as the legendary athlete and coach was exciting for the boys.
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Our Colorado vacation was a perfect blend of family time, natural beauty, and nostalgic visits. From the family lunch near Denver to the stunning landscapes of Colorado Springs, and the quaint charm of Breckenridge, the trip was filled with treasured memories. We returned home with hearts full of joy and minds full of beautiful images.
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I’m grateful that we all agreed that as much as we LOVE Colorado, we are GRATEFUL to call MINNESOTA our HOME! Though our years in living in Colorado will always be treasured, Minnesota is where we belong!
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Click here for a Colorado Springs Bucket List
Click here for a free things to do in Breckenridge
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Click here to read my heart-wrenching post of about leaving Colorado and moving to Minnesota.